On September 3, 2021, Gardner Resources Consulting, LLC experienced an external system breach (hacking) that was publicly disclosed by the Maine Office of the Attorney General on July 29, 2022. The incident involved unauthorized access to sensitive personal data, including social security numbers, of 8,969 individuals, with 47 confirmed residents of Maine directly affected. The breach exposed highly confidential information, raising concerns over identity theft, financial fraud, and long-term reputational damage for the company. The nature of the compromised data—particularly Social Security numbers—heightens the risk of severe consequences for the victims, including potential misuse in fraudulent activities. The breach was classified as an external cyber attack, indicating malicious intent by third-party actors. The delayed disclosure (nearly 10 months after the incident) may further exacerbate trust issues with clients and regulatory bodies.