Gas-Compressor Maker Sued Over Failure to Protect Personal Info

Ariel Corp. was hit with a proposed class action accusing the gas-compressor manufacturer of negligently failing to protect the personal information of thousands of employees and customers that was exposed in a June data breach.

Lead plaintiff Shane Littleton alleged that Ariel breached its duties under common law, contract law, industry standards, and the Federal Trade Commission Act to implement reasonable and adequate data-security measures.

The company also waited five months to notify affected people that their information had been compromised, reducing their ability to take quick action to reduce their risk of harm from the incident, according to a ...