In January 2025, a fast-growing fintech company reached out to Harrington Morris Legal following a devastating data breach that exposed sensitive customer records. The breach occurred on a Thursday morning and by Friday, news outlets were already reporting on the incident, creating widespread speculation and panic among stakeholders.
The client’s leadership team was overwhelmed. Their internal communications team lacked legal training, and their IT department was still assessing the extent of the breach. That’s when our crisis response unit stepped in. Within two hours of being retained, we assembled a cross-functional team that included privacy counsel, media advisors, and regulatory experts.
Our first step was to advise the client on its legal notification obligations. We quickly identified jurisdictions requiring 72-hour breach notifications and helped prepare customized filings. Simultaneously, we drafted an interim public statement, vetted it for compliance, and coordinated with the client's executives to deliver it in a press briefing that same day.
Next, we initiated outreach to affected customers with clear and empathetic messaging, ensuring compliance with consumer protection laws. We also advised on temporary website and app updates to inform users about security enhancements and customer service availability. On social media, our coordinated legal-approved posts reassured users and countered misinformation.
Meanwhile, our attorneys worked with internal IT to confirm the breach source and document corrective actions. This report was later provided to regulators, helping to prevent further enforcement actions. By the end of 72 hours, the client had stabilized its media presence, fulfilled legal disclosure obligations, and received praise from analysts for its transparency.
This case underscores the value of having a legally guided, rapid-response plan. Harrington Morris Legal not only defends reputations—we actively help restore them. Our experience handling high-pressure PR crises means your company can move from damage control to recovery with speed and precision.