How to Prevent Data Breaches

Today’s business environment requires consumers to engage with companies digitally. Because of this, corporations and government entities often have access to people’s sensitive personal information.

This can put individuals at risk of harm from third-party data breaches. A data breach happens when an unauthorized person or group obtains sensitive digital information. 

There are many ways that data breaches can occur. Hackers often use consumers’ information to steal identities, gain access to money, and engage in other illegal activities. 

As a consumer, you deserve to know that your sensitive information is safe. If a company’s negligence causes a security breach that harms you, get in touch with a skilled tort attorney to take action.

Data breaches can result in long-term financial devastation for victims. Fortunately, you may be owed significant financial repayment for your losses.

Recovering compensation requires significant legal expertise and a thorough knowledge of the relevant statutes. Fortunately, the skilled team at Morgan & Morgan has plenty of experience successfully fighting for the rights of data breach victims. 

Whether a private company or government entity was in possession of your information, data breaches are inexcusable. Institutions have an implicit duty to learn how to prevent data breaches using basic digital security measures. Doing so keeps consumers’ information secure.

To discuss the details of your data breach case, complete the brief contact form on our website. A member of our staff will arrange a legal claim evaluation at no cost to you.

Common Causes of Data Breaches

Whenever a company holds sensitive information in a digital format, dangerous data breaches become a possibility.

Many different circumstances can lead to a data breach. No matter the cause, leaked data can financially harm consumers and clients of the relevant company. 

Some of the typical causes of data breaches include:

Human Error

Some data breaches happen as the result of a person’s mistake.

Imagine that an employee sends an email containing important information to the incorrect address. If the wrong recipient gains access to the information, it constitutes a data breach, even if no harm is done.

Similarly, suppose that a corporate worker misplaces a piece of hardware housing sensitive data. If a bad actor finds the lost device, it could prove damaging to those affected.

Malware 

One of the most common ways that hackers attempt to breach digital systems is through malware. The term “malware” is short for “malicious software.” 

There are many ways that attackers can get malware into a company’s computer system. Once a malware program has infected a system, the attacker can access information for which they don’t have authorization.

Inadequate Digital Security 

When a corporation or government institution has weaknesses in its digital security, hackers may exploit it for personal gain. Some of the common examples of weak digital security include:

• Weak or overly simple passwords
• Unpatched software
• Outdated security programs 

Companies are expected to treat their customers’ sensitive information with care. If a data breach occurs because of corporate negligence, the victims deserve financial compensation.

Don’t let a negligent company go unaccountable for the financial harm they’ve caused you. Speak with a Morgan and Morgan attorney to pursue justice in your data privacy claim.

Unsecured Vendors

When an organization relies on third-party vendors for their needs, they may allow those vendors access to certain digital information. A data breach becomes more likely if the contracted vendors don’t maintain adequate digital security. 

Some examples of third-party digital vendors include: 

• Cloud service providers
• Payment processing services
• Agencies overseeing digital marketing 

Corporations and other institutions have a duty to perform due diligence before giving a third-party vendor access to important data. Failing to do so may qualify as negligence and cause the company to face legal liability. 

These are only a few of the most common causes of damaging data breaches. Regardless of the circumstances under which your information was stolen, you may be entitled to financial repayment.

It’s imperative that you contact a tort law firm in the aftermath of a data breach that’s affected you. The knowledgeable litigators at Morgan & Morgan know how to hold careless companies and institutions responsible for their actions. 

Steps for How to Prevent Data Breaches

Individual consumers aren’t able to control data breaches that occur as the result of corporate negligence. Still, there are ways to prevent data breaches at the individual level.

You can take several steps to keep your sensitive digital information safe. Some of the most effective include:

Coming Up With Strong Passwords

It’s important to put strong and diverse passwords in place for all your digital accounts. You should never reuse passwords across systems. 

Your passwords consist of various combinations of letters, numbers, and symbols. This will make it more difficult for bad actors to access your digital information and accounts.

Changing your passwords regularly is also vital for ensuring your digital safety. You’re at an increased risk of data breaches if your passwords remain unchanged for long periods.

Two-Factor Authentication

Many digital systems and accounts allow users to enable two-factor authentication. This approach requires additional proof of your identity after you’ve entered your password.  

For instance, an account might text a confirmation code to your phone after you submit your password. This provides an extra layer of security, making it much more difficult for hackers to access your data.

Update Software

Keeping your software updated also decreases the risk of data breaches.

New software typically includes security boosts and bug fixes. Conversely, outdated software is often vulnerable to cyberattacks. Hackers can sometimes exploit the vulnerabilities in old software to gain access to consumers’ information.

Be Cautious With Emails

Be wary anytime you receive an email from an account you don’t recognize. Hackers will sometimes send emails to potential victims in the hopes of infiltrating relevant digital accounts. 

This approach to digital theft is called “phishing.” Cybercriminals may send instant messages, emails, or other types of communication that appear to contain helpful resources, typically in the form of external links.

When the victim clicks the included link, it can install malware and make the person’s information vulnerable. Because of this common technique, you should never open a link from a person or organization you don’t recognize.

Rely on Secure Connections

When possible, connect to the internet in a secure manner. Examples of secure internet connections include HTTPS or a VPN. Make it a point to employ these measures whenever you access sensitive or personal information.

There are many steps that individuals should take to protect their private data. That said, data breaches can still occur through companies and institutions, even if you do everything right. If a data breach results in a significant loss to you, a knowledgeable tort attorney can help you recover the money you need.

The harm from a serious data breach can be financially devastating. Let a member of the Morgan and Morgan legal team fight to protect your rights.

Data Breach Claim Settlements

When you contact one of the skilled professionals at Morgan & Morgan, you may be unsure whether you have a valid claim. During your free consultation, one of our attorneys will carefully review the circumstances of your claim. 

The amount of money you can recover following a data breach will depend on the specific types of loss you’ve experienced. Some of the common crimes that happen following a data breach include:

• Identity theft
• Unlawful financial transfers
• Miscellaneous fraud
• Intellectual property theft 

Although some data breach claims result in trials, most don’t. The majority of cases are settled out of court.

The settlement you receive will depend on many factors. One of the most critical elements of a tort claim is the quality of your representation. When you work with Morgan and Morgan, you can trust that you have the support of America’s premier legal professionals.

Proving Negligence

Most successful tort claims hinge on the concept of negligence. In other words, you’ll need to provide evidence that the company in possession of your sensitive information acted negligently. You’ll also need to show that the company’s negligence resulted in the data breach and subsequent financial harm.

The four elements of the legal conception of negligence are: 

• Duty of care
• Breach of duty of care
• Cause 
• Harm 

First, the plaintiff must provide evidence that the company in question owed them a duty of care. In data privacy cases, this involves a responsibility to keep the plaintiff’s private data safe and secure.

Violating the duty of care involves treating clients’ information carelessly. For instance, relying on outdated software may qualify as a breach of duty. 

The claimant must also show that the breach of duty was the cause of actual harm. If the plaintiff didn’t suffer damage or the financial harm had another cause, they won’t have a valid claim. 

Consult a legal professional at Morgan & Morgan to determine how to prove negligence in your data breach case.