270,000 Users’ Data Hacked from the People’s Energy Database Following Data Breach
People’s Energy customers are at risk after a data breach exposes personal information.
Edinburgh-based clean energy company People’s Energy have suffered a serious cyber attack, resulting in their entire database being stolen. This database included sensitive personal details on all 270,000 of its customers.
The customer data exposed includes:
- Names
- Addresses
- Dates of birth
- Phone numbers
15 small business customers of People’s Energy have also had their financial details accessed, including their sort codes and bank account details.
The breach was discovered on the morning of the 16th December and was subsequently reported by People’s Energy to the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), the energy regulator Ofgem, the National Centre for Cyber-Security and the police.
People’s Energy has customers across Scotland, England and Wales who should all now have been notified, according to the company.
Co-founder Karin Sode told BBC News that the company was investigating the breach of its systems and had hired independent experts to assist, but so far they have no information about the identity of the hackers.
Ms Sode said: "This is a big blow in every way. We want people to feel they can trust us. This was not part of the plan. We're upset and sorry."
Wondering if you may be entitled to compensation for the People’s Energy data breach? Please get in touch.
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