When criminals target personal data

Data breach incidents can, unfortunately, have the consequence of making victims’ personal information vulnerable to misuse by cybercriminals. In fact, many criminals target personal data deliberately, as for them it can represent a highly valuable tool to exploit.

For this reason, it is vital that third-party data controllers maintain a high standard of protection of the personal information in their possession, as cybercriminals are constantly seeking a route into company databases and servers. However, despite the growing sophistication of cybercrime and hacking methods, some companies still fail to observe even the most basic of data protection duties.

As specialist data breach lawyers, we stand up to organisations that have failed to meet data protection standards on behalf of the people who have suffered at their hands. We have launched our Virgin Media group action because we believe those affected by the company’s data breach may be able to recover significant compensation amounts due to the impact the incident has had on them. Anyone who was affected can sign up to start their claim today.

Why do criminals target personal data?

When carrying out hacks or cyberattacks, criminals target personal data because of the value it possesses within the world of cybercrime. If they do not decide to sell the stolen information on the dark web, the cybercriminals may use it to carry out all kinds of scams and fraud methods.

For example, one of the most common types of scams is phishing, in which fraudsters send misleading emails to victims, pretending to be legitimate companies as a means of convincing their targets to hand over personal data. Criminals can also use stolen phone numbers to carry out scam calls.

In addition, cybercriminals can use the sensitivity of the stolen information against their victims, threatening to expose it if a ransom is not paid.

The responsibility of data controllers

Now, criminals target personal data with increasingly sophisticated methods, but this does not always absolve data controllers of responsibility. In fact, if it is found that a data controller’s failure to observe data protection law compromised or exposed personal data, they could be liable to pay compensation to those affected.

We believe Virgin Media bears the responsibility for exposing the data of around 900,000 consumers, who can join our group action to fight for the compensation they deserve.

Making a data breach claim

Those who make a data breach claim in our Virgin Media group action may be able to recover thousands of pounds in compensation. As in any data breach claim, those affected could be eligible to recover damages to cover any distress they have suffered, as well as for any financial losses or expenses that may have resulted from the incident. For example, for those who have had criminals target personal data, they may have fallen victim to fraud, so they could be reimbursed for losses resulting from this crime.

As specialists in data breach claims and group actions, we have the knowledge and skills to hold huge companies like Virgin Media to account. Having represented victims for privacy matters since 2014, we can offer expert representation on a No Win, No Fee basis for all eligible Virgin Media claimants. You can register your details online today to begin your claim.

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