The recent cyberattack on the Legal Aid Agency has exposed deeply personal data of individuals seeking legal help, including victims of domestic abuse and those involved in complex family cases. For many, this isn’t just about privacy – it’s about safety.
If your information may have been included in the breach, here’s what you need to know and the steps you can take to protect yourself.
What information was stolen in the Legal Aid hack?
The stolen data may include:
- Names and contact details
- Addresses of legal aid applicants
- Dates of birth and national identification numbers
- Criminal history
- Employment details
- Financial information, including debts and payments
- Case-related information for domestic abuse, family, or criminal matters.
This is some of the most sensitive data that can be held about a person, and unfortunately, it may now be in the hands of criminals.
What should you do now to protect yourself?
1. Stay alert for suspicious contact
Be especially cautious of:
- Unexpected phone calls, emails, or text messages
- Anyone claiming to be from a government agency, law firm, or financial provider asking for personal information
- Pressure to make payments or confirm account details.
If something feels off, don’t respond. Verify the source independently.
2. Change passwords immediately
If you’ve reused any personal details (like your name, date of birth, or email) in your passwords, change them now – especially for:
- Email accounts
- Online banking
- Government portals (e.g., HMRC, Universal Credit).
Use strong, unique passwords and consider enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) wherever possible.
3. Monitor financial accounts
Keep a close eye on:
- Bank accounts and credit cards
- Loan or mortgage statements
- Unfamiliar direct debits or charges.
Report any suspicious activity to your bank immediately. You can also request a credit report to check for any unusual activity.
4. Register with a credit monitoring service
Services like Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion offer tools to help you spot early signs of identity fraud. You may also be entitled to free support if you’ve been a victim.
5. Report and seek support
If you believe you’ve been targeted by online fraudsters, contact Action Fraud at www.actionfraud.police.uk
For advice on online safety, visit the National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) at www.ncsc.gov.uk
If you are at personal risk (e.g., from an abuser), consider contacting the police, or a support service such as Refuge, Victim Support, or Citizens Advice for information.
Our advice following the Legal Aid data breach
While the investigation into the breach is ongoing, it’s vital that individuals take proactive steps to reduce the risk of further harm. Staying informed, protecting your accounts, and reaching out for support when needed are your best lines of defence.
Legal firms are already launching group litigation actions. Think you might be owed compensation? Use our quick checker to find out if you’re potentially eligible for a Legal Aid data breach claim.
