Posted On March 17, 2022 Consumer Privacy & Data Breaches

Data Breach Alert: Bridgestone Americas, Inc.

March 17, 2022 – Recently, Bridgestone Americas, Inc. (“Bridgestone”) appears to have been the victim of a ransomware attack carried out by the LockBit ransomware gang. While the company has yet to identify whether consumer or employee information was compromised as a result of the cyberattack, Bridgestone has begun an investigation into the incident. It is essential those who receive a data breach notification from Bridgestone understand what is at risk. The data breach lawyers at Console & Associates, P.C. are actively investigating the Bridgestone data breach on behalf of people whose information may have been exposed. As a part of our investigation, we are providing free consultations to anyone who learns they were affected by the breach and is interested in learning more about the risks of identity theft, what they can do to protect themselves, and what their legal options may be to obtain compensation from Bridgestone.

In 2021, there were 1,862 data breaches affecting more than 189,000,000 individuals. Victims of identity theft spend, on average, 200 hours and more than $1,300 recovering their identity. Many of these victims also suffer credit damage, emotional distress, and may even end up with a criminal record. Taking immediate action is the best way to prevent the worst consequences of a data breach.

What We Know So Far About the Bridgestone Breach

According to a statement released by the company, on February 28, 2022, Bridgestone first became aware of an IT incident impacting some of its computer systems. In response, Bridgestone retained the assistance of external cybersecurity advisors to look into the situation. It was quickly determined that the IT incident involved a ransomware attack.

Initially, it was unclear who carried out the attack. However, BleepingComputer.com reports that, on March 11, 2022, the LockBit ransomware gang claimed responsibility, naming Bridgestone Americas, Inc. among its list of victims. LockBit ransomware gang has threatened to post the obtained data online, presumably if Bridgestone doesn’t meet the ransom demand.

Given the recency of the ransomware attack, it has not yet been determined what, if any, consumer information was compromised as a result of the incident.

Bridgestone Americas, Inc. is the U.S. division of Bridgestone Corporation, a Japanese-owned tire company.  Bridgestone Corp. was founded in 1931 in Kurume, Fukuoka Prefecture in Japan. The company manufactures and sells tires in more than 150 countries and employs over 138,000 people. In 1988, Bridgestone acquired American tire manufacturer Firestone Tire and Rubber Company. Bridgestone currently manufactures tires under the following brands, Bridgestone, Firestone, Primewell, and Fuzion.

Can Consumers Whose Data Was Leaked Pursue Legal Action Against a Company?

When you allowed Bridgestone access to your personal data, you trusted the company to keep your sensitive information safe. However, news of the Bridgestone data breach raises some very serious questions about the company’s data security measures and whether the company could have done more to prevent this type of cyber-attack.

Regardless of the industry, all businesses have a legal obligation to protect consumer information in their possession. Although creating and maintaining a data security system is costly, this is a necessary expense given the frequency with which cyberattacks occur.

Consumers whose personal, identifying, financial or healthcare-related data was compromised in a data breach can pursue legal action against a company that misused or mishandled their information. However, the investigation into the Bridgestone breach is only in its beginning phases. For that reason, it is too early to tell what information, if any, was compromised and whether Bridgestone could be legally responsible for the breach. However, our data breach attorneys are investigating the Bridgestone security breach to determine the potential legal remedies of those affected.

If you have questions about your ability to pursue a data breach class action lawsuit against Bridgestone, contact a data breach attorney as soon as possible.

What to Do If You Receive a Data Breach Notification from Bridgestone

Bridgestone has not yet sent out data breach notifications, as the scope of the breach is still under investigation. However, if you receive a data breach notification from Bridgestone in the future, it means your personal data was among that which was compromised in the recent cyberattack. It also means a cybercriminal may have had access to—and may have stolen—your personal data. Given the risks involved, if you are notified that your data was leaked, it is important you remain vigilant by taking the following steps:

1. Figure Out What Information Was Stolen: Carefully review the data breach letter sent by Bridgestone, keeping in mind the information you provided to the company as well as the type of data that was compromised in the breach. You should also take a copy of the data breach letter and keep it for your records. Of course, data breach letters are not always easy to understand. A consumer privacy lawyer can help victims of a data breach understand what was compromised and how to protect themselves.
2. Prevent the Hacker from Accessing Your Accounts: Once you determine the scope of the breach and how it affected you, you should take all steps to prevent cybercriminals from accessing your credit or financial accounts. For example, you should change all passwords and security questions for your online accounts. You should also consider setting up multi-factor authentication where it is available.
3. Protect Your Credit and Your Financial Accounts: In the wake of a data breach, companies usually provide free credit monitoring services for a specified period of time. This is not a gimmick, and you do not give up any rights by taking a company up on their offer. Additionally, you should contact one of the three main credit bureaus to request a copy of your credit report. Even if you do not notice any signs of fraud or unauthorized activity, it is a good idea to request a fraud alert. Fraud alerts are free and serve as a red flag to potential lenders and creditors that your information was compromised.
4. Consider a Credit Freeze: A credit freeze prevents access to your credit report unless you specifically authorize it. Credit freezes are free and last until you remove them. While placing a credit freeze on your accounts may initially seem like a drastic measure, according to the Identity Theft Resource Center (“ITRC”), doing so is the “single most effective way to prevent a new credit/financial account from being opened.” However, ITRC reports that just 3% of consumers whose information is leaked place a freeze on their accounts. Once a credit freeze is in place, you can temporarily lift the freeze if you need to apply for any type of credit.
5. Regularly Monitor Your Credit Report and Financial Accounts: Protecting yourself in the wake of a data breach is not a one-time task. You should continually monitor your credit report and all financial accounts, keeping an eye out for any signs of unauthorized activity or fraud. You may also consider calling your banks and credit card companies to report the fact that your information was compromised in a data breach.

If You Have Questions About Your Rights Following the Bridgestone Ransomware Attack, Console & Associates, P.C. Can Help

At Console & Associates, P.C., our consumer privacy lawyers monitor all security and data breaches to help affected consumers pursue their legal remedies. We offer free consultations to victims of data breaches and can explain your rights in clear, understandable terms so you can make an informed decision about how to proceed with your case. If you learn that you were affected by the Bridgestone data breach or any other data security incident, Console & Associates, P.C., will investigate your case at no charge and offer you thorough advice about how to most effectively proceed with your case. If you decide to bring a case, we only get paid if you do. If your claim is successful, any legal fees are either paid by the defendant or come out of the funds recovered from the defendant. If your claim doesn’t result in a recovery, you will pay nothing.

To schedule your free consultation, just call (866) 778-5500 today or fill out our secure contact form.