NOTICE OF DATA EVENT

December 23, 2024 – Covaris, LLC (“Covaris”) recently discovered an event that may have impacted the privacy of information related to certain individuals.  Although we have no evidence of actual or attempted misuse of any information, we are providing information about the event, our response, and steps potentially impacted individuals can take to better protect against the possible misuse of their information should they feel it is appropriate to do so.

What Happened.  In February 2024, we observed unexpected activity within our computer system.  We investigated the nature and scope of the activity.  The investigation determined that an unauthorized actor first accessed Covaris’ computer system on February 26, 2024.  We investigated to understand what data the unauthorized actor could have viewed using its access and undertook a separate comprehensive review of the accessible dataset to determine whether it contained any sensitive information about individuals.  Covaris recently completed its review.  To provide notice to identified individuals, we then worked to identify contact information through internal and public records searches.  There is no indication that the unauthorized actor accessed the computer systems of Covaris’ parent company, PerkinElmer U.S. LLC.

What Information Was Involved. The investigation determined that the accessible dataset included first and last names in combination with identifiers such as Social Security number, driver’s license number, date of birth, financial account information, health information, or username and password of a limited group of identified individuals. 

What We Are Doing. We take this event and the security of information in our care seriously.  Upon observing the unexpected activity, we investigated to determine the nature and scope of the event.  We also implemented additional technical safeguards to help prevent a similar event in the future.  

What Affected Individuals Can Do. We encourage individuals to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud by reviewing account statements and monitoring free credit reports for suspicious activity and to detect errors.  Additional information, including steps to enroll in credit monitoring, may be found in the Steps You Can Take to Help Protect Personal Information section below.

For More Information. If you have questions, please call our dedicated assistance line we established at 833-918-6121, Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Eastern Standard Time.

Steps You Can Take to Help Protect Personal Information

Monitor Your Accounts

Under U.S. law, a consumer is entitled to one free credit report annually from each of the three major credit reporting bureaus, Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion. To order a free credit report, visit www.annualcreditreport.com or call, toll-free, 1-877-322-8228. Consumers may also directly contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below to request a free copy of their credit report.

Consumers have the right to place an initial or extended “fraud alert” on a credit file at no cost. An initial fraud alert is a one-year alert that is placed on a consumer’s credit file. Upon seeing a fraud alert display on a consumer’s credit file, a business is required to take steps to verify the consumer’s identity before extending new credit. If consumers are the victim of identity theft, they are entitled to an extended fraud alert, which is a fraud alert lasting seven years. Should consumers wish to place a fraud alert, please contact any of the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below.

As an alternative to a fraud alert, consumers have the right to place a “credit freeze” on a credit report, which will prohibit a credit bureau from releasing information in the credit report without the consumer’s express authorization. The credit freeze is designed to prevent credit, loans, and services from being approved in a consumer’s name without consent. However, consumers should be aware that using a credit freeze to take control over who gets access to the personal and financial information in their credit report may delay, interfere with, or prohibit the timely approval of any subsequent request or application they make regarding a new loan, credit, mortgage, or any other account involving the extension of credit. Pursuant to federal law, consumers cannot be charged to place or lift a credit freeze on their credit report. To request a credit freeze, individuals may need to provide some or all of the following information:

1. Full name (including middle initial, as well as Jr., Sr., II, III, etc.);
2. Social Security number;
3. Date of birth;
4. Addresses for the prior two to five years;
5. Proof of current address, such as a current utility bill or telephone bill;
6. A legible photocopy of a government-issued identification card (state driver’s license or ID card, etc.); and
7. A copy of either the police report, investigative report, or complaint to a law enforcement agency concerning identity theft if a victim of identity theft.

Should you wish to place a fraud alert or a credit freeze, please contact the three major credit reporting bureaus listed below:

Additional Information

Consumers may further educate themselves regarding identity theft, fraud alerts, credit freezes, and the steps they can take to protect your personal information by contacting the consumer reporting bureaus, the Federal Trade Commission, or their state Attorney General. The Federal Trade Commission may be reached at: 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington, D.C. 20580; www.identitytheft.gov; 1-877-ID-THEFT (1-877-438-4338); and TTY: 1-866-653-4261. The Federal Trade Commission also encourages those who discover that their information has been misused to file a complaint with them. Consumers can obtain further information on how to file such a complaint by way of the contact information listed above. Consumers have the right to file a police report if they ever experience identity theft or fraud. Please note that in order to file a report with law enforcement for identity theft, consumers will likely need to provide some proof that they have been a victim. Instances of known or suspected identity theft should also be reported to law enforcement and the relevant state Attorney General. This notice has not been delayed by law enforcement.

For Maryland residents, the Maryland Attorney General may be contacted at: 200 St. Paul Place, 16th Floor, Baltimore, MD 21202; 1-410-576-6300 or 1-888-743-0023; and https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/. Covaris may be contacted at: 14 Gill Street, Woburn, MA 01801-1721 or (781) 932-3959. 

For New York residents, the New York Attorney General may be contacted at: Office of the Attorney General, The Capitol, Albany, NY 12224-0341; 1-800-771-7755; or https://ag.ny.gov.