The oldest law company in New York has been hacked, affecting nearly 90,000 clients.
The personal information of more than 90,000 clients is at risk due to the cyberattack on prestigious legal firm Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft. According to reports, the hackers were able to obtain confidential data from the network, including files holding the full names and Social Security numbers of corporate customers as well as other personal information. The warning claims that there currently exists no proof that any impacted clients’ personal information has been disclosed to or utilised improperly by a third party.
According to the Office of the Maine Attorney General, 93,211 people were impacted by the current breach, which was detected on November 16, 2022. The oldest continually running law firm in the United States is Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, founded in 1792.
According to the practice, focused web monitoring is done to make certain that any such acts are found and dealt with quickly. It stated that clients would be subject to a “greater risk of identity theft or fraud, financial loss, and non-material loss” if any unauthorised access to or misuse of personal information were to take place.
The legal firm allegedly intervened to stop the hacking as soon as it was discovered and began a probe with the aid of cybersecurity professionals. According to Cadwalader, Wickersham & Taft, they had additionally reported this occurrence to the authorities and other appropriate regulators, while also undertaking measures to further reinforce our network.
The business urges customers to be watchful in the wake of the attack and thoroughly check their online and financial accounts for any unusual behaviour. Customers are encouraged to update their account passwords and security questions as away and to notify the appropriate financial institution if any such activity is discovered. The law firm also emphasises the significance of promptly informing the authorities of any suspected instances of fraud or identity theft. Affected customers have received free identity theft protection from the business, and they are encouraged to use it.
Written by Anagha Anuraj, 1st year law student pursuing BBA LLB from IIM Rohtak.
