Post Office Data Breach – Data of Sub-Postmasters Leaked
Legal Director Christine Sabino discusses the details of the recent Post Office data breach, including how the breach occurred, what data has been exposed and what actions any victims can take to claim compensation.
The Post Office has issued an apology after leaking the data of 555 former postmasters who sued the corporation in 2017.
The data breach occurred on Wednesday 19th June, and the company has since confirmed that the personal details of the postmasters were shared in a document on its website.
The Post Office has referred itself to data watchdog the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) for investigation.
Hundreds of postmasters sued the corporation in 2017 after they were prosecuted for theft between 1999 and 2015. The Horizon accounting software used by the company at the time produced incorrect information, which made it look like money was missing from their branches.
In 2019, the Post Office agreed to pay the postmasters £58m in compensation, but large sums of this were spent on legal fees. The former postmasters are currently giving evidence at an inquiry into the Post Office Scandal.
If you are a current or former postmaster who has been affected by the Post Office data breach, our data breach solicitors at Hayes Connor can help. As specialists in the field, we have the expertise and experience required to help you secure the compensation you deserve.
We have one of the largest teams of data breach experts in the country and will be on hand to advise you on the most appropriate steps you can take for your individual circumstances.
To find out more and to receive immediate advice about your situation, please fill out our online claim form.
What to do if you are concerned about the Post Office data breach
If you are a current or former postmaster, discovering that your personal data has been exposed in a data breach is likely to have left you feeling incredibly distressed and angry, especially given the wider context of the Horizon scandal.
If your data has been exposed, you should have already been informed by the Post Office. If you have not been contacted but are concerned that you may have been affected, it is vital that you get in touch with the Post Office as soon as possible to clarify your situation.
When personal data is exposed, there is always a risk that it can be used against you, potentially in the form of a phishing attack. There are several steps you can take to prevent someone from using your personal data against you. To learn more about this, please read our helpful guide on what you do if your data has been stolen in a data breach.
If your data has been exposed in the Post Office data breach, you may be in a position to claim compensation. To help you understand whether this is possible, our specialist data breach specialists will be able to advise you on your position.
How Hayes Connor can help anyone affected by the Post Office data breach
Data breaches have serious consequences, especially in cases where data falls into the wrong hands.
At Hayes Connor, we have previously supported many individuals who have found themselves involved in data breach cases, so we understand the potential impact you are likely to be facing. We have one of the largest teams of data breach specialists in the country, with a wealth of combined experience and expertise in providing support to victims of all forms of data breaches.
Our team will make sure to carefully examine the details of your case and assess what sort of impact you have experienced. When you make a data breach enquiry with our team, we will make sure to carefully explain how the process is likely to work and whether making a claim is going to be possible.
We understand that learning your data has been exposed can be extremely upsetting. As such, we are always mindful of providing close personal support through the claims process and keeping everything as clear and straightforward as possible.
You can find out more about our expertise and how we handle data breach claims here.
To speak to a member of our team about making a Post Office data breach claim, please fill in our online enquiry form or give us a call on 0330 041 5133.