Members have received an e-mail from Annaliese Fleming, Sr. Associate Executive Director and General Counsel for the American Bar Association (ABA). The ABA experienced a data breach in March 2023 that may have affected usernames and passwords used on their old website prior to 2018 or the ABA Career Center since 2018. The ABA has taken steps to address the breach, including removing unauthorized third party and reviewing network security configurations. Although no misuse of information has been reported, affected individuals are encouraged to change their passwords and remain vigilant, e.g., monitor their credit reports. Although the ABA apologizes for any inconvenience and provides a hotline for inquiries, 1-888-411-8698, and some self-help suggestions.  But it offered no damages to its customers for the breach.

After having just provided my editorial, If companies are beginning to be held responsible to their clients for data breaches of their third-party software vendors and providers, should lawyers be concerned too?, I wonder how this apparent “lack of remedy” may be changed if a lawsuit is filed. 😮 And yes, I appreciate the irony of the situation! 🙃