Almost everyone starts their day with a quick look at their email. Sometimes, you even make a few online purchases before you head out for the day. You might put in your coffee order, schedule an Amazon delivery, and pay for your daughter’s cheerleading uniform all from your device.
Online banking and payment apps like PayPal and Venmo make life more convenient, but it comes at a price. Hackers can break into your devices, steal your financial information, and wipe you out in minutes.
That is not the only way they can get to you, either. Hackers can break into company data banks and steal customer information. They can even hack into banks.
Good guy tech develops fast, too, and many safeguards and protections guard consumer information. Data breach Lawyers at Cory Watson Attorneys understand data breach laws and how to get the compensation you are due after a data breach.
Why Choose Us?
Keeping yourself safe in the cyberworld can seem impossible. There is a new scam, phishing scheme, or breach around every corner. If your personal information was stolen, you may recover damages.
We proudly hold A+ membership with the Better Business Bureau, are recognized among the Top 100 National Trial Lawyers, and are an Advocate Firm in The Leaders Form with the American Association for Justice…
In 2023, we were named one of the nation’s premier law firms by U.S. News & World Report. You can trust our commitment to providing you with the best legal representation.
At Cory Watson Attorneys, we take great pride in our accomplishments in service to our clients.
Here are some examples of our proudest achievements:
- We secured a $50 million jury verdict for an Ohio resident who suffered from testicular cancer from ‘forever chemicals’ dumped into his drinking water by the Dupont Company.
- We obtained a $25 million jury verdict against Nissan for a brake malfunction that caused three fatalities and a wrongful manslaughter charge.
Class Action
Data breaches are typically class action lawsuits, which lessen the burden on the legal system by representing many people who share similar damages. Cory Watson has pending class action litigation in numerous courts seeking damages for data breaches of all kinds.
Cory Watson Attorneys have obtained recoveries in many fraud-based class-action cases over the years, including actions against banks for predatory bank charges and against automobile dealers and distributors for financing fraud.
Our injury law firm, headquartered in Alabama, leads nationwide in class-action lawsuits. Through our unwavering dedication, extensive experience, and a proven history of securing more than $3 billion in compensation for our clients, we persist in advancing the legal frontier.
Types of Data Breaches
A data breach happens when unauthorized entities break into computer systems, networks, or databases to steal sensitive information. The compromised data could include personal details, financial records, intellectual property, or any other confidential information.
A data breach can cause financial losses, damage to one’s reputation, legal consequences, and potential harm to anyone, from individual consumers to small businesses and even large multinational corporations.
Data breach and cyber-attack are often used interchangeably but are different concepts. A data breach primarily deals with unauthorized access to data, like a hacker gaining entry to users’ names, Social Security numbers, and passwords.
Cyber-attacks include a broader array of malicious activities employed by cybercriminals, such as malware infections and phishing schemes directed at infiltrating computer systems.
1. Phishing
Phishing attacks usually entail deceitful emails or messages that trick people into disclosing sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card details, or login credentials.
2. Malware attacks
Malware are software-based assaults, such as viruses, ransomware, spyware, and trojans devised to penetrate systems, steal private info, or disrupt operations.
3. Insider threats
Insider threats are individuals within an organization who misuse their access privileges, causing a data breach. Employees may steal or leak sensitive information or fall prey to phishing attacks that inadvertently result in unauthorized data access.
4. Physical breaches
Physical breaches occur when criminals steal servers, computers, or storage devices containing sensitive information. It can also happen through unauthorized access or improper equipment disposal without adequately erasing the data.
5. Password guessing
Attackers gain unauthorized access to user accounts by attempting different combinations of passwords until they get it right.
6. Ransomware
Ransomware is malicious software that encrypts files or blocks access to computer systems. The attacker typically demands a ransom payment to restore access.
7. DDoS attack
A Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack disrupts a computer network by inundating it with excessive incoming traffic. The primary goal is not unauthorized access or data theft but to render the targeted network unavailable to legitimate users, causing slowdowns or crashes.
