Marriott Discloses 500 Million Guests Affected by Database Hack

November 30, 2018 / 11:18 am

Picture of computer hackerAccording to Marriott’s press release, Starwood’s guest reservation database was hacked. On September 8, 2018, Marriott International received an internal alert about an unauthorized user attempting to access the Starwood guest reservation database. Since then, investigators found copied and encrypted information from an authorized user. However, they also found that there had been unauthorized user access to the Starwood network since 2014.

Since decrypting the copied information, Marriott has disclosed that as many as 500 million guests’ personal information including contact information, addresses, passport numbers and credit card information, could have been compromised. Though Marriott says they keep their guests’ credit card information encrypted, they cannot assure guests that hackers were unable to decrypt their information.

Guests who had reservations at Starwood or its properties on or before September 10, 2018 could be affected. Starwood’s properties include brands such as Sheraton, Westin and W Hotels.

How to Safeguard Your Data

According to Marriott, they will be sending e-mails to notify affected guests whose e-mail addresses were in their database. In addition, they have set up a website and call center for concerned guests. Marriott is recommending that guests change their passwords and keep an eye on their Starwood guest account.

In addition, if you are worried that you could have been affected by Starwood’s data breach, it could be beneficial to contact your credit card company and bank. Identity theft is a major safety concern after this breach, so any precautions you can take against suspicious activity is recommended. You can also check into receiving free credit freezes with the three credit bureaus.

The Miami class action attorneys at Colson Hicks Eidson have experience handling cases against negligent corporations. You should expect that large corporations will keep your personal information secure. When they fail, you have legal rights. Contact us today at 305-476-7400 or fill out our online case review form for a free consultation to discuss your situation.

Trending Stories

Latest Updates
and Insights from Colson

Related News & Case Studies

Colson Hicks Eidson has been named to the 2027 edition of “Best Law Firms” by Best Lawyers®, recognized at both the national and regional levels. Twelve of the firm’s attorneys were also named to the 2027 edition of Best Lawyers across multiple practice areas.

Best Lawyers® ranks top lawyers and law firms through a peer review process, using feedback from lawyers, clients, and professional references, along with firm data. 

We’re proud to be recognized in the following categories:

National

  • Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Plaintiffs

Miami

  • Bet-the-Company Litigation
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar
  • Insurance Law
  • Mass Tort Litigation/Class Actions – Plaintiffs
  • Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
  • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
  • Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs
  • Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants

About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of nearly 60 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.

We are pleased to announce that the Miami-Dade Bar has named partners Stephanie A. Casey and Thomas A. Kroeger 2026 Circle of Excellence Award honorees. Stephanie was recognized in the Civil Litigation category and Tom in the Appellate category.

Both were selected for exemplifying skill, integrity, and professionalism in their respective practice areas, with honorees chosen by a committee of past recipients following input from the local legal community.

Stephanie has more than 15 years of experience handling complex civil litigation and class actions in state and federal courts, on both the plaintiff and defense sides. She represents businesses, injured consumers, whistleblowers, and individuals improperly denied health benefits.

Tom’s practice focuses on complex civil litigation and appellate matters, including personal injury, wrongful death, medical negligence, product liability, and other complex disputes. He has argued appeals before state and federal appellate courts, including the Eleventh and Eighth Circuit Courts of Appeals.

They will be honored at the Miami-Dade Bar’s Annual Awards Ceremony on November 18 at the Biltmore Hotel in Coral Gables. Register here. 

About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of nearly 60 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.

We are pleased to announce that all of our partners have been named to the 2027 Lawdragon 500 Leading Litigators in America guide. Congratulations to Susan Carlson, Stephanie A. Casey, Dean C. Colson, Lewis S. “Mike” Eidson, Joseph J. Kalbac Jr., Julie Braman Kane, Thomas A. Kroeger, Zachary A. Lipshultz, Roberto Martínez, and Curtis Miner.

We are proud to celebrate their work and the exceptional litigation talent across our firm. This recognition reflects their dedication to excellence in advocacy, meaningful contributions to complex litigation matters, and continued leadership within the legal profession.

This guide is based on a record number of submissions, combined with journalistic research and independent vetting through clients and peers.

Click here to read the full guide.

About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of nearly 60 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.

