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Arnold Clark Data Breach

If an organisation has failed to protect your data, whether due to a breach or the mishandling of your personal information, you are not alone. Across the UK, people are joining forces to challenge corporate wrongdoing. If your data has been misused or compromised, you may be entitled to compensation.

Arnold Clark Data Breach

The car retailer Arnold Clark suffered a serious cyber-attack in December 2022, which has led to sensitive customer data being shared online. As of February 2023, it is still not fully clear how many customers have been affected and what the extent of the impact will be. The company has acknowledged the effect this data breach could have on those affected, and has committed to providing further updates to customers who may have had their data exposed in the breach.

The consequences of having your personal data stolen can be extremely serious. When sensitive information gets into the hands of sophisticated cyber-criminals, it can lead to a range of issues, including financial losses, identity theft, and emotional distress. Thankfully, data breach victims are entitled to seek compensation to mitigate the impact. Read on below to find out more.

The Arnold Clark data breach took place on 23rd December, but it was not initially clear what had happened. Following the breach, the company put out a statement acknowledging there had been “unusual activity” on their network, but it was only in late January that the company clarified they had been the victim of a cyber-attack in which customer data had been exposed.

A number of news organisations, including the BBC and the Daily Mail, have reported that a well-known gang of cyber-criminals has claimed responsibility for the hack and has already leaked some of the stolen data on the dark web. According to these reports, the group is trying to secure a multi-million-pound ransom from Arnold Clark; if they do not receive payment, they are threatening to share the rest of the stolen data.

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What data was stolen in the Arnold Clark data breach?

At present, it is not fully clear what data was taken by the hackers, nor how many customers have been affected. Arnold Clark issued a statement acknowledging that “attackers were able to steal copies of some data that we hold”, but did not provide further details.

However, a report by the Daily Mail found that the data shared online by the hackers included a concerning range of information, some of it highly sensitive. Subsequently, an email sent by Arnold Clark to affected customers indicated that the data stolen by the hackers may have included:

  • Names
  • Contact details
  • Dates of birth
  • Vehicle details
  • ID documents (including passports and driver’s licences)
  • National Insurance numbers
  • Bank account details

This indicates this was a particularly serious data breach, as the customer information that has been taken appears to be of a particularly sensitive nature. This kind of information can be used to commit identity fraud or as part of a phishing attack to get access to even more personal data, as Arnold Clark themselves have acknowledged. Having this kind of information made available online is without doubt a distressing experience for those concerned.

Who has been affected by the Arnold Clark data breach?

Unfortunately, Arnold Clark has also not specified which customers may have been affected by the breach. The company has begun writing to those affected directly, offering details on how they can protect themselves from phishing attacks and other potential threats. However, as we don’t know how many customers have had their data stolen, it’s impossible to estimate how long this could take. If you are concerned about any potential impact, you can contact Arnold Clark directly at customerservice@arnoldclark.com.

Can I claim compensation?

The UK’s data protection regulations, including the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), give people the right to seek compensation if they have been the victim of a data breach. Compensation is intended to support people who have suffered a significant negative impact from a data breach, whether this be financial losses, reputational damage, or emotional distress.

If you are considering pursuing a data breach claim, you should consult an experienced solicitor to help support your case. Here at Express Solicitors, our team of specialist data breach solicitors can offer a thorough understanding of the relevant legislation with proven experience in helping clients to seek compensation. Read our case studies for recent examples of compensation awards we have been able to secure.

If you are considering pursuing a data breach claim, we offer free consultations to help you decide whether you have a case. If we do think you are owed compensation, we can take up your claim on a no-win, no-fee basis. To find out more, speak to one of our expert team today.

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How we can help

Express Solicitors has a specialist team of solicitors dedicated to seeking compensation for victims of data breaches. Thanks to our in-depth understanding of the relevant legal statutes and regulations, we can provide you with the best possible chance of getting the compensation you deserve.

We offer free, no-obligation consultations to help you decide whether pursuing a compensation claim is the right step for you. We pursue claims on a no-win, no-fee basis, so if your claim isn’t successful, you won’t owe us a penny.

If you’d like to discuss a potential claim, get in touch with us today to discuss your case.

Step 1

Contact Express Solicitors to arrange a free no-obligation consultation where we can offer free advice on whether you can pursue a claim against Arnold Clark.

Step 2

If we believe you have a case, we can pursue your claim for you on a no-win, no-fee agreement. This means it will not cost you a penny to start your claim, and you won’t have to pay if it is not successful.

Step 3

If we accept your case against Arnold Clark, our dedicated team of Data Protection Solicitors will handle everything for you and keep you up to date throughout the whole process.

Free Consultation

You can contact Express Solicitors for a free consultation with no obligation, where we will take the time to understand your claim and offer clear, helpful guidance on your next steps.

No-Win-No-Fee

We can assist you on a no win, no fee basis, so you will only need to pay us if your claim is successful and compensation is awarded.

Client Communication

If your case is accepted, our team of Data Protection Solicitors will handle the process on your behalf and keep you informed at every stage.

Our Group Actions team

The Express Group Actions team has years of experience supporting clients with data breach, data protection and cybercrime claims against large organisations. We have been part of the biggest group action settlement in England and Wales in respect of a data breach. We understand the harm and distress that can result when your personal information is not handled properly or has been compromised. We are committed to helping you secure the compensation you deserve.

Brian
Higgs

Partner - Head of Group Actions

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