MARLTON, N.J. - Feb. 2, 2022 - PRLog -- Console & Associates, P.C. is actively investigating a recent cyberattack at Luttrell Staffing Group. If an investigation reveals evidence that Luttrell Staffing Group negligently maintained consumer data despite the prevalence of widespread cyberthreats, the company may be financially liable to those whose information was compromised.

The Luttrell Staffing Group security breach is just one of the most recent examples of the many data breaches that have occurred over the past few months, as hackers and other cybercriminals continue to prey on companies with vulnerable data-security systems. To be sure, companies whose computers are hacked are victims of a data breach; however, they are not the only victims, as the most serious harms may fall upon consumers.

There are many potential causes of a data breach. In this case, it appears as though a hacker installed malware on Luttrell's network. Malware, which is short for "malicious software," is a common type of cyberattack. Cybercriminals install malware over a company's network where it can wreak havoc, often by scouring the network for valuable data that can be used for identity theft and other frauds.  While the hacker who orchestrates a cyber-attack is the only one who knows their true intentions, these events are frequently designed to obtain consumer data that can later be used to commit identity theft.

News of the Luttrell Staffing Group data breach only recently broke, and details are currently limited. However, the situation raises legitimate concerns about the company's efforts to keep consumer data secure.

Attorney Richard P. Console explains, "When consumers do business with a company or provide their personal information to an organization, they assume that it will remain private. And, after a data breach, it's natural to assign all blame to the hacker or other criminal party responsible for orchestrating the cyberattack. However, this overlooks the obligations that organizations owe to consumers. It isn't just about "good business"; organizations also assume a legal duty when they hold a consumer's information. This duty requires companies to implement data security measures that adequately protect consumer information from various cyberthreats. While developing a robust data security system requires a significant amount of capital and effort, it is a necessary cost of doing business that all organizations must take seriously in an environment in which the threat of cyberattacks is ever-present."

According to the Luttrell Staffing Group data breach notification letter, on June 14, 2021, the company became aware that certain files had been encrypted with malware by an unidentified party. The company then investigated the incident, and, on December 27, 2021, Luttrell Staffing Group confirmed that an unauthorized party gained access to files containing names and Social Security between the dates of June 10, 2021 and June 23, 2021.

According to one source, as many as 42,886 employees, former employees and associates were impacted by this data security event. While the company cannot tell which files the unauthorized party actually accessed or whether any data was removed from its servers, affected individuals should keep a lookout for signs of identity theft and fraud by closely monitoring their online accounts and credit reports.

Those receiving a Luttrell Staffing Group data breach letter should take the following steps to protect themselves:

1. Carefully review the letter sent by Luttrell Staffing Group;
2. Retain a copy of the data breach notification letter;
3. Enroll in the free credit monitoring service provided by Luttrell Staffing Group;
4. Change all passwords and security questions to online accounts;
5. Enable two-factor or multi-factor authentication, where it is available;
6. Frequently review all credit card and bank account statements for any signs of fraud or unauthorized activity;
7. Monitor credit reports for any unexpected changes or signs of identity theft;
8. Contact a credit bureau to request a temporary fraud alert; and
9. Notify all banks and credit card companies of the data breach.