Cloud data leaks and compensation advice

In the digital era, private information is stored not only in filing cabinets and on computer hard drives, but also on cloud storage systems. Cloud computing is a key component of many businesses’ digital operations, meaning that many of the companies to which you have disclosed your personal information may choose to store it in a cloud database. When correctly operated, cloud storage systems can be nice and secure but, if not, cloud data leaks can occur, and your data may be at risk of becoming accessible online to unauthorised third parties.

Businesses must take care to implement appropriate security provisions when storing private data in the cloud. Unfortunately, many fail in their data protection responsibilities, leaving your information vulnerable to misuse.

If you have fallen victim to a data breach, you may be able to claim compensation for any harm caused to you. We strongly believe that your data security should never be compromised by a third party, which is why we help victims of data breaches to achieve the justice that they deserve.

The risks of cloud data leaks

The cloud is made up of servers that can be accessed over the internet, containing various applications and databases. As such, if the servers and the files within them are not properly protected, they could be accessed over the network by cybercriminals or hackers looking for security vulnerabilities.

A huge number of businesses have suffered cloud data breaches, and some of them end up being involved in several breaches that can have a serious accumulative impact. Security concerns when it comes to cloud storage is a matter that affects so many of us, so it is something that organisations simply must get right.

Configuration and access management errors have previously been highlighted as key problems which could provoke cloud data leaks. This is an area to keep a close eye on for organisations across the UK and beyond.

Examples of cloud data leaks

Many well-known companies have experienced cloud data leaks over the years, some of which have exposed private customer data. Pfizer, the pharmaceutical giant responsible for the coronavirus vaccine, reportedly suffered a major breach in October last year, after a Google Cloud storage bucket that had been misconfigured reportedly allowed the exposure of conversations with patients taking Pfizer’s prescription drugs and the customer support service. Confidential medical information, full names, email addresses, and home addresses were  leaked, potentially putting victims at risk of fraudulent communication.

Similarly, the Virgin Media data breach exposed the personal information of around 900,000 UK victims in March 2020, when it was revealed that an unsecured marketing database had left data accessible online for 10 months. We are currently leading a group action claim for victims of the data breach.

Claim compensation for a data leak

Widespread change is needed if the problem of cloud data leaks is to be fixed. All data controllers must take their data protection responsibilities seriously by ensuring that their cloud storage systems are equipped with adequate cybersecurity defences. If not, they may be liable to pay GDPR breach compensation to victims.

We know it can be scary to lose control of your personal data, which is why we help victims of data breaches to claim the compensation they deserve for the distress and/or the financial losses they have suffered as a result. To receive free, no-obligation advice on your potential claim, simply call us today or register your details for a call-back.

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