LPL providing credit monitoring, identity protection to investors exposed by data breach

LPL providing credit monitoring, identity protection to investors exposed by data breach
The firm remains tight-lipped about how many investors were affected.
NOV 14, 2018

LPL Financial is taking steps to safeguard financial advisers and their clients whose names, addresses, account numbers and Social Security numbers were exposed in a recent data breach. According to LPL spokesman Jeff Mochal, the broker-dealer is still investigating the matter but is providing affected investors with free credit monitoring and identity protection services. "We have notified our financial advisors of this incident, and will communicate by mail with impacted investors to provide them more information and the steps we are taking — as well as the services we are providing — to protect them," Mr. Mochal said in an emailed statement. He did not indicate how many investors or advisers were affected by the breach. (More: Voice commands, cybersecurity take center stage at T3) In an email to brokers, LPL president and CEO Dan Arnold said the firm has implemented heightened monitoring of the affected accounts for any fraudulent activity. "Protecting your investor is our top priority, and we deeply regret this unfortunate security incident and any potential disruption it may cause to your business," Mr. Arnold said in the email. Capital Forensics Inc., a company that provides data analytics to aid firms in litigation, regulatory, compliance and fraud matters, discovered Nov. 1 that an unauthorized person gained access to a third-party file-sharing system it uses. The person was able to access data files belonging to several of Capital Forensics' clients, including LPL. According to Mr. Arnold's message to brokers, all LPL data were immediately removed upon detecting the breach, and the firm notified regulators. A company spokesperson for Capital Forensics clarified in a statement that thebreach was limited to four hours and was mitigated within six hours of occurrence. The spokesperson added that Capital Forensics is working with outside legal and forensic experts on an ongoing investigation. The company also set up a call center so investors who were affected can get additional information. Without knowing more specifics about the breach, it's tough to determine whether LPL, Capital Forensics or both companies are vulnerable to enforcement actions, said Harley Lippman, CEO of Genesis10, a firm providing internal technology services and staffing for large financial institutions. As with the recent data breach at Voya Financial Advisers, which resulted in a $1 million settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission, the LPL breach shows how the third parties it deals with can create vulnerabilities for financial institutions. (More: SEC adds cybersecurity bite to its bark) Both the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority Inc. and the Securities and Exchange Commission declined to comment on the matter. Mr. Lippman believes firms like LPL need to do more rigorous penetration testing to identify where data can be accessed on their third-party systems. "A cybersecurity company should try to break into the system, try every which way to hack into it and see where the weaknesses are," he said. "That's basic, but not every cybersecurity company does that."

Latest News

'Bogged down' advisors just want to have fun (again)
'Bogged down' advisors just want to have fun (again)

Jim Cahn, of Wealth Enhancement Group, lifts the lid on his firm's partnership model, his views on RIA M&A, and the widely slept-on reason why advisors are merging into larger organizations.

Vestwell unveils new emergency savings account offering
Vestwell unveils new emergency savings account offering

The fintech firm is cementing its status in the workplace savings space with its latest ESA offering, which employers can integrate into their existing benefits package.

'Money Mimosas' and other ways to show your Valentine financial love
'Money Mimosas' and other ways to show your Valentine financial love

Wealth managers offer unique ideas for couples to grow closer emotionally and financially.

Limra research finds financial confidence on the rise among Black American workers
Limra research finds financial confidence on the rise among Black American workers

Survey findings suggest increased sense of financial security and more optimistic 2025 outlook, while highlighting employers' role in ensuring retirement readiness.

DOGE efforts sideswipe muni bonds backed by federal lease payments
DOGE efforts sideswipe muni bonds backed by federal lease payments

Falling prices for some securities within the $4 trillion state and local government debt market spotlight how the push to shrink spending is sending shockwaves across the US.

SPONSORED Record growth: Interval funds emerge as key players in alternative investments

Blue Vault Alts Summit highlights the role of liquidity-focused funds in reshaping advisor strategies

SPONSORED Taylor Matthews on what's behind Farther's rapid growth

From 'no clients' to reshaping wealth management, Farther blends tech and trust to deliver family-office experience at scale.