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Southwood Financial Data Breach Investigation
Shamis & Gentile P.A., one of the nation's premier class action law firms specializing in data breach cases, is investigating the Southwood Financial data breach.
If you were affected by the data breach, your sensitive personally identifiable information may have been exposed, and you may be eligible for compensation.
About Southwood Financial
Southwood Financial is a private student loan administrator based in Sterling, Virginia. The company specializes in managing distressed student loan receivables.
Southwood Financial is known for purchasing non-performing student loan assets and providing solutions to help borrowers resolve their accounts.
What Happened?
On March 25, 2025, Southwood Financial discovered suspicious activity that temporarily disrupted its computer network. By May 29, 2025, it was determined that some customers’ personal information was included in the potentially affected data.
The cybersecurity incident was caused by a ransomware attack attributed to the Akira ransomware group, which later claimed responsibility on its dark web site hosted on the Tor network.
Exposed Information
- Name
- Social Security number
- Date of birth
- Address
- Telephone number
- Email address
- Other account information
Southwood began notifying affected individuals on June 27, 2025. The data breach was disclosed to the California Attorney General's office on June 27, 2025 and the Vermont Attorney General’s office on June 30, 2025.
Your Rights and Next Steps
If you received a notice from Southwood Financial, you have important rights and options. You may be entitled to seek compensation for any harm or inconvenience caused by this cybersecurity incident.
- Credit monitoring services: Sign up for the free Cyberscout single bureau credit monitoring services offered in the notice you received.
- Monitor your accounts carefully: Check your financial statements regularly for suspicious activity or unauthorized transactions. If you notice anything unusual, contact your financial institution immediately.
- Fraud alert and credit reports: A fraud alert informs creditors to take extra steps to verify your identity before opening new accounts in your name. Consumers are also entitled to one free credit report annually from each credit bureau. You can request a fraud alert or a credit report by contacting any one of the three major credit bureaus.
- Seek legal help: Lawyers are ready to help you understand your rights and pursue compensation.
Lawyers are ready to help you understand your rights and guide you through the process of joining a class action lawsuit.
You May Be Entitled to Compensation
If your information was compromised in the Southwood Financial data breach, you may have legal rights and could be eligible for compensation. This can include reimbursement for out-of-pocket expenses, time spent addressing the breach, or payment for emotional distress.
Lawyers are ready to help you understand your options and pursue a claim if you qualify. To take the next steps, complete the form below.
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