Cyber-Attack: How Hackers Stole Massive Personal Data from the Ministry of Justice

Massive Data Breach at Ministry of Justice Compromises Sensitive Personal Information

In a severe cyber-attack, hackers breached the Ministry of Justice (MoJ), stealing a "significant amount of personal data" from individuals who applied to the Legal Aid Agency (LAA) since 2010. The breach, detected on April 23, revealed that sensitive information—including criminal records, national insurance numbers, and financial details—was accessed and potentially downloaded. Although the hackers claimed to have accessed 2.1 million data pieces, the MoJ has not confirmed this figure.

This incident was attributed to years of "neglect and mismanagement" of digital systems by the previous government, with vulnerabilities long acknowledged yet unaddressed. The MoJ is advising all legal aid applicants since 2010 to be vigilant against unusual communications and to change any exposed passwords.

LAA chief executive Jane Harbottle has expressed deep regret over the breach, emphasizing ongoing efforts with the National Cyber Security Centre and the National Crime Agency to rectify security deficiencies. In a bid to safeguard users, the LAA’s online services have been temporarily suspended as contingency plans are established to ensure continued access to legal support.

The breach underscores a growing wave of cyber threats affecting both public and private sectors, following attacks on companies like Marks & Spencer and Co-op in recent weeks, which have raised concerns about data security across the UK.

FAQ Section

  1. What data was stolen in the MoJ cyber-attack?
    The MoJ confirmed that personal data such as criminal records, national insurance numbers, contact details, and financial information related to legal aid applicants was compromised.

  2. What steps should individuals take if they applied for legal aid since 2010?
    Individuals should monitor for suspicious communications, change any compromised passwords, and remain alert to potential identity theft.

  3. How did the MoJ respond to the cyber breach?
    The MoJ is collaborating with national cybersecurity agencies, has paused LAA online services, and implemented contingency plans to continue providing legal support.

  4. Are similar cyber-attacks affecting other organizations?
    Yes, this incident is part of a larger trend, with several UK companies recently reporting breaches that compromise customer data.

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