The dangers of ransomware attacks

Victims of the Virgin Media data breach should be vigilant about being targeted for ransomware attacks as a result of data exposed in the incident.

Ransomware attacks can have serious consequences for both individuals and companies. Hackers will often use ransomware to encrypt data in computer systems so the owners are unable to gain access to their own files and databases. The malicious software then usually displays a demand to the owners requesting a ransom fee be paid for them to regain access to their computer and files.

Data breaches can occur in a number of different ways, be it ransomware attacks directly targeting services and systems, an employee error that opens up a security flaw, or outdated systems. It could have happened as a result of the ‘incorrectly configured’ database issue that affected the Virgin Media data breach victims in the first place.

Dangers of ransomware attacks

Ransomware attacks mean that hackers could be able to gain access to highly sensitive information. Organisations like hospitals are commonly targeted because they hold large amounts of very sensitive data. This data can have a higher value and hospitals can be more likely to pay ransom fees than seek an alternative solution that risks delays and risks to patients. The time factor here is important – hospitals need constant access to their patient files and cannot properly function for a long period without this kind of access.

For individuals who have their information misused or exposed in ransomware attacks, if the ransom is not paid, their personal data could be sold to other criminals or sold on the dark web. If data such as National Insurance numbers and payment information is involved, individuals could be targeted for identity theft and fraud. If protected personal information is exposed to criminals such as sexual orientation or ethnic origin, they could be targeted for malicious purposes as well.

Risks for Virgin Media data breach victims

The Virgin Media data breach stemmed not from a ransomware attack but from an employee error resulting in an ‘incorrectly configured’ database being accessible online. The breach affected 900,000 victims who had their names, email addresses, telephone numbers and, in some cases, contract details exposed. The breach saw 900,000 people’s personal data left online for a ten-month period between April 2019 and February 2020.

In some cases, the breach exposed information that linked some individuals to explicit and pornographic websites. This information could be exploited by criminals to target the individuals affected if this data has fallen into the hands of criminals.

Further investigations into the breach have confirmed that the database was accessed at least once by an unknown third-party, meaning this information could be in the hands of criminals already.

Claim with us today

If your personal data has been involved in a data breach of any kind, you could be eligible to make a compensation claim today with us on a No Win, No Fee basis.

We have launched our Virgin Media data breach group action claim, representing a large group of Claimants already. If you have been affected by the Virgin Media data breach, it is vital you join our claim before any deadlines to claim pass.

We can offer eligible victims No Win, No Fee representation. We do this because we believe in our ability to bring you the justice that you deserve for the loss of your personal data.

Get started with your legal case here now.

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.