At Dunn & Baker Solicitors, we take the privacy and security of our clients’ information very seriously. We are aware of the recent cyber-attack affecting the Legal Aid Agency (LAA), and while this incident was entirely outside our control, we want to ensure our clients are informed, supported, and protected.
What Happened?
On 23rd April 2024, the Ministry of Justice initially detected unusual activity within the LAA’s digital systems. On 16th May 2024, it was confirmed that the breach was more extensive than first thought, involving a significant volume of personal data submitted by individuals who applied for legal aid since 2010.
This breach was the result of a cyber-attack targeting the LAA’s online systems, managed through their contracted provider, and it may have compromised the data of thousands of legal aid applicants.
What Information May Have Been Accessed?
The data potentially involved in this breach includes:
- Names, addresses, and contact details
- Dates of birth and national identification numbers
- Employment and financial information
- Criminal history, court outcomes, and other sensitive case-related data
If you applied for legal aid between 2010 and 2024, it’s possible that some or all of this information may have been compromised.
What Is Being Done?
The Ministry of Justice and the Legal Aid Agency are conducting a full investigation in conjunction with the National Cyber Security Centre and relevant authorities. They are working to understand the scope of the breach, secure their systems, and prevent future attacks.
Dunn & Baker Solicitors is closely monitoring official updates from the LAA and will continue to take any additional steps necessary to limit the impact of this incident on our clients.
What Can You Do to Protect Yourself?
If you think your data may have been affected, we recommend the following:
- Stay vigilant: Be cautious of unexpected emails, texts, or phone calls asking for personal information.
- Monitor accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit accounts for suspicious activity.
- Change passwords: Update any passwords that may have been used in connection with your legal aid application.
- Use multi-factor authentication: Enable added protection on important accounts whenever possible.
If you’re unsure whether your information was part of the breach, it’s better to act with caution and take preventative measures now.
We’re Here to Help
We understand that news of a data breach can be unsettling, especially when it involves sensitive legal matters. At Dunn & Baker Solicitors, we are here to support our clients through any concerns they may have.
If you believe you may have been affected or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact your case handler or reach out to our team directly.
You can also stay updated and find further official guidance on the GOV.UK website here:
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/laa-cyber-incident