ECSI Data Breach Settlement: About $100 Cash or Up to $5,000 Losses

A class action accuses Educational Computer Systems, Inc. (ECSI) of failing to prevent a criminal cyberattack on its website, dubbed the "Security Incident," which occurred between October 29, 2023 and February 12, 2024 and may have exposed users' personal information. ECSI has agreed to a $6,500,000 settlement to resolve the claims without admitting any wrongdoing. The deal still needs court approval, and payments won't go out until that happens and any appeals are resolved.

You may qualify if your personal information was potentially accessed during the Security Incident.

There are two payment options, and you can only choose one. The first lets you seek reimbursement, up to $5,000, for documented out-of-pocket losses more likely than not tied to the breach, things like bank fees, postage, phone or data charges, local travel costs for gas, or credit report and monitoring expenses. This option requires reasonable supporting documentation; self-prepared records such as handwritten receipts won't be accepted on their own.

The second option is an Alternative Cash Payment estimated at about $100, which requires no documentation but may be adjusted up or down depending on the total number of approved claims.

Whichever option you choose, the claim form requires your name, contact details, and a signed, dated certification affirming the information is true under penalty of perjury. The settlement administrator may follow up for additional information before deeming a claim complete and valid.

To find out if you're included in the settlement, check for a notice that was sent to you.