Posted On February 3, 2022 Consumer Privacy & Data Breaches
February 3, 2022 – In recent data breach news, the utility services company Powergrid Services, LLC experienced a security breach resulting in sensitive consumer information being accessible to an unauthorized party.
News of the Powergrid Services data breach just broke, and details are sparse. However, according to one source, on February 1, 2022, Powergrid Services sent out data breach notification letters to those parties whose information was among that which was compromised in the recent breach. While the details of the investigation into the data security incident are still coming in, the information compromised in the breach may include the names, addresses, Social Security numbers, driver’s license numbers, financial account information, medical information and health insurance information of the affected parties.
The data breach attorneys at the law firm of Console & Associates, P.C. are actively investigating the Powergrid Services data breach. If evidence emerges that Powergrid Services failed to fulfill its consumer privacy and data security obligations, the company may be liable through a data breach class action lawsuit.
Cyberattacks such as the Powergrid Services security breach are increasingly common as companies store more and more information electronically. Hackers with the ability to breach a company’s security system can orchestrate a variety of attacks designed to grant them access to the information stored on company networks.
Once a hacker bypasses a computer network, they can access and remove sensitive consumer information from the compromised systems. While there is no telling what a hacker will do with this information, the fear is that they will use it to commit identity theft or other frauds.
Unfortunately, information is often limited in the wake of a data breach. This is because, while companies can usually determine which files were accessible to an unauthorized party, there is no way to tell which of the compromised files were actually viewed by a hacker or whether any of the data contained in those files was retained. Thus, anyone whose information was among the data contained on a compromised network is at an increased risk of identity theft.
Of course, just because your information may have been leaked in the Powergrid Services data breach does not necessarily mean someone will steal your identity. However, this is a possibility that you shouldn’t ignore. Given the risks that come along with having your personal information end up in the hands of a potential criminal, those in receipt of a Powergrid Services data breach notification letter familiarize themselves with the signs of identity theft or fraud.
When you allowed Powergrid Services access to your personal, financial and healthcare-related data, you trusted that the company would keep your sensitive information secure. You also assumed that the company would do everything in its power to prevent hackers or other criminal actors from stealing your information. However, news of the Powergrid Services data breach raises questions about the company’s data security measures and whether more could have been done to prevent this type of breach.
All businesses have an ethical and legal duty to protect sensitive consumer information in their possession. This necessarily requires companies to develop a robust data security system. Not only that, but businesses must continually reassess the efficacy of their data security measures to ensure they address the changing cyberthreats organizations face.
The U.S. consumer privacy and data breach laws allow consumers to pursue a legal claim against companies that misuse, mishandle, or fail to protect their personal information. However, news of the Powergrid Services data breach is very recent, and details about the incident are still emerging. Thus, at this point, it is too early to tell if Powergrid Services could be held legally responsible for the breach. However, our data breach lawyers are assessing the situation to determine the possible legal remedies for those affected by the Powergrid Services breach.
If you have questions about your ability to pursue a data breach class action lawsuit against Powergrid Services, contact a data breach attorney as soon as possible.
If you receive a data breach notification letter from Powergrid Services, your information was contained on the compromised servers. This means that a cybercriminal may have accessed, viewed, and stolen your personal data. While you can’t be sure whether your data was actually obtained by the hacker or what they intend to do with it, given the risks involved, it is important you remain vigilant by taking the following steps:
Powergrid Services, LLC, specializes in providing utility companies with a wide range of services related to the construction and maintenance of utility-related infrastructure. Power Grid Services handles distribution and transmission of materials used in utility construction projects, as well as other related services, including vegetation management, erosion control, and right of way clearing. The company is based in Hartselle, Alabama and employs more than 500 people.
