In early January 2025, Gateshead Council suffered a significant cyber security incident that compromised the personal data of both residents and employees. The Gateshead Council breach occurred when cybercriminals targeted the council’s systems, leading to unauthorised access to sensitive information. Here’s how to claim compensation for the Gateshead data breach.
What happened in the Gateshead Council data breach?
In the early hours of January 8, Gateshead Council experienced a cyberattack. The Medusa ransomware group claimed responsibility for the attack and demanded a ransom of $600,000 to delete the stolen data, threatening to release it on the dark web if their demands were not met.
The council’s security measures quickly contained the threat, but despite its efforts, some personal data was accessed by the hackers. A sample of this information was also posted online. This has left victims wondering how to claim Gateshead data breach compensation.
What data was exposed in the security failure?
The specific details of the data stolen in the Gateshead Council data breach have not been fully disclosed. However, it has been reported it includes sensitive information such as:
- Full names
- Email addresses
- Phone numbers
- Home addresses
- Employment histories
- Job applications
- Money owed to adult social carers
- Reports about individuals’ eligibility for public housing.
Both residents and public sector staff appear to be affected by the leak. This type of information is highly valuable to cybercriminals and can be used for fraud, identity theft, and financial scams.
Advice for victims of the Gateshead Council hack
Affected residents and employees are advised to be vigilant by:
Monitoring for phishing emails and fraudulent activity
Using strong and unique passwords
Being cautious when sharing personal information.
The council said it will provide updates as the investigation progresses and will directly contact individuals if their data is found to be at risk.
How to claim compensation for the Gateshead data breach
If you believe you are affected by this data breach, it’s important you understand your rights. If your data was exposed, you may be entitled to compensation for:
- Emotional distress caused by the loss of privacy
- Financial losses if your data was used fraudulently
- The increased risk of identity theft.
If you think you might be involved, our simple eligibility checker provides instant clarity. Answer a few straightforward questions, and you’ll know if you could qualify to join the data breach group action.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Check your eligibility and start to claim Gateshead data breach compensation today.
