Travel industry data breaches are serious – here’s why

We represent a lot of clients for travel industry data breaches on a No Win, No Fee basis. The industry is a clear target for hackers, and it is important that victims can access the justice that they deserve.

As a leading firm of data breach lawyers, we specialise in this complex and niche area of law. Here is our expert insight into these kinds of cases, as well as information about what you can do as a victim of this kind of incident.

Data breach compensation amounts can be substantial in these kinds of cases given the nature of the information that can be exposed.

Why travel industry data breaches are serious

Travel industry data breaches can be incredibly serious. The information exposed in these kinds of events is usually enough for criminals to commit fraud and theft, which is exactly why this sector is such a huge target.

A single breach could lead to any combination of the following information being exposed:

• Personal contact information;
• Payment card details;
• Travel destinations and itineraries;
• Passport and other identification documentation being exposed.

In the wrong hands, some or all the above can be more than enough for money to be stolen from accounts, identity fraud to be committed, or for victims to be targeted for scams. Fraudsters can pose as legitimate organisations to try and steal money from people by duping them into handing over more details or by being directed to fake websites.

It happens a lot, and it can easily occur.

Given how much damage that can be done by such information being exposed or misused, the reason as to why hackers target the industry are clear.

Prolonged risks

Travel industry data breaches can mean prolonged risks for victims. When data is exposed, it is not always abused right away, and it could take months or years before a victim is targeted. This can mean that victims may let their guard down when they are contacted some 12 to 18 months after the event, and criminals prey on this fact.

It may take time before data that is stolen by hackers is sold on the dark web. Some hackers or fraudsters may wait to use the information at a later date. They may wait until the information could be used with more exposed data to strengthen the ability to misuse use it.

A clear target for hackers

There have been so many travel industry data breaches in recent years, many of which we represent clients for.

These include:

• The British Airways cyberattack that has become the first GDPR Group Litigation Order in England and Wales. We have been appointed to the Steering Committee for this ground-breaking action;
• This year’s monumental easyJet data breach that has resulted in the information for some 9 million people being exposed;
• The two MGM data breaches, one of which occurred earlier this year.

We can offer No Win, No Fee representation for eligible clients who start a claim with us as a victim of any of these data breaches. Victims can be entitled to recover compensation for the distress caused by the loss of control of personal information. If money has been lost as well, this can also be considered.

For free, no-obligation advice, please don’t hesitate to contact the team today.

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