Pittsburgh, PA – The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office recently filed a lawsuit against Equifax, a major credit reporting agency, citing a coding error that may have exposed the personal information of thousands of individuals. The lawsuit alleges that Equifax’s negligent actions allowed unauthorized individuals to access sensitive data, including Social Security numbers and financial information.
According to the lawsuit, the coding error occurred in March 2024 and was not discovered by Equifax until later that year. The Attorney General’s Office claims that Equifax failed to take prompt action to address the error and instead continued to collect and store personal information without implementing necessary security measures.
The lawsuit seeks restitution for affected individuals and civil penalties against Equifax for its alleged violations of the Pennsylvania Unfair Trade Practices and Consumer Protection Law. The Attorney General’s Office is also seeking injunctive relief to ensure that Equifax takes appropriate measures to protect consumer data in the future.
Equifax has faced significant scrutiny and legal action following a massive data breach in 2017, during which the personal information of approximately 147 million consumers was compromised. The company ultimately agreed to a settlement of up to $700 million to resolve claims related to the breach.
This recent lawsuit adds to the legal challenges faced by Equifax and underscores the importance of maintaining robust cybersecurity protocols. It serves as a reminder to consumers of the potential risks associated with sharing personal information with credit reporting agencies and other entities.
The Pennsylvania Attorney General’s Office is dedicated to protecting consumers from data breaches and holding companies accountable for their actions. With this lawsuit, they aim to secure compensation for affected individuals and send a message to companies that negligence will not be tolerated when it comes to safeguarding consumer data.
Equifax has not yet issued a public statement regarding the lawsuit. As the legal proceedings unfold, it remains to be seen how this latest lawsuit will impact the company’s reputation and financial standing.
In the wake of this lawsuit, it is crucial for consumers to remain vigilant about their personal data and take steps to protect themselves from potential identity theft or fraud. This includes regularly monitoring credit reports, utilizing strong and unique passwords for online accounts, and promptly reporting any suspicious activity to the appropriate authorities.
Data breaches and cybersecurity incidents continue to pose a significant threat to individuals and businesses worldwide. As technology advances and the amount of personal information collected and stored increases, it becomes increasingly important for companies to prioritize data security and take proactive measures to prevent unauthorized access and breaches.