In August 2021, the UK’s Electoral Commission suffered a significant cyber-attack, compromising the personal information of approximately 40 million individuals. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has since reprimanded the commission for failing to implement basic security measures that could have prevented this breach. 

The breach explained  

Hackers first gained unauthorised access to the Electoral Commission’s Microsoft Exchange Server by impersonating a user account and exploiting known software vulnerabilities. Alarmingly, these vulnerabilities had security patches available as early as April and May 2021, yet the commission had not applied them, leaving their systems exposed.  

The attackers maintained access until October 2022, during which they accessed personal data from the Electoral Register, including names and home addresses. The breach went undetected for over a year, with the servers being accessed multiple times without the commission’s knowledge. 

Failures in basic security protocols   

The ICO’s investigation highlighted several critical shortcomings: 

• Delayed security patching: Despite the availability of patches months before the attack, the commission failed to update its systems promptly, leaving them vulnerable.  

• Weak password policies: Many accounts continued using default or easily guessable passwords, as initially set by the service desk, making unauthorised access simpler for attackers.  

Stephen Bonner, Deputy Commissioner at the ICO, remarked, “If the Electoral Commission had taken basic steps to protect its systems, such as effective security patching and password management, it is highly likely that this data breach would not have happened.” 

Implications for affected voters    

It total, around 40 million people had their data breached. The information stolen in the hack included names, addresses, and other voter data. The exposure of such information inherently increases risks of identity theft, fraud, and targeted scams. Individuals affected by the breach may also experience distress and anxiety over the potential misuse of their personal data. 

Your right to compensation 

Under data protection laws, organisations are obligated to safeguard personal information. The Electoral Commission’s failure to uphold these responsibilities has compromised the personal data of millions. If you’ve been affected by this breach, you may be entitled to compensation for any distress or financial losses incurred. 

How to take action  

Join the Claim is dedicated to helping affected individuals receive the compensation they deserve. 

• Check your eligibility: Answer a few quick questions to see if you qualify to join the claim. 

• Meet your match: If eligible, provide a few extra details to uncover the regulated law firm ready to take on your case. 

• Join the claim: Ready to proceed? We’ll help you register with the law firm. They’ll manage your claim and keep you updated – all on a no-win, no-fee basis. 

Don’t let this breach go unanswered. Hold the responsible parties accountable and seek the compensation you’re entitled to. Check your eligibility today to begin your journey toward justice.