Legal aid database hacked, ‘considerable amount’ of data and criminal registers stolen
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- ‘Significant amount’ of data stolen from Agency Aid Agent
- Up to 2.1 million records accessible, says Hacking Group
- Legal help online systems that are taken offline
The British Ministry of Justice (MOJ) has revealed that a cyber attack on the legal assistance system has led to the theft of a “considerable amount” of data, including criminal registers.
The MOJ was warned on April 23 of the attack when data dating from 2010 were accessible to the attackers.
Earlier this month, the MOJ said that it was investigating a “security incident” and that payment information was possible. The group that is responsible for the attack said they had access to 2.1 million pieces of data, but the MOJ did not confirm this number.
‘Significant amount’ of data stolen
The MOJ said that the data accessible by the attackers “Possible contact details and addresses of applicants, their birth dates, national ID numbers, criminal history, labor status and financial data, such as contributions, debts and payments, have possibly included.”
Legal Aid Agency Chief Executive Jane Harbottle has apologized for the infringement, adding that the infringement will be “shocking and worrying for people”. The MOJ works together with the UK’s National Crime Agency and the National Cyber Security Center to secure systems and the information commissioner has been informed.
The Legal Aid Agency is responsible for providing financing of legal assistance to more than 2,000 providers. The amount managed in 2023/24 was around £ 2.3 billion. The online digital services of the agency have been taken offline as a result of the attack.
The MOJ has recommended that everyone who has applied for legal aid since 2010 to take steps to protect themselves, including increased vigilance against unknown phone calls and SMS messages, as well as updating or replacing weak or reused passwords.
“If you have doubts about someone with whom you communicate online or by telephone, you must independently verify their identity before you provide information,” the ministry said.
Outside of personal information, it is likely that information regarding the lawyers, lawyers and other organizations, including non -profit organizations, was accessible during the attack by the hackers.
“The recent cyber attack on the Legal Aid Office is another example of the Real-World impact of digital vulnerabilities. When criminal registers and other sensitive personal data are exposed, it is not just a matter of IT mislukking, it is a violation of trust, privacy and even safety. CyberSecity advisor, eset.
“It emphasizes how critical it is for public authorities and government agencies to invest in stronger cyber defenses, faster updates and better training and are immediately transparent when things go wrong. Delays in the informing of victims or vague recoeps can often aggravate the damage, whether it is a government agency or private company.”
By BBC
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