Data Breach Summary
Columbia Hospitality, an operator of upscale properties including Semiahmoo Resort, has disclosed a data security breach that potentially compromised the personal information of its customers.. The announcement, made through a filing with the Vermont Attorney General’s office, provides limited details on the circumstances leading up to the breach.
Individuals associated with Columbia Hospitality, are advised to remain vigilant for any suspicious activity related to their personal information. Monitoring financial statements, changing passwords, and being cautious of phishing attempts are recommended steps to protect against potential misuse of compromised data. To learn more about how to protect yourself after such incidents, explore this resource on how to respond to a data breach incident and understand the steps you can take.
Columbia Hospitality discovered unusual network activity on July 30, 2024, and immediately took action to secure its systems. Cybersecurity experts were brought in to investigate, and it was determined that certain data may have been accessed without authorization on or around that date. A thorough review of the affected files was completed on December 10, 2024, revealing that some of your information may have been involved. Since then, Columbia Hospitality has been working to gather the necessary contact details to notify those impacted.
Although the specific number of affected individuals has not been disclosed, the incident is important for any customers who have interacted with Columbia Hospitality properties around the time of the breach
To help alleviate concerns and restore trust, Columbia Hospitality is offering complimentary access to IDX. IDX, a global leader in risk mitigation and response, provides services such as:
The breached data may include personal information such as:
If you received a data breach notification from Columbia Hospitality, your personal information may have been compromised. While most victims are officially informed via a ‘‘notice of data breach” in the mail, the consequences—such as fraudulent transactions and identity theft—can begin long before you receive the notice.
Stay Alert for Phishing Scams
Scammers may try to take advantage of the data breach by posing as Columbia Hospitality. Be wary of unexpected emails, texts, or phone calls requesting personal information. When in doubt, verify any communication directly with the company through official channels.
Monitor Your Credit and Financial Accounts
Keep a close eye on your bank statements, credit card activity, and credit reports for any unauthorized transactions. Set up account alerts to catch suspicious activity early. Take advantage of free credit reports and review them carefully for unfamiliar accounts or discrepancies.
Consider Freezing Your Credit
For added protection, request a credit freeze from all three major credit bureaus. This prevents anyone from opening new accounts in your name while still allowing you to use your existing credit. If you need to apply for credit, you can temporarily lift the freeze when necessary.
Class Action U, in partnership with KO Lawyers, is supporting individuals impacted by the Columbia Hospitality data breach. If your information was exposed in this breach, you may be eligible to join a class action lawsuit.
Class action lawsuits allow individuals affected by large-scale data breaches like the Columbia Hospitality, incident to come together and pursue compensation collectively. These lawsuits can provide a more efficient and cost-effective way to hold companies accountable for failing to protect personal information. Learn how joining a class action lawsuit can potentially help you to seek compensation for:
A successful case could also compel Columbia Hospitality, to improve its security measures and prevent future breaches. Reach out to Class Action U today to determine your eligibility for a data breach class action lawsuit and the compensation that may be available to you.
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