With enough information, cybercriminals can apply for credit in your name, set up fraudulent bank accounts and access your existing accounts. But the impact of data breaches goes much further than financial losses, with many victims going on to suffer from stress, anxiety and distress. And, according to Victim Support, the effects of crime can last for a long time.

In response, at Hayes Connor Solicitors, we help our clients to make compensation claims after their data has been put at risk by the organisations they trust to look after it.

Data breaches are not just caused by cybercriminals. For more advice on how to keep your data safe, follow our #notjusthackers campaign on Twitter and Facebook.