Protect Your Business with Expert Legal Advice After a Data Breach in the UK

In today’s digital landscape, data breaches can affect businesses of all sizes, leaving you exposed to financial, legal, and reputational risks. If your company has suffered a data breach, acting swiftly is critical. Seeking professional legal advice ensures you comply with UK regulations, minimise potential penalties, and restore trust with your clients.

We only work for businesses and do not support individuals with data breach claims.

Why Legal Guidance is Essential After a Data Breach in the UK

Data breaches involving sensitive personal or business information often result in breaches of UK data protection laws, such as the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. Non-compliance can lead to substantial fines imposed by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and legal claims from affected parties. Expert legal advisers can help you address these issues effectively, safeguarding your business.

What is the ICO?

The Independent Commissioners Office (ICO) is an independent, regulatory body that ensures that personal data is collected, handled and stored in accordance with regulations. If the ICO feels that a company or individual has or is breaching these regulations, the ICO has significant powers to investigate thoroughly. The ICO can and does bring actions where necessary and can also potentially lead to criminal prosecutions, significant fines, as well as reputational damage.

What does the ICO investigate?

Almost all businesses, regardless of size collect and manage data. Data Controllers hold or manage personal information about others and are required by law to manage and protect that information in line with rules for data protection contained in The Data Protection Act 2018.  In 2018 the General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) also came into place, strengthening the rights of ‘data subjects’ to have their data protected, meaning tougher rules for data controllers. The ICO investigates any breach of the UK data protection laws, such as the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018 that they are made aware of. Businesses may have been reported to the ICO by a third party who suspects they have breached regulations, or an investigation maybe triggered after a company becomes aware of a breach and voluntarily notifies the ICO.

Responsibilities of Data Controllers

Under the Data Protection Act, data controllers have significant responsibilities and must ensure that any information collected is:

  • used fairly, lawfully and transparently
  • used for specified, explicit purposes
  • used in a way that is adequate, relevant and limited to only what is necessary
  • accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date
  • kept for no longer than is necessary
  • handled in a way that ensures appropriate security, including protection against unlawful or unauthorised processing, access, loss, destruction or damage.

Data subjects need to be aware of what a business intends to do with their personal information; the business is responsible for letting the data subjects know why you need their information, what it will use it for and what it will do with it, as well as who the business may share the data subjects personal data with. By fulfilling these responsibilities, data controllers ensure they respect individuals’ privacy rights and avoid penalties or enforcement actions from the ICO.

If you find your business is being investigated by the ICO it is likely the business have breached one of these points or policies, inadvertently or otherwise.

Is Your Data Breach Notifiable?

Not all data breaches require notification to the ICO or affected individuals, but failing to report when it is necessary can result in severe penalties. Our legal experts can help assess whether your incident meets the threshold for notification under UK GDPR guidelines. We’ll guide you through the decision-making process, ensuring you remain compliant without over-disclosing, protecting your reputation and resources.

Key Benefits of Legal Support Post-Breach:

  • Regulatory Compliance: Ensure adherence to UK GDPR and other applicable data protection laws.
  • Incident Management: Handle regulatory notifications, customer communications, and internal processes efficiently.
  • Mitigation of Penalties: Reduce the likelihood of fines or legal claims through proper response strategies.
  • Protection Against Litigation: Safeguard your business from lawsuits and claims brought by affected individuals or third parties.

How Our UK Legal Experts Can Help

Our experienced legal team understands the specific challenges of data breaches under UK law. We provide tailored support to protect your business:

  • Data Breach Assessment: Evaluate the scale and impact of the breach.
  • ICO Reporting: Assist with timely and accurate notifications to the Information Commissioner’s Office.
  • Customer Notifications: Draft compliant communication for affected parties, maintaining transparency and trust.
  • Legal Defence: Represent your business in any disputes or litigation that may arise.

Act Quickly to Protect Your Business

A swift and informed response can make all the difference after a data breach. Protect your business, comply with UK regulations, and rebuild confidence with expert legal guidance.

Take the first step toward recovery—call us now for a consultation and ensure your business’s future is secure.

Our specialist Data Protection Solicitors know that the enquiries we receive are often complex and time sensitive. In certain cases we can offer initial fixed price consultations and would be happy to discuss if you enquiry would be suitable for this route.

For a confidential free discussion, call us today on 01908 414990,  alternatively email us at Hello@altion-law.co.uk or complete our Free Enquiry Form and we will call you back.