Blog Directory | Data Breach Class Actions

Kelly Benefits Data Breach Class Action Investigation

Written by Console & Associates P.C. | Apr 3, 2025 4:17:44 PM

At Console & Associates, our data breach lawyers are closely examining the recent Kelly Benefits data breach. This data breach was disclosed following a cyber security incident at Kelly Benefits, which may have affected individuals, potentially exposing sensitive personal identifiable information of Guardian Life Insurance customers.

 

What Happened?

A recent report from the Massachusetts Attorney General's office states that the Kelly Benefits data breach occurred due to a cyber security incident that allowed unauthorized access to their network systems. The investigation revealed that an unknown party infiltrated Kelly Benefits' computer systems between December 12 and December 17, 2024.

During this five-day window, the threat actors accessed and extracted files containing confidential information belonging to customers of Guardian Life Insurance Company of America. Kelly Benefits, which provides payroll processing and benefits administration services to Guardian Life, detected suspicious network activity and promptly engaged external cybersecurity specialists to investigate the scope of the intrusion.

The compromised information includes highly sensitive personal data such as full names and Social Security numbers of affected Guardian Life customers. The specific combination of exposed information may vary depending on the individual.

Data breach letters were sent out by Kelly Benefits on April 1, 2025, informing affected individuals about the nature of the incident and compromised data. These notifications should provide recipients with details about what specific information of theirs was exposed in the breach.

 

Steps To Take If You Were Affected By A Data Breach

  1. Monitor all accounts and credit reports closely
    1. Set up alerts for suspicious activity
    2. Review all financial statements thoroughly
    3. Request free credit reports and examine them for unauthorized entries

  2. Consider freezing your credit
    1. Contact all three major credit bureaus to place a freeze
    2. Understand this prevents new accounts from being opened in your name
    3. Remember to temporarily lift the freeze when applying for legitimate credit

  3. Look out for phishing attempts using information from the Kelly Benefits data breach
    1. Be wary of unexpected emails or messages claiming to be from Kelly Benefits
    2. Don't click on suspicious links or download unexpected attachments
    3. Verify all communications through official channels

  4. Change passwords for affected accounts
    1. Create strong, unique passwords for each account
    2. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters
    3. Consider using a password manager for better security

  5. Enable two-factor authentication where possible
    1. Add this extra layer of security to all important accounts
    2. Use authenticator apps rather than SMS when available
    3. Keep backup codes in a secure location

For more detailed guidance, explore our “Guide for Victims of a Data Breach” to better understand measures you can take to protect yourself after a data breach.

 

Kelly Benefits Overview

Kelly & Associates Insurance Group, Inc., operating as Kelly Benefits, is a Maryland-based employee benefits consulting and brokerage firm established in 1976. The company has its headquarters in Sparks, Maryland and functions as a third-party administrator for various businesses, managing employee benefits programs including those for Guardian Life Insurance customers.

The organization provides a comprehensive suite of services across the benefits administration spectrum, including payroll processing, benefits enrollment management, retirement planning services, and regulatory compliance support. As part of these operations, Kelly Benefits routinely handles and stores sensitive personal information for employees of their client companies.

With approximately 500 employees, Kelly Benefits generates around $448 million in annual revenue while serving clients across numerous industries. The company's position as an intermediary between employers and insurance providers like Guardian Life places it in possession of significant amounts of confidential personal data, making security incidents particularly concerning for affected individuals.

 

Kelly Benefits Data Breach Victims Have Rights - Don’t Wait to Act

How do you know that you were affected by the Kelly Benefits data breach? Usually victims receive a NOTICE OF DATA BREACH in the mail, but the impact of a breach can be felt long before notices are sent to those affected. This can be in the form of fraudulent financial activity and other forms of identity theft.

If you believe you were affected, we encourage you to reach out to our data breach law firm for legal assistance through a no-cost consultation about your situation. We will review your eligibility to file a data breach class action lawsuit and discuss your legal rights and any compensation that may be available to you.

Complete our confidential contact form below and a member of our legal team will be in touch.