Employee error and data breaches
Despite the fact that major cyberattacks are often at the centre of data security headlines, a huge number of data breaches arise from human error, either directly or indirectly. In the case of data breaches in business settings, many incidents can be provoked by employee error. In the worst cases, mistakes made by employees could undermine the security of entire systems.
In the Virgin Media data breach, a security failing was responsible for the exposure of 900,000 UK consumers’ personal data, leaving them vulnerable to data misuse. In our view, the data breach cannot be blamed on a single employee, and the company as whole must bear the blame for the cybersecurity incident.
It is with this belief that we have pursued a group action against Virgin Media, aiming to hold the company to account for breaching data protection law. With our unique insight as a specialist data breach and group action firm, we want to give all those affected a chance to claim the compensation they deserve, so sign up online today to join the fight for justice.
Data breaches and the importance of online security
In the digital age, it is vital that we all stay safe online and that our personal data remains under close protection, as one mistake or wrong move could expose us to cybercrime. The importance of online security cannot be underestimated, which is why it is so concerning for victims when a data breach occurs.
Data controllers who fail to implement sufficient security measures might have little regard for the risks that they are exposing their customers, members or employees to. This failure to account for the necessity of data protection law is something all organisations must be held responsible for.
As specialists in data protection law, we want to ensure that any injustice caused by data breaches is not ignored. In our Virgin Media group action, we are aiming to use our expertise and experience in this area of law to help victims claim the compensation they deserve. As many as 900,000 UK consumers could be entitled to claim, so use our online form today to confirm your eligibility.
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.
Impact of the loss of control for data breach victims
In the wake of a data breach, victims can experience significant stress and anxiety due to the knowledge that their information is no longer safe. The impact of the loss of control of personal information can be very severe for some, contributing to a huge loss of trust in third-party data controllers. Fortunately, this is a factor that can be considered in data breach compensation claims.
Following the Virgin Media data breach, many victims have been emotionally affected by their inability to regain control over their personal data, which we say was caused by the company’s negligence. When we disclose personal information, we expect the data controller to protect it in our stead, but Virgin Media failed in this duty.
It is for this reason that victims of the Virgin Media data breach can be eligible to make compensation claims. If you have been notified of your involvement, you may be eligible to join our group action today via our simple sign-up form.
Data breaches in the age of cybercrime
In our current age of cybercrime, businesses and consumers are constantly having to manage the data security risks. When we disclose personal information to a third party, we implicitly trust that they will protect this data, but this is not always the case. Despite being conscious of the ever-evolving threats of cybercrime, some data controllers have yet to adapt to the new challenges that they face.
Arguably, cybercriminals have made even greater advances during the Covid-19 pandemic, with companies struggling to catch up. It may take increased pressure from regulators and consumers to ensure that companies implement further data protection measures.
Virgin Media is one company that has failed to protect people’s data, leaving it open to misuse by all manner of cybercriminals. In our group action, anyone who was affected can sign up to claim compensation and hold Virgin Media to account.
Virgin Media data breach victims
The exposure of personal data can leave those affected with feelings of helplessness and anxiety. The knowledge that your private information could have fallen into the hands of criminals can be difficult to cope with. Virgin Media data breach victims will likely know these feelings all too well, which is why we are here to help.
After failing to secure a marketing database, Virgin Media caused the exposure of information relating to around 900,000 victims, mainly consumers. The data breach is one of the largest to hit UK victims in recent years and, in our mind, shows a complete failure to protect private information.
All companies in control of personal data are required to adhere to the GDPR in order to keep this data secure. As such, when they fail to follow these regulations, companies may be liable to pay compensation to those affected. We launched a group action to make sure Virgin Media victims have the chance to claim the compensation that they deserve.
Make a sensitive data breach claim for the Virgin Media data breach
As a result of the Virgin Media data breach, approximately 900,000 victims had sensitive data exposed to unauthorised access. The avoidable error made by the telecommunications giant unfortunately made the victims vulnerable to potential data misuse. We believe that the data breach incident represents a clear breach of data protection law, and each affected victim could be entitled to make a sensitive data breach claim.
When we disclose our data to a third-party, we implicitly trust that it will be kept safely out of the hands of unauthorised users. The GDPR is designed to protect us to this effect but, unfortunately, some data controllers still fail to recognise that data protection is still an absolute necessity for their business.
In our Virgin Media group action, we hope to hold the company accountable for what we believe to be their negligence and send a message to other companies that data breaches will not be tolerated. If you were affected, you can sign up online today to join the fight for justice.
Scammers claiming to work for Virgin Media target elderly residents
Scammers claiming to work for Virgin Media have been contacting elderly residents, and this is something to watch out for.
The theft of personal data often can facilitate scams such as this, sometimes offering criminals a wealth of contact details with which to reach their victims. Although there is currently no evidence at all linking these scammers and the event of the leaked data in the Virgin Media data breach case, it is common for scams and fraud attempts to result from such data breaches. Indeed, some hackers steal data for this exact purpose, meaning that data breach victims can be vulnerable to all kinds of cybercrime risks. As such, victims of the leak should be wary, especially as some scammers may dupe someone into handing over information on the basis that their call relates to the breach.
In the Virgin Media data breach case, victims may have already endured financial loss after being targeted by scammers, whether linked to the incident or not. Whether they have fallen victim to criminals or not, all those affected by the Virgin Media data breach have a right to claim compensation for any harm caused to them. You can join our Virgin Media group action today if you think you may have a claim to make.
Data breach victims made vulnerable to cybercriminals
Although some companies play down the risks of data breaches, it is important to remember that the exposure of a few personal details can be capable of making victims vulnerable to the work of cybercriminals.
Regardless of the length of time that data has been exposed for, people can still be at serious risk if it has got into the hands of malicious scammers or fraudsters.
Affecting approximately 900,000 UK victims, the Virgin Media data breach exposed swathes of personal data. For the victims, it was undoubtedly distressing to hear that their private information could be subjected to misuse. Having escaped enforcement action from the ICO, it is up to our group action to hold Virgin Media to account for the carelessness shown towards private data. It is unacceptable that victims have been put at risk, which is why we want to ensure that everyone affected can receive the compensation they deserve. You can use our online form today to confirm your eligibility and start your No Win, No Fee claim.
Claiming for a breach exposing sensitive data
When you are affected by a breach exposing sensitive data, the emotional and financial impact can be severe. It can be worrying to know that your private details have been released into the world, given the prevalence of increasingly sophisticated cybercrime and the threat it can pose to personal security.
On an individual level, many of us are aware of the risks and take the necessary precautions, so it is frustrating when third-party organisations fail to protect personal data on our behalf. Such was the case in the Virgin Media data breach, when what has been blamed on an internal human error caused the exposure of data belonging to 900,000 UK victims. We believe that Virgin Media should be held accountable for the negligence shown towards sensitive data, which is why we launched a group action against the company.
Thousands of claimants have already joined our action, but we want to ensure that no one misses out on their chance to claim compensation for the harm caused to them. We have made it quick and easy for victims to start a claim, so why not sign up today via our online form here.
