South Staffs Water experienced a data breach that may have compromised the personal information of some of its customers. We understand this news may cause concern, and want to assure you that there are steps you can take to ensure justice and protect your data from further harm.
What happened in the South Staffs Water data breach?
The data breach occurred in 2022, when a Russian-linked hacker group gained unauthorised access to South Staffordshire Water plc’s systems. South Staffordshire Water plc is the parent company of South Staffs Water.
Crime group C10p (otherwise known as Clop), demanded a ransom for the stolen data, but said negotiations “broke down”. At least some of the compromised data was then posted to the dark web. Customer’s personal information, including bank details, could now be at risk.
Impact on South Staffs Water customers
While the extent of the breach is still under investigation, we believe the personal information of a significant number of South Staffs Water customers may have been exposed. This could potentially lead to risks such as phishing attacks, identity theft, and unsolicited communications.
To safeguard your data and minimise potential harm, we recommend taking the following steps:
- Monitor your accounts: Regularly check your bank and credit card statements for any suspicious activity. Report any unauthorised transactions immediately to your bank.
- Be cautious of unsolicited communications: Be wary of emails, phone calls, or messages asking for personal information. Scammers often use data breaches to conduct phishing attacks, posing as legitimate entities to steal more of your information.
- Place a fraud alert on your credit reports: Contact the major credit reporting agencies (Equifax, Experian, and TransUnion) to place a fraud alert on your credit reports. This can help prevent identity thieves from opening new accounts in your name.
- Update your passwords: Change passwords for any online accounts that may have used the same or similar credentials as your South Staffs Water account. Consider using a password manager to generate and store complex passwords.
- Monitor your credit report: Regularly review your credit report for any signs of fraudulent activity.
Can you claim South Staffordshire Water data breach compensation?
If you are affected by this breach, you could potentially join a now-win, no-fee compensation claim. Our simple eligibility checker provides instant clarity. Answer a few straightforward questions, and you’ll know if you could qualify.
Compensation claims can cover damages such as emotional distress, inconvenience, and any financial losses incurred due to the breach.