Weeks after a massive data breach saw the data of 2.9 million people leaked, Desjardins announced it will automatically protect all members against identity theft on Monday.
On June 20, the company said an employee had been responsible for the data leak, which affected 2.7 million individuals and 173,000 businesses. During a conference call with media on Monday Desjardins Group CEO and President Guy Cormier said he has received a letter himself informing him that his data had been compromised.
In the wake of the leak, the company said it would offer free identity theft insurance for five years but on Monday said it would expand that with several new measures.
“Today, we’re sending a message to all of our members. Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered,” said Guy Cormier in a statement. “If your identity has been stolen, give us a call.”
Under the new measures, Desjardins member will be given, at no cost, assistance to those whose identities have been stolen, including legal aid. Victims would also be eligible for up to $50,000 in reimbursement for expenses relates to the theft, such as salary loss or legal aid.
Since the breach several probes have been launched at both the federal and provincial level while some members have joined together to seek a class-action lawsuit against Desjardins. Cormier said the company has not seen a spike in fraud since the leak.
