Agree with nkrisc -- this is like, if I contracted with a storage company, and then my stuff was vandalized because the company's "secure storage location" was an unlocked box out on the sidewalk. Obviously the vandal is directly to blame, but it's also absolutely negligence from the company.
I'm sympathetic for the people who were only storing their own data, but not for companies that failed to safeguard their customers' data. If I borrow stuff from friends, I take better care of it than if it were mine. I hold companies to the same standard.
I'm not trying to disregard the negligence concern but I am trying to ensure that the perpetrator is also called out. Several of the top rated comments on this article are praising the perpetrator.
I'm sympathetic for the people who were only storing their own data, but not for companies that failed to safeguard their customers' data. If I borrow stuff from friends, I take better care of it than if it were mine. I hold companies to the same standard.