When it’s not so good to Talk Talk
Third time unlucky for the phone and broadband provider this week, when it was hit again by a cyber-attack – the third one in the last 12 months. With over 4 million UK customers alone, the consequences are far reaching.
Consumers should be aware that this may give rise to potential civil liability against Talk Talk for the following:
- Breach of confidence/misuse of private information;
- Breach of duty contrary to section 4 (4) of the Data Protection Act 1998; and/or
- Negligence
In addition complaints can be made to the Information Commissioner’s Office and OFCOM.
An important case dealing misuse of private information is also this week hitting headlines. Gulati v MGN Limited (2015) aka the Mirror Phone Hacking case was heard in the Court of Appeal this week. Damages of over £1,000,000 has been awarded to 8 main victims, surpassing the previous threshold set by Max Mosley in 2008 of £60,000. The level of damages is the subject of the appeal. Lawyers all over the country are waiting with abated breath to see if the appeal will impact on their own clients. But you can see that these type of cases can mean big money.
We have certainly seen a surge of new enquiries surrounding data protection, as more people become aware and informed from the constant stream of headlines surrounding this area.
In the meantime Talk Talk customers are being warned to be extra vigilant about any suspicious activities in their bank accounts and fraudulent e-mails.
If you are concerned that your data with Talk Talk has been stolen and has led to losses, you need to contact the police and get legal advice.