California Department of Fish and Wildlife reports system security breach

Diane Sieker Staff Writer

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife reported a recent cybersecurity incident that involved recreational fishing license data.

In an email sent out to fishing license recipients Friday, July 7, the CDFW stated that the department was made aware of a cybersecurity breach within the network of a third-party vendor who uses fishing license information to conduct the Automated License Directory Online Survey necessary to produce recreational ocean fishing catch and effort estimates. The breach was detected Thursday, March 30.

“I am writing to inform you of a recent cybersecurity incident that involved recreational fishing license data. This notice provides information about the incident, what information may have been exposed, and what you can do to protect yourself,” wrote Craig Shuman, CDFW Marine Regional Manager.

According to Shuman, the following fishing license information may have been included within the documents saved on the compromised network: the license, such as license type and sales date.

“Upon notification of the incident,” Shuman explained, “CDFW ceased sharing any additional license data with the vendor. CDFW is considering a suite of options to better protect the license data from future incidents. We are also taking the additional step, out of an abundance of caution, to alert you to the fact that your personal information may have been viewed by an unauthorized person so that you can determine what further actions you would like to take to prevent any potential personal harm.”

Anglers that have concerns about any potential harm may consult the resources below; these websites have helpful information to protect users from potential identity theft, including how to receive a free copy of your credit report either through the Fair Credit Reporting Act or as a result of placing a fraud alert on your credit files:

• California Office of Attorney General

• Social Security Office

• Free Credit Report

“If you suspect you may be a victim of identity theft, you should place a fraud alert on your credit file,” advised Shuman. “You can also place a security freeze on your account to help prevent unauthorized access to your credit reports.” they soaked it down good. It was just so coincidental that it was the guys from the Co-op that showed up, and a cousin of my next-door neighbor, who works at the Coop, and this all happens two days before the big annual meeting of the Anza Electric Cooperative on one of the directors’ properties.”

Firefighters also rushed to the ranch to take part in the battle and the fire was out in record time. The cause of the blaze is still under investigation.

Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com

The California Department of Fish and Wildlife reports a system security breach involving recreational fishing license data. Anza Valley Outlook/Diane Sieker photo Fraud alerts and security freezes must be initiated at each of the three credit bureaus: Equifax (800) 525-6285 www. equifax.com Experian (888) 397-3742 www.experian.com

• TransUnion (800) 680-7289 www.transunion.com

When you receive your credit reports, carefully look them over for the following: Accounts you did not open; Inquiries from creditors that you did not initiate; Personal information, such as your home address and Social Security number, that is not accurate. If you see anything you do not understand, call the credit reporting agency at the telephone number on the report. If you do find suspicious activity on your credit reports, call your local police or sheriff’s office and file a report of identity theft. Get a copy of the police report as you may need to give copies to creditors to clear up any issues.

“We offer our sincerest apology that this unfortunate incident occurred,” said Shuman. “Please be assured that protecting and safeguarding your personal information is one of our highest priorities.”

Please send any questions or concerns regarding this matter to ALDOS.Help@wildlife.ca.gov

Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com

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“The day brought two very special visitors to the Anza Valley Community Library,” said librarian Kay Mackay. “The sheriffs stopped by to spend time with the children participating in the Summer Reading Program. This year’s theme is Find Your Voice and the July 8 program was about the importance of being a good friend.”

The officers talked about their friendship both on and off duty, and what it was like doing their job. They took turns reading books chosen by the children and invited a child to share a book as well. Afterwards they shared coloring books, bracelets, stickers and whistles.

“A special treat of donuts were included,” said Mackay. “We are so grateful to have such wonderful friends and to know they serve our community and keep us safe.”

The Anza Valley Library is a joint-use public library, located inside Hamilton High School, but a completely separate entity. It is part of the Riverside County

SIGN from page D-1 using a bucket truck to reach the location.

“Thank you Anza Electric Co-op for the rapid reply for the installation, and to Debbi Vesey for the excellent layout and fabrication. We are so proud of our little radio station,” said KOYT director Annika Knöppel. The mission of the Anza Community Broadcasting KOYT 97.1 LPFM radio is to provide

Library System and is located at 57430 Mitchell Road in Anza. The library’s hours are Thursday and Friday from 4 to 7 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and an inclusive public broadcasting forum to educate, inform, and entertain the local community and the general public.

For more information about the radio station, call (951)763-5698, email info@koyt971.org , visit them at https://www.facebook. com/koyt97.1 or https://koyt971. org/. Diane Sieker can be reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com

Sunday 12 to 4 p.m.. Staff may be reached by calling (951)763-4216.

To learn more about the Anza Valley Community Library, visit https://www.facebook.com/ AnzaLibrary. Don’t have a library card? Go to www.rivlib.net to sign up online for free.

Diane can reached by email at dsieker@reedermedia. com