The Alabama Data Breach Notification Act of 2018
The Alabama Data Breach Notification Act of 2018 (Acts 2018-396) requires certain entities to notify the Attorney General when they experience a data breach and unauthorized acquisition of personally identifying information likely to cause substantial harm. If you receive notice that your personal information may have been released in an unauthorized data breach, you may need to call Cory Watson Attorneys.
Causes of Data Breaches
Data breaches can occur for various reasons, and they are often the result of vulnerabilities or human errors, including:
- Weak or stolen credentials: When individuals use weak passwords, share passwords, or when their login credentials are stolen, it can lead to unauthorized access to accounts and data.
- Unpatched software: Failing to update and patch software and systems can leave them vulnerable to known security flaws that attackers can exploit.
- Social engineering: Attackers can manipulate individuals into revealing sensitive information through social engineering tactics, such as impersonation, pretexting, or baiting.
- Third-party vulnerabilities: Data breaches can occur through weaknesses in the security practices of third-party vendors and partners with access to an organization’s systems and data.
- Unencrypted data: Data that is not properly encrypted is more susceptible to being accessed if it falls into the wrong hands, especially if it’s transmitted or stored on unsecured devices or networks.
- Misconfigured security settings: Incorrectly configured security settings can inadvertently expose sensitive data to the internet, making it accessible to anyone who stumbles upon it.
- Data sharing and transfer errors: Mishandling data during sharing, transferring, or disposing of it can lead to data breaches. This may involve sending sensitive information to the wrong recipient or not securely erasing data before disposal.
- Lack of employee training: Inadequate training on data security best practices can result in unintentional data breaches caused by unaware or careless employees.
- Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs): APTs involve long-term and targeted cyberattacks by well-funded and highly skilled hackers using sophisticated techniques to infiltrate systems and exfiltrate data.
- Cloud security weaknesses: Misconfigurations or inadequate security measures in cloud storage and services can expose data to the internet, making it vulnerable to attacks.
Organizations must implement robust cybersecurity measures, educate employees about security best practices, keep software and systems up-to-date, and conduct regular security assessments to mitigate the risk of data breaches.
Cory Watson Attorneys are available now to go over your options and give you a better understanding of how you might recover compensation for a data breach. Give us a call or come by the Birmingham office today.
What Can a Lawyer Do in a Data Breach Suit?
Lawyers help you win data breach lawsuits by providing legal experience, support, and skill.
- Legal knowledge: A lawyer knows the data protection laws, such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), the Federal Trade Commission regulations, and specialized data protection legislation.
- Class certification: This is a very complex legal procedure that requires a lawyer well trained in class action litigation.
- Gather evidence: Lawyers can help collect and preserve evidence related to the data breach. This includes obtaining documents, digital evidence, and educated opinions to support the case.
- Negotiation: Lawyers can negotiate with the defendant organization or their legal representation to reach a fair and just settlement for the affected individuals. They can also represent the interests of the class members during these negotiations.
- Litigation: Class action data breach claims must be filed in a court.
- Notification and communication: Lawyers can help class members stay informed about the progress, their rights, and any potential settlements. They ensure clear and effective communication throughout the process.
- Damages: Damages may be financial, reputational, or business losses.
- Awards distribution: If the class action succeeds, lawyers can assist in distributing any compensation or awards to class members, ensuring a fair and equitable process.
- Appeals: In case of an unfavorable outcome, lawyers can advise on the feasibility of an appeal and represent the class members in pursuing one.
Lawyers provide essential guidance and representation to individuals involved in data breach class actions, helping them navigate the legal process, protect their rights, and seek compensation for the harm caused by a data breach.
Call Cory Watson Attorneys if you are the victim of a data breach and let us be your lawyer and help you.
Use our website to contact us or call us at (205) 328-2200 for your free claim evaluation.