Information Regarding PBI Incident Involving MassMutual Ascend Customer Data

MassMutual Ascend was notified by one of its third-party vendors, Pension Benefit Information, LLC (known as PBI), that MassMutual Ascend’s customer data in PBI’s possession was subject to unauthorized access in connection with a broader security incident involving the MOVEit file transfer application. Specifically, the PBI incident affected personal information about customers of MassMutual Ascend and its subsidiaries, Annuity Investors Life and Manhattan National Life.

Consistent with its incident response and incident management procedures, MassMutual Ascend is taking appropriate action to respond to this incident, including providing notice to regulators and impacted individuals.

In July 2023, PBI notified MassMutual Ascend that MassMutual Ascend customer data in PBI’s possession was subject to unauthorized access.  After notification, MassMutual began the process of notifying regulators and affected consumers. It also made this webpage FAQ available to consumers in July 2023.

MOVEit Transfer is a widely-used managed file transfer software solution that allows an organization to securely transfer files between parties.

Pension Benefit Information LLC, or PBI, is a third-party vendor that MassMutual Ascend uses to satisfy state regulations that require all life insurance and annuity companies to check customer data to determine whether death benefits are due under its life insurance policies and annuity contracts. We also use PBI to identify deaths that would terminate life contingent annuity payout benefits.  PBI is a leading provider to insurance companies of these services.

The personal information affected includes name, social security number, date of birth, contract or policy number, and zip code.

There is a strong likelihood that your personal information was accessed if you are the owner, annuitant, or insured under an annuity contract or life insurance policy issued or administered by MassMutual Ascend or its subsidiaries.  Affected individuals will be receiving a letter from PBI.

Data related to some deceased individuals was affected by the security event.  Please consult with your probate attorney about being vigilant to protect the estate from fraudulent claims and theft of estate assets.

We worked with PBI to ensure that impacted individuals received the opportunity to enroll in credit monitoring and identity restoration services free of charge. Affected individuals received a written letter with details regarding the PBI incident and instructions on how to activate this coverage. Please note the window to enroll in these free services has expired. 

No. MassMutual Ascend’s own systems, servers, and programs were not affected.

Credit monitoring keeps a daily watch on your credit report for any changes that can be linked to fraudulent activity. It works by sending you alerts when there is suspicious activity or changes in your credit, making it easy for you to stay on top of your personal and financial information. Keeping track of the changes in your report can give you enough time to repair any issues that might be a factor when applying for new credit. Credit monitoring will not affect your credit scores.

In addition to enrolling in the credit monitoring services, we encourage you to take the following precautions:

Remain vigilant to threats of identity theft or fraud by regularly reviewing and monitoring your accounts and credit history for signs of unauthorized transactions or activity.

If you ever suspect you are a victim of identity theft or fraud, you can contact your local police. You can also access additional information online on how to protect your identity.

Consider placing a “credit freeze” on your credit reports.  You can access information online here.

Please use the contact us link on our  website.