Cetera Financial Group experienced a data breach in July tied to an employee email account and notified affected people this week, according to reports on the websites of at least three state attorneys general.
The wealth management firm discovered the breach in January, according to a notice on the Maine attorney general's site, which didn't specify how many individuals were affected nationwide. The company said in state-specific consumer letters that it has notified 57 Maine residents and 96 Vermont residents.
"We became aware of suspicious activity involving a single employee email account and immediately began an investigation. The investigation determined that an unauthorized person gained access to the email account between July 7, 2025, and August 21, 2025," the consumer notice in Maine states.
"Cetera then took steps to identify any impacted data. Although the review is ongoing, on or around January 30, 2026, Cetera determined that certain personal information was involved," Cetera said.
The company is offering those affected free credit and identity monitoring.
"We take this matter and the security of personal information in our care seriously. Upon learning of the suspicious activity, we took steps to assess and secure the email account and investigate the activity. We are notifying potentially impacted parties to make them aware of what happened and are providing them with resources that they may consider," the company wrote.
"As part of our ongoing commitment to the privacy of information in our care, we are reviewing and enhancing our existing policies and procedures, as appropriate."
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