CALLING ALL VICTIMS OF THE SOUTH STAFFORDSHIRE WATER DATA BREACH: join 464 others in the wider Group Action Claim within the next four years to claim compensation for damage caused.
Data breach law firm, Hayes Connor, are advocating for anyone affected by the 2022 South Staffordshire Water data breach to join the 464 people who are already involved. Affected individuals could qualify for financial compensation for emotional or monetary harm suffered. Filing a claim is hassle free and involves no cost if unsuccessful.
In 2022, South Staffordshire Water, a subordinate company to South Staffordshire PLC, experienced a significant cyber security breach. In July, South Staffordshire PLC identified issues within one of the servers of its subsidiary company. On further investigation, they confirmed that South Staffordshire Water had been subject to a cyber-attack which led to an unauthorised intrusion into certain IT systems. It was later revealed that the personal data of customers, alongside that of current and former employees, had been obtained and published on the dark web.
It is understood that the customers impacted were specifically those who pay for their water bills using a Direct Debit. The breached data for this group includes, but is not necessarily limited to, names, current addresses, and bank details (including sort codes and account numbers).
Current employees’ stolen data consists of HR personal data and payroll data. The affected former employees had sensitive information compromised, including names, bank details (such as sort codes and account numbers), and/or identification documents, all of which were extracted from a payroll folder.
Significantly, South Staffordshire Water has now confirmed a breach of the security duty under GDPR. At the same time, it has also declared it is the responsibility of those seeking financial compensation to provide proof that they have endured loss as a result of the breach, and that this loss extends beyond the threshold of seriousness, making it legally actionable.
Richard Forrest, Legal Director at Hayes Connor, has said, “We are very concerned by the scale of personal information that is in jeopardy, and understand the serious risk of financial and emotional damage to those impacted by this data breach. Therefore, we are appealing to the victims of the attack to file their claims within the next four years.
“South Staffordshire Water’s admission of a breach of the security duty under GDPR significantly bolsters claimants’ cases. The admission not only underscores their failure to meet the strict standards required under GDPR law, but also highlights their inability to fulfil their legal obligation to safeguard personal data. It has the potential to simplify the claims process by reducing the need for extensive evidence to prove that South Staffordshire Water was at fault for the violation.”
“We are urging for claims to be filed within the next four years as, for most clients, the timeframe to pursue a claim is six years from the date of the breach.”
By joining the simple and hassle-free claim, you’ll have the backing of experienced legal professionals who specialise in data breach cases. They’ll dedicate themselves to ensuring your claim is managed effectively, aiming to secure the best outcome for you. With no risks involved, there’s every reason to take part.
After your claim is submitted, administrators will review it to determine your eligibility for compensation. Hayes Connor will handle all the necessary work on your behalf.
If you have been affected by the attack, you could be eligible for compensation to address both financial losses and emotional distress.
To start a claim, you can use the online claim form or, alternatively, call 0330 041 5137 to speak to a member of the team. Hayes Connor aim to make the process as straightforward and hassle-free as possible for you.
