The health data breach threat

A health data breach can have substantial repercussions, both for the healthcare organisation involved and the victims affected. As human error mistakes continue to be made internally, the external cybersecurity threat for healthcare organisations has been reported to be on the rise, meaning that there is immense pressure for these organisations to step up their data protection policies.

The sophistication of modern-day cybercrime simply allows no room for error when it comes to data protection. Unfortunately, as leading specialists in data breach law, we see the same mistakes being made time and time again, which is why we believe it is important to hold organisations to account when they fail to protect personal data.

If you have been caused distress or loss by a health data breach, do not hesitate to contact us for advice on your potential claim.

Healthcare data breach – 2020 review

The impact of coronavirus on the cyberattacks targeted at the healthcare sector has been widely reported, though experts have yet to put statistics to cybersecurity threats that have emerged. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) warned of this threat in mid-2020, when healthcare and medical organisations were being hit by attacks while struggling to tackle the first wave of the virus. Now, the health sector has been forecasted to be a prime target for cyberattacks throughout 2021, with ransomware considered to be one of the most worrying threats.

But healthcare data breaches do not just consist of external cyberattacks, as many are caused by human error. A health data breach can easily be caused by records or information being sent to the wrong recipients, or when information is leaked online or in an email. One of the most infamous NHS data breaches to this date remains the 56 Dean Street Clinic leak that we represent people for.

Taking action to combat the health data breach threats

With predictions of further healthcare data breaches on the horizon, organisations must look to improve their current data protection policies. Failing to train staff members, set out procedures, and implement cybersecurity can have harmful consequences, particularly for the victims who have their sensitive medical records exposed.

As long as health data remains unprotected, the GDPR can be there to help victims of data protection breaches to claim compensation for the harm they have suffered. Compensation pay-outs can cover any distress suffered as a result of the data breach, as well as any financial losses or expenses that may have been caused.

Moreover, a health data breach claim is not only for personal compensation and personal justice. It can also help to send a message to the organisation involved that we will not stand for poor data protection.

Making a compensation claim

If you have suffered the adverse consequences of a health data breach, do not miss out on your opportunity to claim compensation for the damage caused. If the wave of healthcare data breaches is set to worsen, the risk to personal data may only increase, but we are here to help anyone affected to seek the justice they deserve.

Contact us for free, no-obligation advice if you think you may have a compensation claim to make.

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