SouthState Bank, a prominent US financial institution with assets exceeding $45 billion, is currently facing a proposed class action lawsuit led by Latonya Gore in Florida. The lawsuit stems from a data breach that occurred in February 2024, wherein the personal information of the bank’s clients, including their full names, financial account numbers, and Social Security numbers, was compromised.

The lawsuit alleges that SouthState Bank negligently failed to implement adequate and reasonable security measures to protect its data systems from unauthorized intrusions. Furthermore, the bank is accused of not taking standard and readily available steps to prevent the breach and failing to promptly and accurately notify its customers about the incident.

According to the plaintiffs, hackers have already exploited the leaked personal information for identity theft. They also argue that there is a significant risk that these hackers may commit other illicit activities, such as opening fraudulent bank accounts, obtaining loans, or acquiring fake driver’s licenses in the victims’ names.

While SouthState Bank reportedly sent a letter to its customers regarding the breach, the plaintiffs contend that it lacked crucial information. The lawsuit states, “Despite the defendant’s deliberate lack of transparency regarding the root cause of this incident, several facts can be inferred from the notice letter, including: a) the data breach was the work of cybercriminals; b) the cybercriminals initially infiltrated the bank’s networks and systems, downloading data in the process; and c) once inside the networks and systems, the cybercriminals specifically targeted Social Security numbers belonging to the plaintiffs and other class members for theft.”

The plaintiffs are seeking damages, which include the necessity to continuously monitor their financial and personal records for an extended period. This lawsuit serves as a reminder of the importance of robust data protection measures and the potential consequences that can arise from a data breach.

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