When you shop online, open a bank account, or create an online social media profile, you trust that the companies responsible for storing your data will take the necessary precautions to protect your sensitive information. However, this is not always the case. Unfortunately, hackers can bypass outdated or insufficient security measures and steal your name, date of birth, social security number, credit card information, and other details you’d rather not share. If you’re the victim of data breaches, you may not know how to proceed. Luckily, a Los Angeles, California data breach lawyer can help you get the justice you deserve. Keep reading to learn more.
What Are Data Breaches?
Data breaches are security incidents in which an unauthorized party accesses confidential or sensitive information. Most often, these are hackers who are not associated with the corporation at the center of the breach, but hackers can also be employees within the company.
Generally, data breaches occur for one of three reasons. In many instances, it can be a simple error. If an employee accidentally forwards a confidential email to someone who does not have clearance to view the information, it constitutes a data breach.
In other instances, employees may leak information as a means of financial gain or revenge against an employer they did not get along with.
However, these are often the work of outside hackers who gain access through an insufficient or broken security system. Many take credit card and banking information to take money directly from the accounts of consumers. In other instances, they will sell this sensitive knowledge on the dark net for criminals to use.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Damages?
Generally, the company that is the target of the attack will be held liable for any damages. While some sophisticated hackers may use advanced technology to gain access, more often than not, hackers can break into the website due to weaknesses in the website’s own security.
As such, because you are entrusting the company with important information, they can be held liable for any damages you incur as a result of their poor security. This is because users are guaranteed a right to privacy under federal law, and these breaches violate your rights as a consumer. Even though the hackers are criminally responsible and would face charges in the event they are caught, the corporation can be liable because of their failure to safeguard their consumer’s information.
When you find your information stolen from a company you entrusted to securely store your data, you may face damages as a result. From impacts on your credit score to money stolen from your bank account, you deserve justice. At LA Legal Solutions, our dedicated legal team will do everything possible to help you receive the compensation you are entitled to. Contact us today to learn more.
