Does Columbus offer after data leak exclude you from a class-action lawsuit? [Video]

COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — As people affected by the Columbus data leak look for answers on how to protect themselves, attorneys and officials alike are providing clarity on their options between a lawsuit and an offer from the city.

After a cybersecurity expert shared a glimpse into sensitive information found on the dark web with NBC4, the City of Columbus extended its invite for free credit monitoring services from employees to anyone affected. Law firms Cooper Elliot and Meyer Wilson, who filed a class-action lawsuit against the city on behalf of its workers, adjusted their paperwork to include the public as well.

During a Saturday news conference, Mayor Andrew Ginther shared a websitefor anyone impacted by the dark web data dump to sign up for Experian credit monitoring, paid for by the city. While the page doesn’t contain any legal agreement, it points to terms and conditions for the credit monitoring offer on Experian’s website. There, …