In the wake of the recent UK Legal Aid Agency data breach, many individuals are understandably concerned about the safety of their personal information. Whether or not you were directly affected, this incident is a stark reminder of how vulnerable our data can be—and how important it is to know what to do if your information is compromised.

According to the UK’s National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), a data breach occurs when information is accessed or disclosed without authorisation. This can happen through hacking, accidental leaks, or even the loss of physical devices like laptops or USB drives. The consequences can range from mild inconvenience to serious identity theft or financial loss.

If you suspect your data has been compromised, here’s what you should do immediately:

1. Stay Informed: Follow updates from the organisation involved. They are legally required to inform you if your data has been affected.
2. Change Your Passwords: Especially for any accounts that use the same login details as the breached service.
3. Use Phish-Resistant Authentication: Instead of traditional two-factor authentication (2FA) methods like time-based authenticator codes, consider switching to U2F (Universal 2nd Factor) security keys. These physical devices offer strong protection against phishing attacks and are supported by major platforms like Google, Microsoft, and Facebook.
4. Monitor Your Accounts: Keep an eye on your bank statements, credit reports, and online accounts for any unusual activity.
5. Keep Your Devices Up to Date: Ensure your computer, smartphone, and other devices have the latest security updates and patches installed. This helps protect against vulnerabilities that hackers may exploit.

If your personal data has been lost or stolen, you have rights under UK data protection law:

• You can ask the organisation what data was affected.
• You can request that they take steps to mitigate the damage.
• You may be entitled to compensation if the breach causes you harm.

If you’re not satisfied with the organisation’s response, you can escalate the issue to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

After a breach, scammers often take advantage of the situation. The NCSC warns that phishing emails, texts, and calls may follow, pretending to be from the breached organisation or other trusted sources.

• Urgency: Scammers often pressure you to act quickly.
• Too Good to Be True: Offers or prizes that seem suspiciously generous.
• Spelling and Grammar Errors: Many scams contain obvious mistakes.
• Unusual Sender Addresses: Check the email address carefully.
• Requests for Personal Information: Legitimate organisations will never ask for sensitive data via email or text.

If you receive a suspicious message, don’t click any links or download attachments. Instead, report it.

• Text Scams: Forward to 7726 (free of charge)
• Phone Scams: Report to Action Fraud at actionfraud.police.uk or call 0300 123 2040

At Stiperstone, we understand how stressful and confusing a data breach can be. That’s why we offer:

• Proactive Cybersecurity Advice: Learn how to prevent breaches before they happen.
• Incident Response Support: Call us immediately if you suspect a breach—we’re here to help.
• Forensic Investigation Services: We can trace the source of the breach and help you understand what happened
• Think you’ve experienced a breach?: Download our free Forensic Response Checklist produced by our forensic experts — register with your email to access the full resource.