On June 21, 2023, CalPERS alerted retired state employees and their organizations that some retiree personal information was compromised in a data breach at a third-party vendor. The security incident did not impact the information systems operated by CalPERS and did not involve actively employed CalPERS members (current state employees). Only the personal information of retirees and their survivors such as names, addresses and social security numbers were subject to the breach.
The data breach of retiree information involved CalPERS third-party vendor PBI Research Services/Berywn Group. This entity contracted with CalPERS to identify member deaths to ensure accurate payments are delivered to retirees and beneficiaries. Retiree pension payments and the retirement funds held by CalPERS were not impacted.
CalPERS has informed ACSS that they are taking steps to notify impacted retirees and provide credit monitoring support. In addition, CalPERS will also take steps to secure all members’ benefits with improved website security measures as well as for members who visit contact centers and CalPERS regional offices.