Welcome to our guide on data theft and compensation claims. Data theft is a serious concern for individuals and businesses alike. With the increasing amount of personal and confidential data being stored online, it’s crucial to understand the risks and take the necessary precautions to protect yourself. But what is data theft, and why could It lead to compensation?
Data theft occurs when a person or organisation unlawfully accesses or steals someone’s data. This can happen through cyberattacks, insider threats, or even human error. The consequences of data theft can be devastating, causing emotional distress, financial losses, and reputational damage.
Fortunately, there are legal remedies available to those who have been affected by data theft. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data protection law that provides individuals with the right to claim compensation for harm caused by a data breach. In the UK, the Data Protection Act 2018 and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulations (PECR) also provide individuals with similar rights.
If you have been a victim of data theft, it’s essential to seek legal advice from a specialist data breach solicitor. Many solicitors operate on a No Win No Fee basis, which means you won’t have to pay anything upfront and will only be charged if your claim is successful. In the following sections, we’ll explore the types of data theft, the causes, and the impact of data theft in more detail, as well as the steps you can take to claim compensation. If you have any questions, or want to start a claim, you can get in touch with an advisor via any of the methods below.
- Call 0800 408 7827
- Contact us online.
- Live chat with an advisor.
Types of Data Theft
Types of data theft can vary depending on the type of data that has been stolen. Some of the most common types of data theft include identity theft, financial data theft and personal data theft.
Identity theft occurs when someone steals your personal information, such as your name, address, and National Insurance number and uses it to commit fraud. This can result in financial losses and damage to your credit score.
Financial data theft involves stealing credit card information or bank account details, which can result in fraudulent charges and drained bank accounts.
Personal data theft involves stealing sensitive personal information, such as medical records, emails, and login credentials. This can lead to a breach of privacy, identity theft, and damage to your online reputation.
The UK’s regulator for data protection is the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). They are responsible for enforcing data protection laws and have the power to investigate and issue fines for breaches of data protection legislation. If you believe your data has been stolen, you can report the incident to the ICO, who can investigate the matter and take action against those responsible.
What Can Cause Data Theft?
Data theft can occur due to a variety of causes, including cyberattacks, insider threats, and social engineering.
Cyberattacks involve using malicious software or hacking techniques to gain unauthorised access to computer systems or networks. These attacks can be perpetrated by individuals or groups, and the consequences can be severe. Cyberattacks can result in the theft of personal and financial information, as well as the spread of malware and other damaging software.
Insider threats involve employees, contractors, or other trusted individuals who have access to sensitive information but use that access for malicious purposes. This can include stealing information for personal gain or to harm the company.
Social engineering involves manipulating individuals into divulging sensitive information, such as passwords or login credentials. This can be done through techniques such as phishing emails or phone calls, which appear to be from legitimate sources but are actually attempts to steal information.
What Harm Can Data Theft Cause And What Can I Do About It?
The impact of data theft can be significant and far-reaching. Emotionally, it can cause stress, anxiety, and a sense of violation. Financially, it can result in direct losses due to fraud or identity theft and indirect costs associated with repairing credit and restoring compromised accounts.
To protect yourself from future breaches, there are steps you can take, such as regularly monitoring your financial accounts and credit reports, using strong and unique passwords, and being cautious about sharing personal information online.
However, if you’ve already been affected by data theft, it’s important to know that you have legal rights. The GDPR and Data Protection Act 2018 allow individuals to claim compensation for harm caused by a data breach.
To find out if you’re eligible to claim compensation, contact one of our advisors who can provide you with expert advice and guide you through the claims process. Many solicitors offer No Win No Fee arrangements, which means you won’t have to pay anything upfront and will only be charged if your claim is successful. Our panel of data breach solicitors could help you get the compensation you deserve.
How Much Compensation Could I Claim?
If you’re considering making a data breach claim, it’s important to understand how much compensation you may be entitled to. The amount of compensation awarded will depend on a range of factors, including the severity of the breach and the harm caused as a result.
In the case of a data breach, compensation may be awarded for direct financial losses, such as money stolen as a result of fraud or identity theft, as well as for any emotional distress or other non-financial losses suffered as a result of the breach.
The Judicial College Guidelines provide guidelines for calculating compensation for psychological harm caused by data breaches. In general, compensation is awarded based on the level of harm suffered, with more severe breaches resulting in higher compensation awards. You can read more about claiming for distress after a data breach and compensation amounts in our other guide.
It’s important to note that compensation amounts can vary widely depending on the circumstances of the breach and the individual case. However, with the help of a specialist data breach advisor, you can ensure that your claim is accurately assessed.
How Long Do I Have To Claim?
If you’re considering making a claim, it’s important to act quickly. The time limit for making a data breach claim is generally six years under the Limitation Act 1980, but it’s best to seek legal advice as soon as possible to ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines as some claims have shorter limitation periods.
No Win No Fee Claims For Data Theft
If you’ve been the victim of a data breach, you may be worried about the costs of making a compensation claim. Fortunately, there are solicitors who offer a No Win No Fee service, which means that if your claim is unsuccessful, you won’t have to pay for their work.
No Win No Fee solicitors can be a great option for those who want to make a claim but are concerned about the financial risks. With this type of agreement, the solicitor will take on the financial risk of the claim and will only receive payment if the claim is successful.
It’s important to note that there are some restrictions on No Win No Fee agreements, set out in the Conditional Fee Agreements Order 2013. For example, if your claim is successful, you may be required to pay a ‘success fee’ to your solicitor. This fee is usually a percentage of the compensation you receive.
Overall, a No Win No Fee solicitor can be a good option for those who want to make a data breach claim without worrying about the costs involved. If you’re considering this option, it’s important to choose a reputable solicitor who has experience in handling data breach claims. We can help connect you with such a solicitor.
Our team of experienced advisors is always available to provide assistance or help you begin a claim. We understand the stress and frustration that can come with a data breach, and we’re here to make the process as smooth as possible. You can get in touch with us through any of the following methods:
- Give us a call on our helpline at 0800 408 7827
- Fill out our online contact form to request a call back
- Use our Live Chat feature to speak with an advisor in real time.
Further Insight And Guidance On ‘What Is Data Theft?’
My Medical Records Have Been Stolen – Could I Claim Compensation? – Learn more about data theft concerning medical records, and find out if you could be eligible for compensation.
What Is Classed As Sensitive Data And Can You Claim If It’s Exposed? – Learn about claiming compensation for sensitive data exposure.
What Is The Maximum Financial Penalty For A Company Breaking The GDPR In The UK? – Learn about data breach fines in this useful guide.
ICO – Reporting a data breach – The ICO’s page on data breaches provides valuable information on reporting a data breach, understanding your rights, and the actions taken by the ICO to enforce data protection regulations.
European Commission – GDPR – The official website of the European Union offers detailed information about the GDPR, its key principles, and how it protects individuals’ data rights:.
NCSC – Data Breach Guidance– The NCSC’s page on data breaches offers practical advice and resources for individuals and organisations to prevent and respond to data breaches.