In December 2023, South Western Communications Inc. suffered a ransomware attack that led to unauthorized access to the personal information of ~4,386 individuals, including employees and their dependents. The breach exposed sensitive data, prompting a $436,670 class-action settlement to compensate affected parties. Victims could claim reimbursements for out-of-pocket losses (up to $6,000 per person), attested time ($125 max), and three years of credit monitoring with $1M identity theft insurance. The settlement also covers legal fees (~$291,000) and administrative costs. The attack’s fallout included potential fraud, financial losses, and reputational harm, with the company denying liability but settling to avoid prolonged litigation. The incident highlights the severe consequences of ransomware on corporate data security and employee/customer trust.