Pena Briones McDaniel & Co Data Breach Lawsuit Investigation
Did you receive a notice from Pena Briones McDaniel & Co.? A devastating 34 GB ransomware leak has put thousands at risk of identity theft and financial fraud. Find out how to protect yourself and see if you can file a claim today.
What Happened?
On April 15, 2025, the notorious Akira ransomware gang claimed responsibility for infiltrating the servers of Pena Briones McDaniel & Co., a long-standing accounting firm headquartered in El Paso, Texas. The attackers announced on the dark web that they had exfiltrated roughly 34 gigabytes of highly sensitive data.
The firm confirmed the attack after an internal investigation and began mailing breach notices on August 8, 2025. Regulatory filings show at least 4,180 Texas residents and one Massachusetts resident were notified, but the overall victim count is believed to be in the thousands.
Information Exposed
- Full names and addresses
- Social Security numbers
- Dates of birth
- Driver’s license or state ID numbers
- Passport scans and government IDs
- Marriage and corporate licenses, contracts
- Email addresses and contact numbers
- Financial data: audits, payment records, reports
- Medical and other personal information
Company Response
Pena Briones McDaniel & Co. reported the breach to state regulators in Massachusetts and Texas on August 18–19, 2025, and is offering 24 months of complimentary IDX credit monitoring to affected individuals.
Download Official Breach Notice (PDF)Your Next Steps
If you received a breach letter—or suspect your data was involved—act quickly to reduce potential harm:
- Enroll in the free 24-month IDX credit monitoring service.
- Review bank, credit-card and insurance statements for unfamiliar charges.
- Place a fraud alert or credit freeze with the three major bureaus (Equifax, Experian, TransUnion).
- Watch for phishing emails or calls that try to leverage your exposed data.
- Document any time or money spent responding to the breach; this may be reimbursable.
Can You File a Lawsuit?
Under state and federal data-privacy laws, organizations that fail to safeguard consumer information can be held liable for resulting damages. Victims of the Pena Briones McDaniel & Co. data breach may be entitled to compensation for:
- Out-of-pocket expenses (credit monitoring, notarizing documents, postage, etc.)
- Time spent mitigating identity-theft risks
- Unauthorized charges or fraudulent accounts
- Emotional distress and loss of privacy
Legal teams are actively evaluating claims. Don’t delay—statutes of limitation apply.
FAQ: Pena Briones McDaniel & Co. Data Breach
How do I know if I was affected by the Pena Briones McDaniel & Co. breach?
You should have received a mailed notification dated on or after August 8, 2025. If you moved recently or believe you were a client, contact the firm or monitor the Texas and Massachusetts AG filings listed above.
What is the Akira ransomware group?
Akira is a cyber-criminal syndicate that infiltrates company networks, steals data, then encrypts systems to demand payment. If ransoms aren’t met, stolen files are leaked online.
Is the free credit monitoring enough?
Credit monitoring is a helpful first layer, but it does not prevent fraud. Consider combining it with a credit freeze and vigilant account monitoring.
Can I join a class action against Pena Briones McDaniel & Co.?
Potential class actions are currently under investigation. Eligibility typically requires proof your data was included in the breach. Completing a claim inquiry form will help attorneys assess your case.
What happens if my Social Security number is misused?
You may face fraudulent tax returns, loans or credit lines. Report identity theft immediately to the FTC (IdentityTheft.gov) and consider placing a seven-year extended fraud alert.
Take Control of Your Data Security Today
The fallout from a ransomware attack can linger for years. By asserting your legal rights and adopting proactive security measures, you can mitigate risk and hold negligent organizations accountable.