Online security in the digital age

As digital technologies continue to develop, hackers and cybercriminals can gain access to more sophisticated tools to allow them to carry out theft, fraud and scams on their unsuspecting victims. For these criminals, personal information is a prime target, as it can be the key to financial gain. When we consider online security in the digital age, personal data is one of the key assets that must be protected.

At the same time, being a consumer in the digital age involves disclosing a significant amount of personal information to large numbers of third parties. While there should not be an inherent risk to disclosing data, it is an unfortunate fact that some third-party organisations do not take their data protection responsibilities seriously. In some cases, the errors made by data controllers can cause personal information to be exposed, compromising victims’ security.

In the Virgin Media data breach, 900,000 UK victims had their online security compromised after a database was left unsecured, making their information vulnerable to misuse. Errors such as this can have serious implications, which is why are determined to see that all Virgin Media victims receive the compensation that they deserve. You can sign up today if you believe that you may be eligible to make a claim here today.

Online security in the digital age – the risks of data breaches

Data breaches are one of the key risks to online security in the digital age, despite the fact that they are often preventable. Although data exposure can occur as a result of cyberattacks and hacks, it is more frequently caused by so-called “human error”.

Such was the case in the Virgin Media data breach, in which the failure to secure a marketing database exposed the email addresses, home addresses and phone numbers of around 900,000 people, mainly consumers. The database remained in its insecure state for ten months, a fact that indicates just how severely victims were let down.

As a result of this breach, victims were made vulnerable to fraudulent communication, such as phishing emails, as those who accessed the database could use the contact details to target victims. In data breaches, where even more details are exposed, the risk to online security can be even more severe.

How does the law protect consumers?

Data protection law recognises the importance of online security in the digital age, enabling those who have had their privacy compromised to make compensation claims.

By making a claim, victims could be eligible to recover compensation for the distress that they have suffered, as well as for any financial losses or expenses. For example, those who have fallen prey to fraud and scams could be reimbursed for any associated losses.

Join the Virgin Media group action

There can be huge risks to consumers’ online security in the digital age, which is why it is vital that third parties are held to account if they fail to give personal data the protection it deserves.

As specialists in data protection law and group actions, we have brought claims against a number of huge companies for data protection negligence. Our experience in this area of law has equipped us with the skills necessary to bring justice to victims of the Virgin Media data breach.

If you were informed of your involvement in the Virgin Media data breach, you can start your No Win, No Fee claim today via our online sign-up form.

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