A PRIVACY settlement will result in providing Americans with a payday worth up to $1,000.
The Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) has agreed to a class action settlement stemming from a data breach in August 2020.
The public transportation agency agreed to the payout to resolve allegations that it failed to prevent the hack that potentially compromised employee data.
The long-awaited settlement benefits individuals who were notified by SEPTA that their information may have been compromised in August 2020.
DETAILS OF THE HACK
According to details of a class action lawsuit from SEPTA employees, the transportation authority was the target of a hack.
The suit alleges the company failed to implement reasonable cybersecurity measures, which would have prevented the breach.
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As a result, the personal information and protected health details of some employees may have been impacted.
SEPTA hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing, and claims it had "meritorious defenses" in place, but did agree to pay an undisclosed sum to resolve the data breach class action lawsuit.
HERE'S WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO CLAIM
Those who have been identified as a 'Class Member' may seek reimbursement of up to $1,000, according to the settlement.
Specifically, this applies to those who "received notice from SEPTA in August 2020 or November 2022 regarding information that was potentially compromised in the Data Security Incident," the details read.
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But you must provide proof of economic loss sustained as a result of the incident - and had not already been reimbursed by a third party.
Alternatively, recognized members have the option to seek reimbursement for $25 per hour.
But keep in mind that the most you can claim is for four hours lost.
They are also eligible to receive one year of free credit monitoring with Equifax.
DEADLINE TO FILE CLAIM
To receive the compensation and benefit, a claim form must be completed no later than July 17, 2023, along with other enrollment measures.
According to the terms of the settlement, those members that don't submit a claim form or reimbursement form will receive nothing and will give up any right to sue the company in a separate suit.
The settlement is still pending final approval in a court hearing scheduled for September 20, 2023.
SEPTA'S transit system serves the greater Philadelphia area and connects to Delaware and New Jersey through railways, buses, trolleys, subways, and a high-speed line.
Meanwhile, consumers who want to better guard against their own personal data being hacked may wish to consider options like Norton LifeLock, or Aura.
Read More on The US Sun
For more related stories, here's a $4million class action lawsuit that could deliver more than $5,000 in compensation to those impacted.
Plus, find out how to protect yourself against a security threat that could drain your bank account.
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