Data Breach WatchDBW

Banking

High

investigation open

Updated about 1 month ago

Hightower Advisors Data Breach

▼ Key takeaways

•Reports suggest a potential breach involving Hightower Advisors.
•Discovered on January 8, 2026.
•Possible data exposed: Name, Social Security Number, Driver's License Number, Date of Birth, Address, Financial Account Information, Investment Account Records.
•Affects individuals in: Maine, Massachusetts.
•Confirmation level: Confirmed by regulators.

Breach confirmed

The Hightower Advisors breach is confirmed. If you may be affected, add your details below and we will take it from there.

Detailed summary

Hightower Holding, the parent company of Hightower Advisors, announced a data breach in January 2026. This incident stemmed from unauthorized access to two user accounts, with files being downloaded between January 8-9 and January 19-20, 2026. Notifications to affected individuals began on March 23, 2026.

The breach involved the exposure of sensitive data for 131,483 individuals. The types of data compromised include names, Social Security numbers, driver's license numbers, dates of birth, home addresses, financial account information, and investment account records. Regulatory filings were made with the Maine Attorney General and the Massachusetts Office of Consumer Affairs and Business Regulation.

Details can continue to emerge as investigations proceed and as further notices are delayed or issued.

Data possibly involved

Name
Social Security Number
Can be used to open fraudulent accounts and file false tax returns
Driver's License Number
Can be used for identity fraud
Date of Birth
Often used in combination with other data for identity theft
Address
Could be combined with other data for identity theft
Financial Account Information
Investment Account Records

Company Response Timeline

Response Grade

Notified consumers within 61–90 days

Breach Occurred

Jan 8, 2026

Company Discovered

Jan 8, 2026

Regulator Notified

Mar 23, 2026

Consumers Notified

Mar 23, 2026

0 days to discover

74 days to notify consumers

Breach Verification Status

Reports Only

Complete

Initial dark web reports of potential breach

Company Confirmed

Complete

Company has acknowledged the breach

Regulator Confirmed

Current

Confirmed by regulatory authorities

Note: Breach verification can take time. Information may evolve as more details become available from companies and regulators.

Case Status:

Investigation Open

We're actively investigating this case and seeking affected individuals.

Were you affected? Submit your information below.

Were You Affected By This Breach?

If you are a customer or have received a data breach notification, you may submit your information as part of our ongoing investigation. Submitting your information is free and does not obligate you.

Were you in the Hightower Advisors breach? Check your email

Free scan against known breach datasets. Then remove your info from data-broker sites with Data Shield.

No signup required. 30-second scan. Your email is only stored if you opt into alerts.

Get your info off data-broker sites

Data Shield files removal requests with every broker that accepts an authorized agent, and gives you the exact link or letter for the brokers that only accept requests from you.

See how Data Shield works

Check Your Risk Level

Answer a few questions to understand how this breach might affect you

Do you use Hightower Advisors?

Yes

What state are you in?

What should I do?

Change your passwords

Update passwords for the affected service and any accounts using the same password

Enable two-factor authentication

Add an extra layer of security to your accounts

Monitor your accounts

Watch for suspicious activity on your financial and online accounts

Watch for phishing attempts

Be cautious of emails or messages claiming to be from the affected company

Consider a credit freeze

Prevent unauthorized access to your credit report

Scan your email for other exposures

Check whether this address shows up in other known breaches. Free, no account.

Get your info off data-broker sites

Data Shield files removal requests with every broker that accepts an authorized agent, and gives you the exact link or letter for the brokers that only accept requests from you.

See how Data Shield works