A recent article in Smart Water magazine highlighted the potentially devastating consequences if enhanced cybersecurity is not adopted across the sector. According to the writer:
“As cyber threats grow in sophistication, governments, utilities, and private entities must collaborate to safeguard water systems, which are not just critical to public health and safety but also to national security.”
The article looked at cyberattacks in North America, as well as the recent Southern Water data breach closer to home. It warned against cybercriminals who may hope to disrupt water services for political advantage.
What happened in the Southern Water data breach?
In January 2024, cyber criminals broke into Southern Water’s systems and stole the personal details of up to 500,000 customers and employees. The Russia-linked Black Basta ransomware group claimed responsibility for the hack.
On this occasion, no services were impacted. However, the attack raised concerns about the security of the UK’s critical infrastructure and the possible disruption an outage could cause. What’s more, a vast amount of data, including names, bank details, and identity documents, was stolen in the Southern Water data breach. Data that lawyers fear could have been stolen to sell on the dark web.
The Southern Water data breach is especially concerning as it includes financial and banking information.
What data was stolen in the Southern Water data breach?
- Customer names, dates of birth, National Insurance numbers, bank account numbers, sort codes, and reference numbers have likely been accessed by cybercriminals
- The HR documents and identity documents (e.g. passports, driving licenses and utility bills) of current and former employees may also have been compromised
Even though Southern Water claims none of its customers’ data has been published online following the cyberattack, this doesn’t mean it is safe. The information could still be in the hands of hackers who might use it for fraud, identity theft, or other malicious activities in the future.
Are you eligible to join the Southern Water data breach compensation claim?
Are you affected? If so, you could be due compensation. Watch our video to learn more.
Claim compensation now!
Can you make a no-win, no-fee Southern Water data breach claim? Our simple eligibility checker provides instant clarity. Answer a few straightforward questions, and you’ll know if you could qualify for a Southern Water data breach group action.
