Data breaches have been hitting the front page again, with multiple large businesses hit with lawsuits and criticism. So, let’s take a look at the details of some of the top cases, and how this has affected the prioritization of data protection for firms handling sensitive information.
Prioritizing Data Protection In The Face of Publicized Breaches
Recently, there have been many cases of large companies experiencing data breaches, which have been highly publicized across multiple news channels. Due to this, making data protection an absolute priority has become increasingly important for brands that handle sensitive data. In the wake of these breaches, brands can take a lead from companies that are known for their high standards of data protection when handling sensitive customer information and finances.
Take a look at the world of iGaming, for example. Online casino platforms store sensitive customer information such as birthdays for age verification purposes, card details for ease of topping up credits, billing addresses, full names, behavioral data for personalization, and more. With this in mind, this industry requires robust data security protocols. In the UK, players trying their hand at on-demand or live games such as the Adventures Beyond Wonderland live casino game can easily navigate to Betfair’s security policy page for reassurance of how their data is stored, used, and processed. Personal information is only used for purposes that are deemed necessary by the platform, and the use of SSL and TLS technology to encrypt data in transit.
There is also the option for players to activate two-step authentication for their account. This MFA method sends a one-time code to a user’s registered phone number by SMS, or through the Google Authenticator app, depending on the player’s preferences. This page also gives players tips on how to stay safe online, such as watching out for spam messages, using recommended browsers, and so on, to further bolster their security policies and reduce the risk of human error.
How Were Such High-Profile Brands Breached?
Of course, this renewed importance in prioritizing data protection might just be a little too late for US-based brands like 23andMe. The personal data of 6.9 million genetic testing customers was leaked by hackers from the 23andMe database back in 2023 – that’s around half of their users. In November 2024, the DNA-testing company agreed to settle a $30 million lawsuit admitting that it failed to protect its customers, which could pay victims up to $10,000 in compensation.
Meanwhile, Cash App also recently proposed a $15 million settlement after two distinct security incidents which the digital wallet company was found to have mishandled. It is said that an unauthorized user accessed a range of Cash App person-to-person payment services using phone numbers that had been recycled. Complaints were supposedly made to Cash App about the fraudulent transactions, but they were not sufficiently followed up.
Most recently, a settlement has been reached that will resolve a proposed lawsuit against Ardagh Glass Inc. A third party with no authorization accessed their network to access names, driving licenses, Social Security numbers, and financial information of both current and former employees. It is thought that this has impacted up to 5,300 people, and each could be eligible for up to $11,000 in compensation.
As you can see, data breaches have been seen across a wide range of industries, affecting customers and employees alike. With this in mind, data security is expected to become a top priority for brands handling sensitive data.
