The seriousness of a housing customer data breach

A housing customer data breach can be extremely concerning to residents as they can easily expose highly sensitive data.

Information involved can include personal information such as names and addresses, as well as sensitive and protected information like sexual orientation, disabilities, ethnic origins, and more.

Data of this nature that is exposed can leave victims not only vulnerable to fraud, phishing scams, cold callers, and identity theft, but also to malicious attacks. This kind of information in the wrong hands could be the basis for racist or malicious incidents, so it is important that we address such risks.

Recent housing data breaches

It is vital that councils and housing authorities put the correct measures in place to prevent any housing customer data breach from occurring.

Many councils and housing organisations have reported themselves to the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) after suffering a data breach of this nature. There have been cases where information has been shared directly to other persons without reason or authority, and data leaked to other residents as well. The ICO has the power to impose fines for data breaches that can easily run into the millions.

A notable housing customer data breach that we represent a large group of people for was the Watford Community Housing data breach. In March 2020, an employee sent an email with an attachment that contains 3,500 residents’ personal data. This included sexual orientation details, disability information, and the usual contact data.

The breach was blamed on a human error but, as we often argue, we believe that it could have been avoided had the council had better systems and procedures in place.

What can you claim for in a housing customer data breach?

When your personal data is exposed, this can constitute as a breach of the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR). This means that you can then have the right to claim data breach compensation for loss of control of your personal information.

You may also be eligible to claim for any losses or expenses incurred due to a data breach, if they are applicable. You can just claim for the distress alone if this is not applicable.

We have extensive experience in representing victims of data breaches, so we may be able to help you with your legal case. Depending on the nature of the information revealed in a housing customer data breach, victims could be entitled to a substantial amount in compensation.

Do you have a claim?

If your personal information has been stolen or exposed in a housing customer data breach, you could be entitled to claim compensation.

Speak to our team of experts today and they can normally tell you in minutes if you have a viable claim.

Our team are specialists in the complex area of data breach law. We can provide you with free, no-obligation advice so you do not have to worry about upfront fees or costs. We currently represent thousands of claimants on over 50 different multi-party and group action claims.

Our work in privacy matters and data breach violations dates back to 2014, and we have pioneered data breach cases ever since. In 2019, we were appointed to the Steering Committee, by order of the High Court of Justice, for the British Airways Data Breach action. This is first GDPR Group Litigation Order (GLO) in England and Wales.

To start your claim, feel free to get in touch with us here and a member of our team can get back to you as soon as possible.

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