Cybersecurity systems breached in data leaks

With vast quantities of private information being held in digital format, most businesses and organisations rely on cybersecurity systems to safeguard the personal data under their protection.

The advanced technology available can mean that the majority of external cybersecurity threats can be parried automatically. However, there is still an element of user operation required in the running of these systems, so human errors can sometimes create holes in cybersecurity defences.

Sometimes, a cybersecurity failure can provoke a devastating data breach, as we saw in the case of the Virgin Media data breach that exposed the information of 900,000 people. We have launched a group action to help the victims achieve justice for the risks that they have been exposed to, and many could be entitled to thousands of pounds in compensation. To claim in our group action, you can use our online sign-up form to get started on this site.

When cybersecurity systems fail

There are many instances of data breaches that have been caused when cybersecurity systems have failed. Another notable example is the Equifax data breach, for which we are taking on claimants, where a known cybersecurity weakness allowed hackers to access millions of personal data records with relative ease. In cases such as this, the blame cannot be completely shifted onto the hackers. Equifax failed to patch their systems, so they can be held responsible for any damage caused to customers.

A similar principle can apply to the Virgin Media data breach, in which the failure to secure a marketing database left private information exposed to potential misuse. Most importantly, the system did not fail of its own accord, it was reportedly configured incorrectly by an employee. The responsibility of Virgin Media means that they could be held liable for the data breach.

Claiming compensation from Virgin Media

Virgin Media victims may be eligible to claim compensation for the damage they have suffered as a result of the failure of the company’s cybersecurity systems. The GDPR requires that all data controllers implement and maintain effective cybersecurity measures, so failing to do this could constitute a data protection breach.

Compensation pay-outs in our Virgin Media group action could cover any financial losses or expenses caused by the breach, as well as any distress suffered as a result. For example, victims could be targeted by fraudsters, potentially leading to theft from their accounts. The distress element is nearly always universal in a data breach, with victims experiencing varying levels of stress and anxiety due to fear of their information being misused.

Start your claim in our group action

There are only a few simple steps needed to register your compensation claim in our Virgin Media group action, and you can get started with our online sign-up form here. We have years of experience in data breach claims and group actions, which is why we are on the Steering Committee for the first GDPR Group Litigation Order in the UK, brought against British Airways. Our expertise in this area of law means you can trust us to fight for the justice you deserve.

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