Forum Communications Company data breach

Clerk's notes

On March 19, 2025, Forum Communications Company officially reported a data security incident to the Maryland Attorney General's office. This report indicates an unauthorized access event within the company's network infrastructure, which operates extensive media, publishing, and communications platforms. The breach filing signifies that sensitive records may have been compromised.

The types of data reportedly involved in this compromise include Full Name, Social Security Number, Date of Birth, Mailing Address, Wage and Compensation Information, Direct Deposit Account Details, Email Address, and Subscription and Account History. This broad spectrum of personal and financial information could impact both current and former employees, as well as customers of Forum Communications Company's various services.

The exposure of such critical identifiers as Social Security Number and Date of Birth carries significant risks for identity theft, which can lead to fraudulent accounts, unauthorized loans, or even compromised government benefits. Additionally, compromised Direct Deposit Account Details and Wage and Compensation Information create direct avenues for financial fraud and targeted phishing schemes. Vigilant monitoring of personal accounts and credit reports is crucial following such an event.

Under the Maryland Personal Information Protection Act (MPIPA) and general legal principles, Forum Communications Company had a duty to implement reasonable security safeguards to protect the sensitive data it held. The occurrence of a data breach suggests that these protective measures may have been insufficient to prevent unauthorized access and data exfiltration.

If you received a data breach notification letter from Forum Communications Company, it confirms that your personal information was potentially affected. This notification establishes the basis for you to explore legal options to hold the company accountable for any potential negligence. Our firm offers a no-cost, no-obligation review of your specific situation to help you understand your rights and potential next steps.

If a notification letter about this breach reached you, see every Maryland data breach on file or browse all cases.