Washington State Attorney General Sues Fidelity Information Services Over Data Breach Concerns
Olympia, WA – July 25, 2025 – Washington State Attorney General Bob Ferguson announced today that the Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has filed a lawsuit against Fidelity Information Services (FIS) following a significant data breach that may have exposed the personal information of Washingtonians seeking or receiving food assistance benefits. The legal action aims to hold FIS accountable and ensure stronger protections for sensitive personal data.
The lawsuit, filed in King County Superior Court, alleges that FIS failed to implement reasonable security measures to protect the confidential information of individuals who applied for or received benefits through the Washington State Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS). The breach, which came to light earlier this year, involved unauthorized access to systems managed by FIS, a third-party vendor contracted by DSHS to process and manage benefits information.
“Protecting the personal information of our residents is paramount,” stated Attorney General Ferguson. “Individuals seeking assistance during challenging times entrust us with their most sensitive data. This lawsuit is about ensuring that companies entrusted with that data uphold their responsibility to safeguard it, and that Washingtonians are not left vulnerable due to negligence.”
The AGO’s investigation indicates that the breach could have compromised a wide range of personal details, including names, addresses, Social Security numbers, dates of birth, and other identifying information of individuals applying for or currently receiving benefits such as SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). The potential for identity theft and financial fraud is a significant concern arising from this incident.
Fidelity Information Services plays a critical role in the state’s social services infrastructure, handling vast amounts of personal data. The lawsuit asserts that FIS’s alleged failure to maintain adequate cybersecurity protocols constitutes a violation of Washington’s Consumer Protection Act and other relevant data privacy laws.
“Our office is committed to ensuring that vulnerable populations are not disproportionately harmed by data security failures,” Attorney General Ferguson added. “We are seeking to obtain injunctive relief to compel FIS to implement robust security measures moving forward and to secure compensation for any damages suffered by affected Washingtonians.”
The Attorney General’s Office is working closely with DSHS to identify and notify all potentially affected individuals. The state has also been in contact with FIS to understand the full scope of the breach and to ensure that appropriate remediation steps are being taken.
This legal action underscores the growing importance of cybersecurity for organizations that handle sensitive personal information, particularly those involved in government services. The AGO’s lawsuit serves as a strong reminder that accountability for data protection is a key priority for the state of Washington. Further updates will be provided as the legal proceedings develop.
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AGO News Releases published ‘El procurador general Brown presentó una demanda contra Fidelity Information Services para proteger la información personal de quienes solicitan o perciben beneficios de asistencia alimentaria’ at 2025-07-25 19:42. Please write a detailed article about this news in a polite tone with relevant information. Please reply in English with the article only.