Cybersecurity attacks and data breaches

In order to hack a system, cybercriminals often need to break through an organisation’s cybersecurity defences. Where the correct defences are in place, there should be a minimal risk of an external breach. However, unfortunately, not all companies impose sufficient barriers. In these cases, successful cybersecurity attacks can be inevitable.

When hackers target companies whose defences are inadequate, their attacks can often reap huge quantities of stolen information. If it is found that the data controller responsible for protecting the information failed to do enough to keep it safe, this event could constitute a data protection breach, and may leave the company liable to pay compensation to those affected.

In March last year, it was revealed that Virgin Media had let 900,000 UK people down after they failed to protect their personal data from unauthorised access. We believe that those affected by the Virgin Media data breach may be entitled to recover thousands of pounds in compensation. All those who were involved can join the fight for justice today by registering their details in our online form.

Cybersecurity attacks and the responsibility of data controllers

As the underground world of cybercriminals grows in number and in expertise, businesses and other organisations must face up to a constant threat of cybersecurity attacks. Where they take necessary precautions, such as using firewalls and data encryption, many of these organisations do not have to fear these attacks. However, those which allow vulnerabilities to develop may bear at least a portion of the blame if information is exposed.

We believe that this is the case for the Virgin Media data breach. The incident reportedly arose due to a failure to secure a company database, which was said to be incorrectly configured. As a result of the event, criminals did not even need to use forceful cybersecurity attacks to break in to the company’s system should they want to do so, as there was already a vulnerability to exploit. The database, which contained personal data relating to approximately 900,000 people, was reportedly accessed by an unauthorised user at least once.

Virgin Media and data breach claims

In our view, Virgin Media is at fault for failing to protect personal data from cybersecurity attacks, which is why we believe those affected can make data breach claims against the company.

If you were affected by the Virgin Media data breach, you may have suffered distress after you learned that your data had been exposed, or you may even have suffered financial loss if you were targeted by fraudsters who accessed your contact details in the breach, if that has happened. Both of these factors can be taken into account in your data breach claim and could make you eligible for a significant compensation pay-out.

Join the Virgin Media group action

As a firm of specialist data breach and group action lawyers, Your Lawyers has been involved in several high-profile data group actions, including the current Group Litigation Order against British Airways. Our experience in this area of law has equipped us with the expertise needed to bring our clients’ claims to fruition.

If you were affected by the Virgin Media data breach, you can take advantage of our expert representation on a No Win, No Fee basis. Simply enter your details into our online form to begin the claim process.

The content of this post/page was considered accurate at the time of the original posting and/or at the time of any posted revision. The content of this page may, therefore, be out of date. The information contained within this page does not constitute legal advice. Any reliance you place on the information contained within this page is done so at your own risk.