On April 5, 2023, Woodward Communications, Inc. (“Woodward”) filed a notice of data breach with the Attorney General of Maine after experiencing a cybersecurity event that compromised the security of consumer data in the company’s possession. Based on the company’s official filing, the incident resulted in an unauthorized party gaining access to consumers’ names and Social Security numbers. After confirming that consumer data was leaked, Woodward began sending out data breach notification letters to all individuals who were impacted by the recent data security incident.

If you received a data breach notification from Woodward Communications, Inc., it is essential you understand what is at risk and what you can do about it. Companies have a legal duty to protect the sensitive information in their possession. Thus, when a company acts negligently, and hackers carry out a successful data breach, the company may be liable to victims of the breach. To learn more about how to protect yourself from becoming a victim of fraud or identity theft and what your legal options are in the wake of the Woodward Communications data breach, please see our recent piece on the topic here.

What We Know So Far About the Woodward Communications Breach

News of the Woodward Communications data breach is still fresh; however, what we know at this point comes from the company’s filing with the Attorney General of Maine. According to this source, Woodward recently learned that the company experienced a cyberattack earlier this year. In response, Woodward secured its network and began an investigation into the incident in hopes of determining what, if any, consumer data was leaked as a result.

The Woodward investigation confirmed that an unauthorized party was able to access the company’s network and may have stolen data contained within the affected parts of the network. It was later determined that some of the data consisted of confidential consumer information that had been entrusted to the company.

Upon discovering that sensitive consumer data was made available to an unauthorized party, Woodward Communications began to review the affected files to determine what information was compromised and which consumers were impacted. Woodward finalized this process on March 20, 2023. While the breached information varies depending on the individual, it may include your name and Social Security number.

On April 5, 2023, Woodward Communications sent out data breach letters to all individuals whose information was compromised as a result of the recent data security incident.

More Information About Woodward Communications, Inc.

Founded in 1836, Woodward Communications, Inc. is a broadcasting and publishing company based in Dubuque, Iowa. The company and its various subsidiaries publish newspapers and other publications. Woodward also operates radio and derives revenue through advertising services. Woodward Communications operates throughout Iowa, Illinois, and Wisconsin. Woodward Communications employs more than 146 people and generates approximately $29 million in annual revenue.