Key group told to be on 'high alert' after major hack compromises private data

Details about domestic abuse victims are among a “significant amount" of private data that has been hacked at a Ministry of Justice agency.

Today, those who have claimed legal aid since 2010 were told to be on "high alert" for suspicious activity.

Officials last week in April is more extensive than initially thought. The agency provides civil and legal assistance to those who can’t afford a lawyer.

Personal information including records, national insurance numbers and payment details was compromised.

Justice minister Sarah Sackman said the system was taken down on Friday after the Government learnt the full extent of the hack, which ministers were made aware of in late April. Ms Sackman said: "I urge all members of the public who have applied for legal aid since 2010 to be on high alert for any suspicious activity.

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“That includes messages and phone calls from unknown numbers. If anyone is in any doubt at all, please take steps to verify the person's identity before sharing any information."

Ms Sackman said the vulnerabilities in the system have been known for "many years" as she blamed the for leaving them unprepared and poorly protected. She said the Law Society had repeatedly warned about the poor state of the Government's digital legal aid systems.

"This House should be in no doubt that the legal aid agency has suffered an unacceptable attack on its systems at the hands of criminals," the justice minister said. "The risk of such an attack was steadily growing through the last government's tenure, but they took no meaningful action to fix the systems, leaving them vulnerable to attack."

Richard Atkinson, president of the Law Society of England and Wales, which represents solicitors, said: "It is extremely concerning that members of the public have had their personal data compromised in this cyber security incident and the LAA must get a grip on the situation immediately.

"The incident once again demonstrates the need for sustained investment to bring the LAA's antiquated IT system up to date and ensure the public have continued trust in the justice system. The fragility of the IT system has prevented vital reforms, including updates to the means test that could help millions more access legal aid.”

Jane Harbottle, chief executive of Legal Aid, said: “I understand this news will be shocking and upsetting for people and I am extremely sorry this has happened.

"Since the discovery of the attack, my team has been working around the clock with the National Cyber Security Centre to bolster the security of our systems so we can safely continue the vital work of the agency.

"However, it has become clear that, to safeguard the service and its users, we needed to take radical action. That is why we've taken the decision to take the online service down."

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