PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WLNE) — Hundreds of thousands of Rhode Islanders are being asked to take action to secure their identities and ensure benefits are sill delivered in the aftermath of the RIBridges cyberattack. ABC 6 News spoke to our legal analyst, Ken Schreiber, on the legal action being taken now and what could come in the future. Schreiber said it’s hard to know the long-term impact of the cyberattack right now, but down the line, there could be real adverse effects on Rhode Islanders. Schreiber said from the perspective of an attorney, the breach is inexcusable, negligent, and indefensible. He also said that the breach happening earlier in the month, rather than the 31st, helps the state in ensuring benefits for December. If people end up losing money from their data being leaked, or if their identities become compromised, Schreiber said there will likely be more lawsuits in the future. Deloitte has already been hit with two class action suits and Schreiber said he’s not surprised, adding that it’s easier to go after Deloitte legally than the state. “Because that’s where the case is, the quicker they’re filed, law firms file them, so the the hope is everyone will join in quickly, but it’s a disaster we’re an embarrassment, the state is an embarrassment,” Schreiber said. “These things didn’t happen overnight, they take time to develop, and decisions are made or decisions are made not to take the cautious route and it  results in taxpayer money being either wasted or in this case, people’s private lives being turned upside down.” Categories: News, Rhode Island