Walk It Through: The Breach Letter
A notice of a data breach, a credit card opened in someone else's name, and where to report it.
A letter arrives from a retailer saying hackers took customers' unencrypted card numbers and names.
Two things a person in this spot might do. Picking one shows what the law says about it.
One breach. Credit freezes, disputes with credit bureaus, and a lawsuit against the retailer are not worked through here.
A practice walkthrough, not a prediction of how any real one will go. Legal information, not legal advice.
Words this turns on
Terms with a legal meaning that is narrower than the everyday one. Each links to the definition and the authority behind it.
- Breach of the security of the systemUnauthorized acquisition of unencrypted computerized data that compromises the security, confidentiality or integrity of personal information.
- Identity theftKnowingly taking, possessing or using another person's identifying information without consent, to use their identity unlawfully, to cause loss, or to gain a benefit.