Legal Aid Agency Cyber Security Incident

On Friday 16 May the Legal Aid Agency discovered a cyber attack which took place in April, was more extensive than originally understood and that the group behind it had accessed a large amount of information relating to legal aid applicants.

They believe the group has accessed and downloaded a significant amount of personal data from those who applied for legal aid through their digital service since 2010.

This data may have included contact details and addresses of applicants, their dates of birth, national ID numbers, criminal history, employment status and financial data such as contribution amounts, debts and payments.

It is the responsibility of the Legal Aid Agency to contact individuals affected but we are encouraging all of clients to take extra care of their personal data.

  • Don’t open emails from unknown sources and check the sender information carefully
  • Avoid clicking on unknown links. Don’t click on links or download attachments from suspicious emails or senders that you don’t know
  • Double check via the phone (01246 550674) if you are asked to send any information online to Derbyshire Law Centre. Ask to speak to your caseworker.
  • Choose safe passwords and reset any passwords that might have appeared in a data breach
If you need additional support on how to protect yourself and your family take a look at the National Cyber Security Centre: Data breach guidance for individuals – NCSC.GOV.UK