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Data breaches caused by cybercrime

By not putting adequate processes and training in place, organisations are leaving customers open to an increased risk of cyber scams and avoidable mistakes that lead to data breaches. If you are a victim of a data protection failure, check out our current group actions below to see if we are running a claim related to that specific breach.

Get justice for a data hacking violation

A data breach refers to any situation where data has been put at risk. A data hack happens when criminals break into an organisation’s systems to steal information. The impact of a data hack can be devastating. But despite this, cybercriminals are still getting away with billions of pounds worth of records each year. 

To make matters worse, this information is often used to commit further crimes against victims of the initial breach. Stolen data is easy to buy on the dark web, so if you are the victim of a data privacy violation, it is quite likely that different criminals could be trying to use your data against you.  

Stolen data is also used in batches over time, and the impact of a data hack might not be immediately apparent. So, it’s no wonder that people commonly suffer emotional anguish, anxiety and stress after a data hack. 

Cybercrime is on the rise. And most organisations have suffered at least one attack. But too many companies are falling short when it comes to establishing robust data protection processes – and this is making it easier for online criminals. So, even if an organisation has suffered a cyberattack, if it was negligent in safeguarding your data, it must be held liable. 

You might be eligible for data hack compensation if an organisation has failed to protect your personal data. At KP Law, our data breach lawyers help people to make successful data hacking claims to compensate for their loss and distress.  

KP Law is a group action law firm. With a group action claim, you and the other victims join together and fight to get compensation. Group actions can be a powerful tool and can have a bigger impact than a single claim.

If you are a victim of a data protection failure, check out our current group actions to see if we are running a claim related to that specific breach.

If you are involved in a potential group action not listed below, please contact us and tell us about it! Where enough people come forward, we may launch a new claim.

We do not take on individual cases.

No-win, no-fee data breach compensation

Don’t let the fear of costs stop you getting the justice you deserve. Contact us today and let us fight for you. 

Are organisations doing enough to protect customers from data breaches and cybercrime?

In many cases, data hacks and cyber-attacks happen because of a failure to implement reasonable and robust processesCommon methods employed by hackers include:  

Phishing scam compensation after a data breach

Phishing fraudsters contact you using emails, texts, and other forms of communication. They disguise themselves as someone you trust. Their goal is to trick you into giving them your personal information (e.g. usernames, passwords, credit card details, etc.) and steal from you. 

The impact of phishing can be devastating. Victims can go on to suffer from distress and/or psychological trauma because of having their details stolen and used in fraudulent activity. Existing mental health conditions can also be exacerbated. So, even if you get your money back, the impact of phishing can be devastating. 

Many phishing scams are highly targeted and come after a person’s data has been stolen in a data breach. Criminals use the data exposed in breaches (e.g. names, account info and other personal data) to trick people into believing they are genuine. 

Stolen data is easy to buy on the dark web, so if you are the victim of a data privacy violation, it is quite likely that different criminals could be trying to use your data against you. 

Stolen data is also used in batches over time, so the impact of a data breach might not be immediately apparent. 

IF YOU ARE THE VICTIM OF A PHISHING SCAM BECAUSE OF POOR DATA PROTECTION PROCESSES, WE CAN HELP YOU TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FROM THE ORGANISATION RESPONSIBLE. 

Common types of phishing scams

If you have been the victim of phishing, or attempted phishing, you should contact Action Fraud ASAP.  If you have lost money as a result of the scam, you must also report it as a crime.  

Ransomware compensation after a data breach  

A ransomware attack happens when criminals infect an organisation’s systems and prevent or limit access unless a ransom is paid. Ransom may also be requested to stop the criminals releasing sensitive data into the public domain. 

Finding out that your personal data has been held hostage in a ransomware violation can be extremely distressing. Especially where you trusted an organisation to look after it. 

To make matters worse, if this information is eventually breached, it may be used to commit further crimes against you. So it’s no wonder that people commonly suffer emotional anguish, anxiety and stress after a ransomware data hack. 

You might be eligible for ransomware compensation if an organisation has failed to protect your personal data. Stolen data is easy to buy on the dark web, so if you are the victim of a ransomware violation, it is quite likely that different criminals could be trying to use your data against you. Stolen data is also used in batches over time, so the impact of a data hack might not be immediately apparent. 

At KP Law, our data breach lawyers help people to make successful ransomware claims to compensate for their loss and distress.  

IF YOU ARE THE VICTIM OF RANSOMWARE BECAUSE OF POOR DATA PROTECTION PROCESSES, WE CAN HELP YOU CLAIM COMPENSATION FROM THE ORGANISATION RESPONSIBLE. 

