Wineberg Solheim Howell & Shain, P.C. Data Breach Class Action Investigation

At Console & Associates, our data breach lawyers are closely examining the recent Wineberg Solheim Howell & Shain, P.C. data breach. This data breach was disclosed following a cyber security incident at Wineberg Solheim Howell & Shain, P.C., which may have affected clients and consumers, potentially exposing sensitive personal identifiable information.

What Happened?

A recent report from the Vermont Attorney General's website states that the Wineberg Solheim Howell & Shain, P.C. data breach occurred due to a cybersecurity incident where an unauthorized actor accessed and acquired files from the firm's network.

The accounting firm first detected suspicious activity within their computer network on November 13, 2024. Upon discovery, WSHS immediate security measures to secure their systems and engaged outside cybersecurity specialists to investigate the extent of the intrusion.

Through their investigation, the firm determined that an unauthorized party had not only accessed but also acquired files containing confidential client information stored on the Wineberg Solheim Howell & Shain, P.C. network. The compromised data includes highly sensitive personal information such as names, Social Security numbers, IRS identity protection PINs, driver's license numbers, and health insurance information. The specific data elements exposed vary by individual.

After identifying the affected files, Wineberg Solheim Howell & Shain, P.C. conducted a comprehensive review to determine exactly what information was compromised and which clients were impacted. This detailed analysis was completed on March 12, 2025, approximately four months after the initial detection of the security incident.

Data breach letters were sent out by Wineberg Solheim Howell & Shain, P.C. on March 18, 2025, informing affected individuals about the nature of the incident and the specific categories of their personal information that were compromised.

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 Wineberg Solheim Howell & Shain, P.C. data breach
   1. Be wary of unexpected emails or messages claiming to be from Wineberg Solheim Howell & Shain, P.C.
   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.

Wineberg Solheim Howell & Shain, P.C. Overview

Wineberg Solheim Howell & Shain, P.C. operates as a certified public accounting and financial advisory firm headquartered in Chicago, Illinois. The firm provides professional accounting and financial services to a diverse range of clients.

The company's service portfolio includes various aspects of financial management, with a significant focus on specialized tax planning services. Their tax practice serves multiple client categories, including high-net-worth individuals with complex financial situations, flow-through entities such as partnerships and S-corporations requiring specialized tax treatment, and charitable organizations with specific tax compliance requirements.

The firm employs approximately 25 professionals across their accounting, tax advisory, and administrative departments. According to available financial information, Wineberg Solheim Howell & Shain generates roughly $5 million in annual revenue through their professional service offerings.

The firm's business model involves providing ongoing professional services to established clients while developing relationships with new clients requiring accounting and financial advisory expertise. As is standard practice in the accounting industry, this business approach necessitates maintaining client information over extended periods to provide continuous service, creating significant data storage and protection requirements.

Wineberg Solheim Howell & Shain, P.C. Data Breach Victims Have Rights - Don’t Wait to Act

How do you know that you were affected by the Wineberg Solheim Howell & Shain, P.C. 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.