Data breaches in the digital age

The nature of the modern business means that many different forms of company operations are conducted on digital platforms, and huge quantities of consumer data are stored in digital formats. Although technological developments have produced advanced tools to help us protect private information, the digital age still comes with data security risks, particularly in organisations that lack the skills and resources to keep personal information safe.

Stored on cloud servers and computer hard drives, personal data is an extremely valuable resource for cybercriminals, who continue to develop more sophisticated methods of hacking systems. In some cases, however, people are able to access servers and databases with relative ease, as organisations still leave holes in their cybersecurity defences.

Such was the case in the Virgin Media data breach, in which an unsecured database permitted unauthorised users to access the information of as many as 900,000 UK consumers for a ten-month period. Those who were affected could recover thousands of pounds in compensation if they join our Virgin Media group action.

Cybersecurity and data protection in the digital age

For some, there is a misconception that, in this digital age, technological resources offer guaranteed cybersecurity. In fact, cybersecurity systems rely on the competence of their operators, so simple human errors can compromise what should be effective technology.

Errors can be allowed to arise when organisations neglect data protection, perhaps by failing to educate their staff, or failing to employ enough specialists in cybersecurity. Only last year was it reported in InfoSecurity Magazine that that “the significant global shortage of cybersecurity professionals had dropped for the first time since records began”. This fact can be attributed to the increased cybersecurity threats brought by the Covid-19 pandemic.

The Virgin Media data breach

The Virgin Media data breach is a pertinent example of the kind of data breaches that continue to happen in spite of the technological developments brought by the digital age. According to a statement from Virgin Media, an employee incorrectly configured a marketing database, allowing the private information it contained to become accessible online for ten months.

The length of the data exposure is a telling fact in itself, suggesting that the company may not have been routinely monitoring and testing the security of its systems. It is unacceptable that a fundamental failing such as this has endangered consumers’ private data.

Making a compensation claim

In this digital age, we cannot let companies get away with failing to uphold the security of their systems. By making a compensation claim against Virgin Media, you can help to hold the company to account for any negligence of data protection law, whilst also ensuring that you are fairly compensated for the harm caused.

Your Lawyers is an expert consumer action law firm with experience in data breach claims and group actions. We represent thousands of clients in dozens of actions, and have done since 2014 as pioneers in this still-developing area of law.

To receive No Win, No Fee representation from a team of expert lawyers, you can register your claim today via our online form if you are eligible to do so.

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