Takeover fraud compensation after a data breach

A form of identity theft, account takeover fraud (ATO) happens when a criminal gains access to an individual’s account and steals from them. The worry caused by takeover fraud can be significant. Some victims suffer emotional stress and distress, and existing mental health conditions can be exacerbated. So, even if you get your money back, the impact of takeover fraud can be devastating. As more and more people shop and bank online, takeover fraud is on the rise. 

Many takeover scams are highly targeted and come after a person’s data has been stolen in a data breach.  Criminals use the data exposed in breaches (often usernames and passwords) to access a person’s online accounts. This is possible as people often use the same login details for multiple accounts. 

You can ask your bank/online provider to reimburse the stolen funds after experiencing takeover fraud and they can only refuse to reimburse stolen funds where you have shown a very significant degree of carelessness. If the bank refuses, you can take your case to the Financial Ombudsman. 

You can also claim compensation if the crime happened because the necessary security processes were not in place. Or if another organisation breached your data, and this was used against you. 

IF YOU ARE THE VICTIM OF A TAKEOVER SCAM BECAUSE OF POOR DATA PROTECTION PROCESSES, WE CAN HELP YOU TO CLAIM COMPENSATION FROM THE ORGANISATION RESPONSIBLE. 

Common types of takeover scams

If you have been the victim of takeover fraud, or attempted takeover fraud, you should contact Action Fraud ASAP If you have lost money as a result of the scam, you must also report it as a crime. 

Why make a data hacking compensation claim?

Hold organisations to account for failing to protect your private information.

Receive financial compensation for your loss.

Force organisations to implement better data security.

REPORT A CYBERCRIME
If you have been the victim of online fraud or identity theft, contact Action Fraud

Why use KP Law to make a claim?

We are one of the most experienced multi-claimant law firms in the UK.

We represent clients in group actions with innovation, resources, and expertise.

We work with expert barristers to ensure you get the very best level of legal support available.

We have all the resources and global expertise necessary to take on complicated cases and win.

We have offices in London, Liverpool, Manchester, and Birmingham, and the technology to provide a nationwide service to clients across England & Wales.

We use technology to deliver a better legal experience to our clients.

We work on a no-win, no-fee basis.

We make the process straightforward and hassle-free.

What can you claim for?

While each case is judged on its own merits, there are some things we would typically look for when it comes to when claiming compensation following a data breach, cybercrime or other GDPR violation:

Financial loss

With stolen data, cybercriminals can make purchases using your bank and credit cards, apply for credit in your name, set up fraudulent bank accounts and access your existing online accounts.

Distress

GDPR failures, cybercrime and data breaches can have a significant impact on you, both mentally and physically. They can cause or exacerbate anxiety, stress and other psychological conditions.

Loss of privacy

Your data has value, and organisations must be held to account if they fail to protect your right to data privacy or otherwise do not uphold your GDPR rights.
 

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How to protect yourself following a data breach or cybercrime

  • Contact your bank or credit card provider immediately if your financial data has been exposed.
  • Check all bills and emails for goods or services you have not ordered.
  • Check your bank account for unfamiliar transactions.
  • Alert your bank or credit card provider immediately if there is any suspicious activity.
  • Monitor your credit score for any unexpected dips.
  • Call Credit, Experian and Equifax to ensure credit isn’t taken out in your name.
  • Never provide your PIN or full password to anyone (even someone claiming to be from your bank).
  • Never been pressured into moving money to another account for fraud reasons. A legitimate bank won’t ask you to do this.
  • Follow the security instructions provided by the organisation that breached your data.
  • Never automatically click on any suspicious links or downloads in emails or texts.
  • Don’t assume an email or phone call is authentic just because someone has your details.
  • Be careful who you trust – criminals often use scare tactics to try and trick you into revealing your security details.
  • Know that, even if you recognise a name or number, it might not be genuine.
  • Don’t be rushed or pressured into making a decision. A trustworthy organisation would never force you to make a financial transaction on the spot.
  • Never provide your full password, pin or security code to someone over the phone (or via message). If a bank believes a transaction has been fraudulent, they will not ask for this information to cancel the transaction.
  • Listen to your instincts and ask questions if something feels “off”.
  • Refuse requests for personal or financial information and stop discussions if you are at all unsure.
  • Contact your bank or financial service provider on a number you know and trust to check if a communication is genuine.
  • Be cautious of unsolicited communications that refer you to a web page asking for personal data.
  • Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know on social media.
  • Review your online privacy settings.
  • Report suspected fraud attempts to the police and Action Fraud.
  • Register with the Cifas protective registration service to slow down credit applications made in your name.
  • Change your passwords regularly and use a different password for every account (a password manager can help with this).
  • Protect your devices with up-to-date internet security software.