Law Firm Representing Uber Loses Driver Data to Hackers

Some New Jersey drivers are receiving a written apology from a law firm representing Uber that says hackers have breached its network and stolen driver data, including full names, Social Security Numbers, and more.

Genova Burns, a mid-sized law firm in Newark, claims hackers breached its servers on Jan. 23, but it only learned about the intrusion on Jan 31.

“In connection with this legal representation, we received data regarding certain drivers on the Uber platform, which included information about you,” the letter states.

In response, the law firm engaged outside forensic and data security specialists to investigate. On March 1, they determined that the stolen data included name and Social Security number and/or Tax Identification number, among other information.

“At this time, we are unaware of any actual or attempted misuse of your information as a result of this incident,” claims the letter, a copy of which was obtained and published by UK news outlet The Register.

Genova Burns failed to explain why it needed drivers' personally identifiable information and has yet to respond to media inquiries.

The letter says Genova Burns is now working to improve its security to prevent future such incidents.

The firm is offering affected individuals 12 months of complimentary identity monitoring services to combat any fraud attempts.

“We encourage you to remain vigilant against incidents of identity theft and fraud by reviewing your account statements,” the firm says.

Genova Burns’ wording makes it seem like the breach is not very serious in nature, though such incidents typically end with hackers selling or using the stolen data for identity theft, fraud and even extortion.

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