Over 20,000 details are at risk following police data breach
Over 20,000 personal details may be at risk following a UK police data breach. Learn who’s impacted, what was exposed, and how to seek legal compensation.
A data breach at the Metropolitan Police could put thousands of police officers at risk.
In August 2023, the Metropolitan Police (the Met) experienced a data breach after a cyber security incident. The breach happened after an unauthorised party gained access to the systems of one of the force’s suppliers.
The security failure involved Digital ID, a company which makes warrant cards and identification badges. Digital identity (ID) refers to a digital representation of a person online and in physical interactions. Digital identity systems can offer efficiency, fraud reduction and privacy protection, but when they are exposed, especially in situations like this, it’s a serious situation.
Other forces may also have been affected. The breach has raised concerns for the Metropolitan Police staff association, which commented that the breach will cause concern and anger for many.
“Data breach claims play an important role in holding organisations accountable when personal information is not adequately protected. Our team combines data protection expertise with experience of complex group actions to investigate breaches and pursue appropriate remedies.”
Kingsley Hayes | Partner & Head of Data & Privacy Litigation
At KP Law, we represent clients in group actions with the innovation, resources and expertise needed to take on complex cases. Our GDPR, data breach and cybercrime specialists have more than 50 years of combined experience, making us one of the most experienced multi-claimant law firms in the UK. Working alongside leading barristers and legal experts, we provide the highest standard of support while leveraging the resources and global expertise required to pursue challenging claims successfully. With offices in London, Liverpool, Manchester and Birmingham, supported by technology that enables us to serve clients across England and Wales, we combine national reach with a modern, client-focused approach. By using innovative technology, operating on a no-win, no-fee basis, and keeping the process straightforward and hassle-free, we make accessing expert legal representation as simple as possible.
The security failure involves the IT systems of Digital ID in Stockport, a company which makes warrant cards and identification badges. The company was targeted by cybercriminals in a ransomware attack.
The names, ranks, photos, vetting levels, warrant numbers, pass numbers and pay numbers for officers could have been accessed.
At this time, there is no evidence that financial data or personal addresses have been accessed. However, some of the photos do have geo-location metadata data associated with them. This has the potential to cause incalculable damage.
UK Digital ID is used in certain cases right now – such as in the police service – mostly in the private sector. Suggestions have been made about a Digital ID becoming mandatory for all – discussed now by successive governments. But 63% of the British public do not trust the government too keep their data secure. So much so, over 95,000 people have signed a petition for the government to end plans for a mandatory digital ID.
Privacy groups have talked about risks associated with digital identity systems, data breaches and mass surveillance being just two. A mandatory digital ID system could potentially create a centralised database that could become a key target for hackers. Many call it a honeypot for hackers, putting the privacy and safety of millions at risk.
Anyone who thinks they might be involved should take immediate steps to protect themselves. Find out how to do this here.
If you live in England or Wales and you are involved in this breach, you may be able to join our no-win, no-fee compensation claim. There are no costs to register and no obligation to proceed.
A group action claim is where a group of people – sometimes even thousands of people – have been affected by the same issue. Group action cases are also known as class actions, multi-claimant, or multi-party actions
If we do launch a group action, there are no costs to join a claim. However, if your claim is successful, you may have to pay a ‘success fee’. This fee is taken from the compensation awarded to you. At KP Law, our success fee is competitive, and we make sure you are fully informed about any potential costs before you officially join our action. If you lose, you won’t have to pay a penny.
Over 20,000 personal details may be at risk following a UK police data breach. Learn who’s impacted, what was exposed, and how to seek legal compensation.
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“I used the firm as part of a group action following a, potentially, hazardous data breach. From the very start, I was kept updated regarding the other side’s actions and what the counter actions were. I found KP to be trustworthy, knowledgeable and very customer friendly.” – Pat
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By not putting adequate processes and training in place, organisations are leaving customers open to an increased risk of cyber scams and avoidable mistakes that lead to data breaches. If you are a victim of a data protection failure, check out our current group actions below to see if we are running a claim related to that specific breach.
Unsure if your personal data has been exposed in a breach? Learn how to check and what steps to take, including your right to join a group claim in the UK.
At KP Law, our expert data breach lawyers want to lessen the impact of a data violation as much as possible. To help, we have collated a range of support, information and other resources to help you get your life back on track.
