2020 Arthur J. Gallagher — ransomware; multi-month network access; large-scale class settlement
Data compromised
SSN-class and benefits-adjacent HR data described in state sample notices—exact cohort sizes aggregated only in litigation marketing
Technical writeup
Insurance broker Arthur J. Gallagher & Co. issued state breach notifications for ransomware-related unauthorized access on its corporate network between June and September 2020, with South Carolina regulatory samples and trade press later contextualizing years-long class-action economics culminating in a multimillion-dollar settlement fund for affected individuals offered identity services.
Root cause
Human-operated ransomware deployment with prolonged dwell time (per attorney-general-filed consumer letters)
References
- https://consumer.sc.gov/sites/consumer/files/Documents/Business%20Resources%2FLaws/Related%20Laws/Breaches/2021/ArthurJGallagher.pdf
- https://www.insurancebusinessmag.com/us/news/cyber/gallagher-settles-lawsuit-over-major-data-breach-524000.aspx
- https://topclassactions.com/lawsuit-settlements/closed-settlements/21m-arthur-j-gallagher-co-data-breach-class-action-settlement/