Recently, WebsterRogers, LLP confirmed that the names, addresses and Social Security numbers were compromised as the result of a data security incident involving the company’s computer network. If you received a data breach notification, it is essential that you understand what is at risk. The data breach lawyers at Console & Associates, P.C. are actively investigating the WebsterRogers data breach on behalf of people whose information was exposed. As a part of this investigation, we are providing free consultations to anyone affected by the breach who 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 WebsterRogers.
Last year, 1,862 data breaches affected more than 189 million people. On average, victims of identity theft spend 200 hours and over $1,300 recovering their identity. Many victims also suffer emotional distress, credit damage, 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.
According to an official filing by the company, on March 4, 2022, WebsterRogers discovered suspicious activity on its computer network. In response, the company enlisted the assistance of third-party forensic specialists to learn more about the nature of the incident, and whether any consumer information was compromised as a result. The company’s investigation confirmed that there was unauthorized access between February 10, 2022 to March 4, 2022.
Upon learning of the extent of the security breach, WebsterRogers then reviewed the affected files to determine what information was compromised. On March 5, 2022, the company completed its review of the files that were accessible to the unauthorized party. While the compromised information varies by consumer, it may include your name, address and Social Security number.
On March 17, 2022, WebsterRogers began sending out data breach notification letters to all individuals whose information was compromised as a result of the recent data security incident.
WebsterRogers, LLP is an accounting and consulting firm based in Florence, South Carolina. The company was founded in 1984 and provides various assurance, tax and advisory services to its clients. The firm operates nine locations across South Carolina. WebsterRogers has approximately 140 employees and generates annual revenue of roughly $25 million.
Often, data breaches are the result of a hacker gaining unauthorized access to a company’s computer systems with the intention of obtaining sensitive consumer information. While no one can know the reason why a hacker targeted Webster Rogers, it is common for hackers and other criminals to identify those companies believed to have weak data security systems or vulnerabilities in their networks.
Once a cybercriminal gains access to a computer network, they can then access and remove any data stored on the compromised servers. While in most cases a company experiencing a data breach can identify which files were accessible, there may be no way for the company to tell which files the hacker actually accessed or whether they removed any data.
While the fact that your information was compromised in a data breach does not necessarily mean it will be used for criminal purposes, being the victim of a data breach puts your sensitive data in the hands of an unauthorized person. As a result, you are at an increased risk of identity theft and other frauds, and criminal use of your information is a possibility that should not be ignored.
Given this reality, individuals who receive a WebsterRogers data breach notification should take the situation seriously and remain vigilant in checking for any signs of unauthorized activity. Businesses like Webster Rogers are responsible for protecting the consumer data in their possession. If evidence emerges that Webster Rogers failed to adequately protect your sensitive information, you may be eligible for financial compensation through a data breach lawsuit.
When customers decided to do business with Webster Rogers, they assumed that the company would take their privacy concerns seriously. And it goes without saying that consumers would think twice before giving a company access to their information if they knew it wasn’t going to be secure. Thus, data breaches such as this one raise questions about the adequacy of a company’s data security system.
When a business, government entity, non-profit organization, school, or any other organization accepts and stores consumer data, it also accepts a legal obligation to ensure this information remains private. The United States data breach laws allow consumers to pursue civil data breach claims against organizations that fail to protect their information.
Of course, given the recency of the WebsterRogers data breach, the investigation into the incident is still in its early stages. And, as of right now, there is not yet any evidence suggesting Webster Rogers is legally responsible for the breach. However, that could change as additional information about the breach and its causes is revealed.
If you have questions about your ability to bring a data breach class action lawsuit against WebsterRogers, reach out to a data breach attorney as soon as possible.
If WebsterRogers sends you a data breach notification letter, you are among those whose information was compromised in the recent breach. While this isn’t a time to panic, the situation warrants your attention. Below are a few important steps you can take to protect yourself from identity theft and other fraudulent activity:
Identify What Information Was Compromised: The first thing to do after learning of a data breach is to carefully review the data breach letter sent. The letter will tell you what information of yours was accessible to the unauthorized party. Be sure to make a copy of the letter and keep it for your records. If you have trouble understanding the letter or what steps you can take to protect yourself, a data breach lawyer can help.
