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Data Breach Lawyer
At The G Law Group, we're here for you in this ever-changing legal world. Our team is quick on its feet, staying updated on the latest trends. Unlike others stuck in the past, we're moving forward, making sure we're always by your side.
When it comes to data breaches, think of us as your family. We will not only walk you through all of your legal options if you have been a victim of data breach, but we will also provide you with a comprehensive approach to how you can protect yourself in the future. Our detailed process ensures we catch every important detail, providing you with the support you need in these challenging situations.
Understanding Data Breach
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A data breach denotes unauthorized access to details from a business or organization's database.
Recognizing the Warning Signs
When facing potential data breaches, vigilance is vital. The following signs may indicate your information has been compromised:
Unexpected Charges: Review your credit or bank account statements for any unusual charges – this could suggest unauthorized usage.
Inexplicable Accounts: Bills or notices for accounts you didn't open are red flags – reach out to the respective institutions immediately.
Unjustified Credit Denial: If you're inexplicably denied credit, review your credit report for these indicators - unauthorized charges, unusual credit inquiries, or fraudulent accounts.
What Is a Data Breach?
A data breach happens when there is unauthorized access or sharing of confidential or sensitive information. Put simply, in the event of a data breach cybercriminals or unauthorized individuals gain access to confidential or sensitive data. This data can include details like your social security numbers, address, telephone number, financial information, medical records, or other personal identifying information. Basically any of your personal private information that should be securely protected under normal circumstances, but ends up in the wrong hands.
Importantly, these breaches can occur in various ways. Cybercriminals can infiltrate vulnerable networks and databases, exploit unprotected software, or use phishing tactics to gain unauthorized access from company personnel. Financial institutions, credit card companies, and other businesses that collect and store your personal information are legally required to put in place security protocols to ensure that your information is protected. If they fail to implement reasonable security measures then they are liable for any damages you have suffered as a result of the unauthorized use of your personal information.
The aftermath of a data breach can be deeply stressful as your private information is at risk of misuse. Yet, it's crucial to know that with the right legal guidance there is light at the end of the tunnel. At The G Law Group, our expertise lies in navigating these difficult waters and offering clear, concise legal assistance to those affected.
Frequently Asked Questions About Data Breaches
Was There a Data Breach Recently?
Data Breach Lawyers
AREAS OF PRACTICE
Data breaches are, unfortunately, a common occurrence in today's digitally connected world. It is crucial to stay informed about recent breaches that may potentially impact you, your loved ones, or your business. Some data breaches to note from 2023 include:
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June 27- According to reports, hackers stole the personal information of thousands of pilots who applied for jobs at American Airlines and Southwest Airlines. The information was taken from a database maintained by a recruiting company, rather than directly from either airline. Around 8,000 pilots are believed to have been affected, including 2,200 represented by the Allied Pilots Association. The information stolen includes names, addresses, social security numbers, and dates of birth. The hackers have not yet released the information, but they have threatened to do so if they are not paid a ransom. The airlines and the recruiting company are working to notify the affected pilots and offer them credit monitoring services.
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June 19- Reddit was hacked in February 2023 by a group claiming to be from the BlackCat ransomware gang. The hackers stole 80GB of confidential data, including user information, source code, and financial data. They are threatening to leak the data unless Reddit pays them $4.5 million and reverses its new pricing policy. Reddit has denied the hackers' demands and said that it is working with law enforcement to investigate the incident. The company has also said that it is taking steps to protect its users' data, including by resetting passwords for all affected users.
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May 23- Apria Healthcare, a US healthcare company, informed nearly 1.9 million customers in May that their personal data may have been exposed in a data breach. The data breach occurred on January 20, 2023, and affected customers who used Apria Healthcare's website or mobile app between January 1, 2022, and January 20, 2023. The data that may have been exposed includes names, addresses, dates of birth, social security numbers, and protected personal health information. This data breach is the latest in a series of high-profile data breaches that have affected healthcare companies in recent years. In 2022, a data breach at Anthem also affected over 78 million customers, and a data breach at Premera Blue Cross affected over 11 million customers. These data breaches have raised concerns about the security of patient data and the need for healthcare companies to implement stringent electronic security protocols to protect patient privacy.
