Data protection errors can cause inappropriate access to data

Good data protection is all about strict regulations and protective technological measures, and mistakes in either of these areas can cause inappropriate access to data events. Whether this is one user unintentionally being allowed to view sensitive information, or a cyberattack incident in which hackers steal large quantities of private data, all such incidents can have serious repercussions.

In the Virgin Media data breach, personal information became subjected to unauthorised access after a supposedly secure database was the subject of an operational error. The incident is demonstrative of the fact that even seemingly small mistakes can have wide-reaching consequences for data security.

In our eyes, the data controller – Virgin Media – bears the overall responsibility for any harm caused to its data subjects, many of whom were customers of the company. If you were adversely impacted by the Virgin Media data breach, you could be eligible to claim compensation for any harm caused, so sign up today via our online form if you want to join the fight for justice.

Inappropriate access to data – hackers and employees

When cyberattacks occur, they are often driven by the motive of gaining inappropriate access to data. Personal information can be a valuable asset to cybercriminals, who can often use stolen details to extort money or commit fraud.

The more sensitive the information, the more likely it can be to reap rewards.

Although our first thought is often of hackers when it comes to inappropriate access to data, employers and their employees can also be responsible for this kind of breach of data protection law. First of all, cyberattacks are often made possible by system vulnerabilities, which hackers can exploit to access information. In addition, in the context of data protection policies, it is important for data controllers to limit access to private information even within their workforce, as granting access to too many employees can provoke unnecessary security risks.

Claiming for data exposure

Where data controllers are responsible for events that lead to inappropriate access to data, those affected can be eligible to claim compensation. All organisations that store and use personal information have a duty to prevent unauthorised access in accordance with the law. If they fail to do so, they can face data breach claims.

Victims of the Virgin Media data breach, along with many other similar incidents, could be eligible to recover compensation. This may be for any distress that they have suffered as a result of data exposure, and also for any financial losses caused by the incident, if applicable.

Claim with expert data protection lawyers

At Your Lawyers, we have been representing clients for privacy matters for several years, enabling victims to recover compensation for the errors of third parties. Our expertise stretches far and wide, and across a variety of major cases, including our 56 Dean Street clinic group action, as well as the high-profile British Airways GLO.

Eligible Virgin Media victims can take advantage of our skills and knowledge through No Win, No Fee claims. If you were notified of your involvement in the data breach, sign up today to join our group action now and benefit from No Win, No Fee legal representation.

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