A data breach occurs when sensitive, confidential or private records are copied, transmitted, viewed, stolen or used by an individual unauthorized to do so. Breaches expose personal information to potential fraud or misuse.

For a helpful definition and overview of what constitutes a data breach, read this informative article on what is a data breach.

Yes, you may be eligible for compensation if you suffered identity theft, fraudulent charges, damage to your credit or other provable losses from your information being exposed in a breach. 

Many victims of data breaches want to know if they can receive compensation for a data breach. This post examines your options.

Cyber criminals sell or use your exposed information for financial fraud and identity theft. Victims often first learn of a breach when fraudulent accounts surface, but risks can last for years. Ongoing risks include additional fraud, medical identity theft, and damaged credit ratings or scores.

Once a data breach has occurred, companies have obligations for what happens after a data breach. Get the facts.

If you receive a notification letter about your data being exposed, contact a qualified data breach lawyer right away to protect your rights. There are typically deadlines to join class action lawsuits. An attorney can advise you on the next best steps.

Receiving a data breach notification letter can be confusing. Get tips on what to do with a data breach letter.

Yes. Handling sensitive personal data requires reasonable security measures and controls under state and federal laws. Companies can be held liable in class action lawsuits if lax protections contributed to allowing a breach.

Is a data breach a legal issue? For companies, the answer is yes. 

Ever wonder how hackers use stolen information from data breaches? Stolen personal data often gets sold on the dark web and can be used to open fraudulent financial or medical accounts, file fake tax returns for refunds, commit medical identity theft, and other fraud generating profits.