Limit Future Access to Your Accounts: Once you determine what information of yours was affected by the breach, the safest play is to assume that the hacker orchestrating the attack stole your data. While this may not be the case, it’s better to be safe than sorry. To prevent future access to your accounts, you should change all passwords and security questions for any online account. This includes online banking accounts, credit card accounts, online shopping accounts, and any other account containing your personal information. You should also consider changing your social media account passwords and setting up multi-factor authentication where it is available.
Protect Your Credit and Your Financial Accounts: After a data breach, companies often provide affected parties with free credit monitoring services. Signing up for the free credit monitoring offers some significant protections and doesn’t impact any of your rights to pursue a data breach lawsuit against the company if it turns out they were legally responsible for the breach. You should contact a credit bureau to request a copy of your credit report—even if you do not notice any signs of fraud or unauthorized activity. Adding a fraud alert to your account will provide you with additional protection.
Consider Implementing a Credit Freeze: A credit freeze prevents anyone from accessing your credit report. Credit freezes are free and stay in effect until you remove them. Once a credit freeze is in place, you can temporarily lift the freeze if you need to apply for any type of credit. While placing a credit freeze on your accounts may seem like overkill, given the risks involved, it’s justified. According to the Identity Theft Resource Center (“ITRC”), placing a credit freeze on your account is the “single most effective way to prevent a new credit/financial account from being opened.” However, just 3% of data breach victims place a freeze on their accounts.
Regularly Monitor Your Credit Report and Financial Accounts: Protecting yourself in the wake of a data breach requires an ongoing effort on your part. You should regularly check your credit report and all financial account statements, looking for any signs of unauthorized activity or fraud. You should also call your banks and credit card companies to report the fact that your information was compromised in a data breach.
Below is a copy of the initial data breach letter issued by WebsterRogers, LLP:
Dear [Consumer],
WebsterRogers, LLP (“WebsterRogers”) writes to notify you of an incident that may affect the privacy of some of your information. We take this incident seriously, and this letter provides details of the incident, our response, and steps you may take to better protect against possible misuse of your personal information, should you feel it appropriate to do so.
What Happened? On March 4, 2022, WebsterRogers became aware of suspicious activity in certain computer systems. We immediately launched an investigation, with the assistance of third-party forensic specialists, to determine the nature and scope of the activity. Our investigation determined that there was unauthorized access to the affected systems from February 10, 2022 to March 4, 2022. We reviewed the contents of the affected systems to determine what, if any, sensitive information was contained within them. On March 5, 2022, WebsterRogers’ review determined that the system contained certain information related to you.
What Information Was Involved? WebsterRogers determined that the following information related to you was present in the affected files at the time of this incident: your name, address, and Social Security number. If your spouse and/or dependents were impacted by this event, we are also mailing them a letter.
What is WebsterRogers Doing? WebsterRogers takes the confidentiality, privacy, and security of information in our care seriously. Upon discovery, we immediately commenced an internal investigation and engaged a third-party forensic specialist to confirm the nature and scope of the incident. We are taking steps to implement additional safeguards and review policies and procedures relating to data privacy and security. We have also notified the IRS and relevant state authorities and are working with them to remedy this situation.
WebsterRogers is providing you with access to twenty-four (24) months of credit monitoring and identity protection services through Experian at no cost to you. A description of services and instructions on how to enroll can be found within the enclosed Steps You Can Take to Help Protect Against Identity Theft and Fraud. Please note that you must complete the enrollment process yourself, as we are not permitted to enroll you in these services on your behalf.
What You Can Do. You can review the enclosed Steps You Can Take to Help Protect Against Identity Theft and Fraud. You can also enroll to receive the complimentary credit monitoring and identity protection services through Experian. We also encourage you to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud, to review your account statements, and to monitor your credit reports for suspicious activity.
For More Information. We understand you may have questions about this incident that are not addressed in this letter. To ensure your questions are answered in a timely manner, please contact Sandra Sturkie at (843) 206-8800.
WebsterRogers takes the privacy and security of the information in our care seriously. We sincerely regret any inconvenience or concern this incident may cause you.
See more »
DISCLAIMER: Because of the generality of this update, the information provided herein may not be applicable in all situations and should not be acted upon without specific legal advice based on particular situations.
© Console and Associates, P.C. | Attorney Advertising
Refine your interests »
This website uses cookies to improve user experience, track anonymous site usage, store authorization tokens and permit sharing on social media networks. By continuing to browse this website you accept the use of cookies. Click here to read more about how we use cookies.
Back to Top
Explore 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards
Copyright © JD Supra, LLC
