Blackbaud reaches $49.5M Settlement: In a shocking resolution, software giant Blackbaud has committed to a staggering $49.5 million settlement following allegations by 49 states and the District of Columbia regarding its perceived inadequate security measures during a 2020 ransomware attack that affected thousands.
Blackbaud Reaches $49.5M Settlement: Monetary Penalty and More
Apart from the significant financial hit, Blackbaud is now bound to significantly revamp its data security protocols, enhance breach notification practices, and avoid any misleading proclamations about its security and privacy commitments.
In the eye of the storm, Connecticut Attorney General William Tong expressed, “Blackbaud was the guardian of an arsenal of sensitive consumer data. Their armor should have been impenetrable, but it faltered.” He continued, “With this settlement, we’re tightening the bolts on their security apparatus and setting a precedent for data protection.”
The investigative web woven around this case was spearheaded by the attorneys general from Indiana and Vermont. An executive task force, comprised of officials from Alabama, Arizona, Florida, Illinois, and New York, further bolstered the investigative muscle. California remained the lone state not part of the settlement.
Blackbaud’s Financial Statements and Forward-looking Stance
In an assertive move, Blackbaud clarified that the looming settlement amount was already earmarked in the company’s financial ledger as of June 30. Mike Gianoni, the chief helmsman at Blackbaud, stated, “At the heart of Blackbaud, our guiding compass has always been the security of our customers. As cyber threats morph, so will our defenses. This chapter is behind us, and we remain committed as the linchpin software entity for purpose-driven bodies.”
