The Ministry of Justice says a cyber-attack in April resulted in the theft of personal data from legal aid applicants and criminal records from as far back as 2010.
The Guardian said the data downloaded in the attack may have included the contact details of applicants including their addresses, dates of birth and national insurance numbers.
Criminal histories, employment status and personal financial information may also have been accessed.
Impact on the West Midlands
As of now, there is no publicly available information specifying how many individuals from the West Midlands were affected by the cyberattack on the Legal Aid Agency (LAA).
The breach is believed to have compromised up to 2.1 million pieces of sensitive personal data from legal aid applicants across England and Wales
The Ministry of Justice and the LAA have not released region-specific data regarding the breach.
Advice for those affected
If you are concerned your information may have been compromised, it’s advisable to take precautionary measures:
- Update your passwords: Change passwords for your online accounts, especially those related to legal or financial matters. Use more complex passwords such as three unconnected words.
- Enable two-factor authentication: This adds an extra layer of security to your accounts.
- Monitor your financial accounts: Regularly check your bank statements and credit reports for any unusual activity.
- Be vigilant against phishing attempts: Be cautious of unsolicited emails or messages requesting personal information.
For more detailed guidance on protecting your data after a cyberattack, you can refer to resources provided by reputable organizations such as the National Cyber Security Centre.
The Guardian has also offered advice including keeping an eye on your credit record and being extra vigilant with social media.
Additionally, if you suspect that your data has been misused, you can report the incident to Action Fraud, the UK’s national reporting centre for fraud and cybercrime.
