A Failure of Corporate Responsibility
According to a class action lawsuit filed against Berry Dunn (along with the company’s own confession in a now deleted page), the Berry Dunn learned in September 2023 that its systems had been compromised, potentially exposing customers’ names, addresses, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and health insurance information.
Yet in an utterly arrogant display of corporate indifference, Berry Dunn waited over seven months to notify affected individuals, leaving them vulnerable to identity theft and financial fraud for months without their knowledge
This egregious delay in notification is emblematic of how large corporations prioritize their own interests over consumer wellbeing. When companies are more concerned with managing PR fallout than protecting their customers, it’s clear our system of corporate accountability is broken.
The Human Cost of Corporate Negligence
For victims like Laura Russell, the plaintiff in the class action suit, the data breach has created ongoing anxiety and financial risk. Russell has been forced to spend significant time and energy monitoring her accounts, researching identity protection services, and living with the knowledge that her most sensitive information is now in the hands of cybercriminals.
The emotional toll of having your privacy violated in this way cannot be overstated. Victims often experience lasting anxiety, depression, and a profound sense of vulnerability that can impact many areas of their lives.
A Systemic Problem of Corporate Greed
While Berry Dunn’s negligence is egregious, experts say it is symptomatic of deeper issues with how corporations handle consumer data. In a system that prioritizes shareholder profits above all else, companies have little incentive to invest in robust cybersecurity measures or respond quickly to breaches.
This is the ugly face of neoliberal capitalism.
When we allow the profit motive to supersede all other concerns, including basic human rights like privacy, this is the inevitable result. Corporations will continue to cut corners and expose consumers to harm as long as it benefits their bottom line.
Corporations have proven time and again that they cannot be trusted to self-regulate when it comes to data security.
It’s time for robust government action to protect consumers and hold companies accountable for their negligence.
Destroying The Evidence
I also want to note that it’s kind of suspicious for Berry Dunn to delete their own notice of the data breach from their own website.
It really makes it look like they’re hiding something…
Fortunately for us, the Wayback Machine exists!