Colson Hicks Eidson has secured key rulings on behalf of the family of Cristian Fernandez in a wrongful death lawsuit arising from a 2023 collision between a Fisher Island ferry and a recreational vessel in Miami’s Government Cut.

During a September 1 hearing, Eleventh Judicial Circuit Judge Abby Cynamon granted the estate’s motion for partial summary judgment, finding that the defendant was operating and in control of the recreational vessel when it collided with a Fisher Island ferry. Cristian, a 27-year-old passenger aboard the recreational vessel, tragically lost his life in the collision.

The court also denied the defendants’ motion for partial summary judgment regarding the ferry, finding that the evidence concerning any alleged navigational rule violations was disputed.

Colson Hicks Eidson partner Thomas A. Kroeger argued the motions on behalf of Cristian Fernandez’s estate. Tom and partner Julie Braman Kane represent the Fernandez family in the litigation.

Colson Hicks Eidson is proud to continue representing the Fernandez family in seeking justice for Cristian.

Media coverage includes:

Law360 – Boater Was In Control In Fatal Ferry Crash, Fla. Judge Rules

About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of nearly 60 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.

Congratulations to Colson Hicks Eidson attorneys, Susan Carlson, Stephanie A. Casey, Dean C. Colson, Lewis S. “Mike” Eidson, Joseph J. Kalbac, Jr., Julie Braman Kane, Thomas Kroeger, Roberto Martinez, and Curtis Miner, who have been recognized in the 2027 edition of The Best Lawyers in America®.

And congratulations to Eleni I. Constant, Zachary A. Lipshultz, and Sabrina S. Saieh, who are each recognized in Best Lawyers: Ones to Watch.

Best Lawyers’ lists of outstanding lawyers are developed through peer review surveys where tens of thousands of lawyers evaluate their professional peers. Best Lawyers recognized attorneys in all of the firm’s core practice areas. 

Susan Carlson

  • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs

Stephanie A. Casey

  • Commercial Litigation
  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs

Dean C. Colson

  • Bet-the-Company Litigation
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
  • Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs
  • Professional Malpractice Law – Defendants
  • Professional Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs

Lewis S. “Mike” Eidson

  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs
  • Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs

Joseph J. Kalbac Jr. – “Lawyer of the Year”

  • Commercial Litigation
  • Insurance Law
  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs
  • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
  • Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs

Julie Braman Kane

  • Commercial Litigation
  • Medical Malpractice Law – Plaintiffs
  • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs

Thomas Kroeger

  • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs

Roberto Martínez

  • Bet-the-Company Litigation
  • Commercial Litigation
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar

Curtis Miner 

  • Commercial Litigation
  • Criminal Defense: White-Collar
  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs
  • Personal Injury Litigation –  Plaintiffs

Eleni I. Constant

  • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs

Zachary A. Lipshultz

  • Commercial Litigation
  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs
  • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs

Sabrina S. Saieh

  • Mass Tort Litigation / Class Actions – Plaintiffs
  • Personal Injury Litigation – Plaintiffs
  • Product Liability Litigation – Plaintiffs

About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of nearly 60 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.

We are pleased to announce that nine of our partners have been named to the 2026 Lawdragon 500 Leading Global Litigators guide. Congratulations to Stephanie A. Casey, Dean C. Colson, Lewis S. “Mike” Eidson, Joseph J. Kalbac Jr., Julie Braman Kane, Thomas Kroeger, Zachary A. Lipshultz, Roberto Martínez, and Curtis Miner.

We are proud to celebrate the outstanding work of our partners and the exceptional litigation talent across our firm. This recognition reflects their unwavering dedication to achieving outstanding results for clients and their continued leadership within the legal profession.

This guide is based on a record number of submissions, combined with journalistic research and independent vetting through clients and peers.

Click here to read the full guide.

About Colson Hicks Eidson

Colson Hicks Eidson is a renowned law firm based in Miami, Florida, that is recognized as one of the top trial firms in the United States. Built on a foundation of nearly 60 years of dedication forging strong client relationships, Colson Hicks Eidson handles local, national, and international litigation, with cases spanning from Miami, Florida, and throughout the United States, to matters in the Caribbean, Central America, South America, and Europe. Learn more at: www.colson.com.