Lancaster University Cyber Incident Affects 12,500 People

It’s understood that the recently discovered Lancaster University cyber incident may have affected as many as 12,500 people.

The university was hit by what they called a “sophisticated” cyber-attack that had affected the data for some students and applicants. It’s now understood that the number of people whose data may have been exposed in the attack could be as many as 12,500.

Given the volume of people affected, the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) could impose a significant penalty if they find that the university is guilty of breaching GDPR. In terms of justice for the victims, that’s where we come in.

What can victims of the Lancaster University cyber incident do?

Victims of the recent Lancaster University cyber incident may be eligible to make a claim for data breach compensation on a No Win, No Fee basis.

It’s understood that some people may have already been targeted by criminals who have likely used information exposed in the attack. This can cause considerable distress for anyone who has been contacted, and if anyone falls victim to fraud, they need to know that they have rights.

Importantly, you do not have to have suffered an actual financial loss to be eligible to make a legal case. You can be entitled to claim for the distress caused by the loss of control of your personal information.

Data breach compensation pay-outs do account for these kinds of damages, especially when it comes to particularly sensitive information that could put people at risk of fraud and identity theft.

Information exposed in the Lancaster University cyber incident

For applicants, information that may have been exposed in the Lancaster University cyber incident can include:

• Name;
• Address;
• Email address;
• Telephone number.

There was also understood to have been an unauthorised access event of a student records system as well, and some student ID documentation may have been exposed.

You can read more about the incident and the breach on our specialist advice page here.

Claiming compensation

Victims of the Lancaster University cyber incident whose information may have been exposed could be entitled to make a claim for data breach compensation on a No Win, No Fee basis.

For free, no-obligation advice about your options if you were affected by the cyber incident, you can contact our team today on 0800 634 75 75. Alternatively, feel free to complete a contact enquiry form and we can call you back at a time and date that’s suitable for you.

You should be notified if you were affected by the breach.

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