A legal expert has revealed what you should do if you find yourself victim of a personal data breach, following the cybercriminal attack on the NHS and Ticketmaster.
A data breach occurs when personal information is accessed by unauthorised individuals or released online or into an uncontrolled environment.
Whether the breach results from human error or a hacker attack, it can be unsettling not knowing where private information might end up.
Last month, a cybercriminal group leaked almost 400GB of NHS data, including patient names, dates of birth, NHS numbers, and blood test descriptions. This incident led to the postponement of 6,000 appointments and procedures.
Data breach claim specialists at SJS Legal have provided advice on what people should do when their data has been compromised.
Niamh Wilson, a Risk and Compliance solicitor at SJS Legal, stated, “We trust many different organisations to keep our information safe, but sometimes our personal data can end up in the wrong hands.
“It’s important to know what to do when your information has been leaked in a data breach so you can protect yourself from further risk.”
Change passwords
Using the same password on multiple accounts is a big ‘no-no’ and learning this when your data has been breached is a tough lesson.
Mrs Wilson said: “We all know we shouldn’t use the same password across multiple accounts but many people do. If your password has been compromised on one website, then it is compromised on others too so it’s important to change them as soon as possible.”
Be wary of potential scams
With personal details now accessible online, criminals might use it to scam people out of their hard-earned cash.
“Scammers might have passwords, card details or other personal information which they can use to impersonate banks and other trustworthy bodies,” said the legal expert.
“Be extra attentive when responding to emails and answering the phone. Stop and think, hang up if you’re not sure and contact your bank through the number or contact method you’re familiar with.”
Tell your bank
First of all, check for any suspicious payments you don’t recall making and flag these to your bank.
Mrs Wilson said: “You can cancel your card yourself and request a new one if you are concerned about it being used, or you can ask your bank to put a marker on your account to increase security checks for suspicious activity.”
Monitor your credit reports
Checking your credit report can help you identify any unusual activity related to credit fraud and identity theft.
Mrs Wilson said: “If your data has fallen into the wrong hands, someone could try to get a loan or credit card using your name and information.
“You can keep an eye on your report or use a monitoring service which does this for you. Some cost but you can find free services, too.”
Seek legal guidance
A solicitor can guide you through a data breach compensation claim, so if you are in any doubt it might be best to seek some professional help.
Mrs Wilson said: “Even if you haven’t been financially affected by your data being breached, you can be entitled to claim compensation for anguish or anxiety caused.
“If you have suffered financial harm as a direct result of the breach, the amount of compensation you might be able to claim would likely be far greater.”
