Blog Directory | Data Breach Class Actions

Lee Enterprises Data Breach Class Action Investigation

Written by Console & Associates P.C. | Feb 20, 2025 12:30:00 AM

At Console & Associates, our data breach lawyers are closely examining the recent Lee Enterprises data breach. This data breach was disclosed following a cyber security incident at Lee Enterprises, which may have affected numerous individuals, potentially exposing sensitive personal identifiable information of consumers and employees.

 

What Happened?

A recent report from the Securities and Exchange Commission filing states that the Lee Enterprises data breach occurred due to a cyber security attack on February 3, 2025, targeting the company's IT network.

According to investigations, unauthorized actors accessed and encrypted Lee Enterprises' network systems and removed certain files. The company has assembled a team of cybersecurity experts to address the incident and conduct a thorough investigation.

As of February 19, 2025, notification letters have not yet been sent by Lee Enterprises as the company continues to review compromised files to determine if consumer or employee information was leaked. If confidential information is confirmed to be compromised, the company will be required to notify affected individuals.

 

Steps To Take If You Were Affected By A Data Breach

  1. Monitor all accounts and credit reports closely
    1. Set up alerts for suspicious activity
    2. Review all financial statements thoroughly
    3. Request free credit reports and examine them for unauthorized entries

  2. Consider freezing your credit
    1. Contact all three major credit bureaus to place a freeze
    2. Understand this prevents new accounts from being opened in your name
    3. Remember to temporarily lift the freeze when applying for legitimate credit

  3. Look out for phishing attempts using information from the Lee Enterprises data breach
    1. Be wary of unexpected emails or messages claiming to be from Lee Enterprises
    2. Don't click on suspicious links or download unexpected attachments
    3. Verify all communications through official channels

  4. Change passwords for affected accounts
    1. Create strong, unique passwords for each account
    2. Use a combination of letters, numbers, and special characters
    3. Consider using a password manager for better security

  5. Enable two-factor authentication where possible
    1. Add this extra layer of security to all important accounts
    2. Use authenticator apps rather than SMS when available
    3. Keep backup codes in a secure location

For more detailed guidance, explore our “Guide for Victims of a Data Breach” to better understand measures you can take to protect yourself after a data breach.

 

Lee Enterprises Overview

Lee Enterprises, Inc. (NYSE: LEE) is a media organization headquartered in Davenport, Iowa. Founded in 1890 by A.W. Lee, the company began with a single newspaper acquisition and has since expanded through numerous acquisitions and mergers.

The company's operational footprint spans 77 daily newspaper publications distributed across 26 states throughout the United States. Its media portfolio encompasses approximately 350 weekly and specialty publications, reaching a combined circulation of 1.2 million daily subscribers and 1.5 million Sunday subscribers. Notable publications within the Lee Enterprises network include the St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Omaha World-Herald, Wisconsin State Journal, and The Buffalo News.

Lee Enterprises maintains a workforce of approximately 3,000 employees distributed across its various publication offices, production facilities, and corporate headquarters. The organizational structure consists of regional management overseeing clustered publications with centralized corporate functions including finance, human resources, legal, and technology departments.

Financial data indicates Lee Enterprises generates an estimated $750 million in annual revenue. The revenue structure comprises:

  • 49% from advertising and marketing services
  • 37% from subscription and circulation
  • 8% from commercial printing and distribution
  • 6% from other diversified services

Lee Enterprises Data Breach Victims Have Rights - Don’t Wait to Act

How do you know that you were affected by the Lee Enterprises data breach? Usually victims receive a NOTICE OF DATA BREACH in the mail, but the impact of a breach can be felt long before notices are sent to those affected. This can be in the form of fraudulent financial activity and other forms of identity theft.

If you believe you were affected, we encourage you to reach out to our data breach law firm for legal assistance through a no-cost consultation about your situation. We will review your eligibility to file a data breach class action lawsuit and discuss your legal rights and any compensation that may be available to you.

Complete our confidential contact form below and a member of our legal team will be in touch.