Newcourse Communications has settled a class action lawsuit for $600,000 due to a 2022 data breach affecting consumer information. The breach, which occurred between April 27 and May 3, 2022, compromised Social Security numbers among other sensitive data. Plaintiffs allege that Newcourse failed to implement adequate cybersecurity measures and delayed notifying affected individuals until October 2022.
The settlement provides various benefits to consumers impacted by the breach. Those whose Social Security numbers were compromised will receive two years of free identity theft monitoring services, including three-bureau monitoring and $1 million in insurance coverage. Additionally, affected individuals can claim up to $500 for ordinary expenses related to the breach, such as bank fees and credit costs.
For those who experienced documented identity theft, the settlement offers up to $4,000 in additional reimbursement for unreimbursed financial losses. The settlement also covers up to five hours of lost time at a rate of $20 per hour. The deadline for submitting a valid claim form to receive these benefits is August 24, 2024.
The final approval hearing for the settlement is scheduled for October 11, 2024, with the deadline for exclusions and objections set for July 10, 2024. Consumers who received a mailed data breach notification from Newcourse Communications are eligible to file a claim to benefit from the settlement.
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