Why Do Data Breaches Happen?
Data breaches can occur due to a variety of reasons, including cybersecurity vulnerabilities, human error, weak passwords, phishing attacks, malware and ransomware infections, insider threats, and inadequate security measures. Understanding these causes can help you take proactive steps to protect your sensitive information, ultimately reducing the likelihood of becoming a victim.
What Happens When a Data Breach Occurs?
When a data breach takes place, unauthorized individuals gain access to confidential or sensitive information. This can lead to potential misuse of the stolen data, such as identity theft, financial fraud, or selling the information on the dark web. In many cases, affected companies are required to notify individuals, offer identity theft protection services, and sometimes even face legal or financial repercussions.
Are Data Breaches Caused by employees?
According to a recent study, 82% of data breaches are caused by employees, either accidentally or intentionally. This means that it is important for businesses to have strong security measures in place to protect their data from being accessed by unauthorized individuals.
Here are some tips for individuals and businesses to protect their data from employee-caused data breaches:
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Provide training to employees on all electronic security protocols and best practices.
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Use strong passwords and multi-factor authentication.
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Monitor employee activity for suspicious behavior.
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Have a data breach response plan in place.
While there have certainly been numerous instances of data breaches caused by employee negligence or malicious actions, it is challenging to determine an exact percentage. Employee-related breaches can result from actions such as accidental data exposure, sharing sensitive information, falling for phishing scams, or intentionally selling or misusing data.
How Often Do Data Breaches Occur?
Data breaches occur with increasing frequency, and the exact number can vary depending on different factors, such as industry, region, and the level of reporting. Unfortunately, data breaches have become a prevalent issue in today's digital landscape, emphasizing the importance of robust security practices and taking prompt action. Here are some of examples of what to do if you think your information has been exposed in a data breach.
Contact Law Enforcement: If you suspect you are a victim of identity theft or data breach, you should file a report with your local law enforcement agency. This report will serve as an official record of the incident.
Notify Credit Bureaus: Contact the major credit bureaus (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit reports. This alert informs potential creditors that you may be a victim of identity theft, and they should take extra precautions before granting credit in your name.
Review Your Credit Reports: Obtain and review copies of your credit reports from all three major credit bureaus. Look for any unauthorized accounts or activity. Dispute any inaccuracies you find.
Contact Financial Institutions: Report any unauthorized transactions immediately. Reach out to your bank, credit card companies, and any other financial institutions where you have accounts. They can help you secure your accounts and investigate the fraudulent activity.
Contact the IRS: If you suspect that your Social Security number has been compromised, contact the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) Identity Protection Specialized Unit to alert them to potential tax-related identity theft.
Notify Other Relevant Organizations: Depending on the nature of the theft, you may need to contact other organizations, such as the Social Security Administration, the Department of Motor Vehicles, and your healthcare providers.
Monitor Your Accounts: Continuously monitor your financial and online accounts for any suspicious or unauthorized activity. Regularly review your credit reports for new or unauthorized accounts.
Consider Freezing Your Credit: You may want to consider placing a credit freeze on your credit reports, which restricts access to your credit information. This can prevent cybercriminals from opening new accounts in your name.
Seek Legal Advice: If the data breach has led to serious financial or legal consequences, consider consulting with an attorney who specializes in data breach cases.
Remember that these steps are general suggestions and may not cover all scenarios. It's important to consult with legal and financial professionals to determine the best course of action for your specific situation.
Historical Notable Data Breaches
Several incidents highlight the importance of data protection:
Handling of minors' data without their consent led to Instagram being fined €403 million by Ireland's Data Protection Commissioner for violating the General Data Protection Regulation.
Following a data breach that exposed the personal information of nearly 77 million people, T-Mobile agreed to a $350 million settlement.
Morgan Stanley paid $60 million to settle a class-action lawsuit alleging failure to protect customer data during breaches in 2016 and 2019.
Equifax's data breach exposed the personal data of roughly 147 million people. The company was required to allocate up to $425 million to help those affected.
