The UK's Legal Aid system has suffered a significant data breach, with hackers gaining access to sensitive information including details of domestic abuse victims.
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The Ministry of Justice (MoJ) revealed that the breach, which occurred in April, was more extensive than initially thought. The data stolen dates back to 2010 and encompasses various types of cases, affecting not only domestic abuse victims but also those involved in family cases and criminal prosecutions. The MoJ said the stolen data may include addresses, dates of birth, national ID numbers, criminal histories, and financial information like debts and payments.
Legal Aid Agency Chief Executive Jane Harbottle has apologized for the incident, acknowledging that it will be "shocking and upsetting for people." The agency has taken its digital services offline to address the breach and is advising the public to be vigilant for suspicious communications. It has also informed the Information Commissioner's Office and is working with the National Crime Agency and the National Cyber Security Centre to investigate the matter.
This cyber-attack follows a string of similar incidents in the UK, such as the ones targeting luxury department store Harrods, Marks & Spencer, and the Co-op, which have highlighted the increasing risks of digital vulnerabilities for organizations across various sectors.