British Airways had a data breach that allowed unauthorized third party/parties access to passenger names, passport and credit card information. BA has arrogantly continued to claim that there is no proof that leaked credit cards would have been used in an unauthorized manner.
There are two law firms in the United Kingdom that are in the process of suing the airline for compensation that it will then be distributed among the claimants (you won’t become one unless you sign up). The British Information Commissioner’s Office and is the process of fining British Airways to the tune of £183 million.
You can access the law firms’ SPG Law and Hayes Connor websites here and here (check both).
The ICO’s fine is just a penalty for the lax procedures that British Airways had in place and the money goes to EU/EEA member states. These two firm have sued BA to get the airline pay damages to affected passengers.
Here’s what Hayes Connor writes on their website:
What happened in the British Airways Data Breach?
Last year, almost 400,000 British Airways customers had their personal details and bank cards stolen in one of the most severe cyber-attacks in UK history. In response, the airline is now facing a staggering £183 million penalty by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).
However, while the ICO has the power to impose data breach fines, it does not give this money to victims of the data breach. So, if your data was put at risk by BA, you should now make a data breach compensation claim.
What was stolen?
Initially, it was revealed that almost 400,000 British Airways customers have had their personal and bank/credit card details stolen in what is reported to be one of the most severe cyber-attacks in UK history.
Worryingly, it took over two weeks before the data breach was detected by the airline. In response, questions are now being asked as to whether poor systems have made this cyber-attack worse.
All 380,000 customers who booked flights online or via the British Airways app during that time using a debit or credit card are affected.
To make matters worse, when investigating this case, a second data breach was also uncovered. In this instance, 77,000 people had their names, addresses, email addresses and detailed payment information taken. This included card numbers, expiry dates, and card verification value (CVV) numbers
And, a further 108,000 people had their personal details stolen.
The airline has said that compensation claims will be discussed on an ‘individual basis’. However, it is not up to British Airways to dictate the terms of any compensation payments.
At Hayes Connor Solicitors, we are experts in data breach cases, and, once you have registered with us, it’s not uncommon that we uncover information that allows us to increase the value of your claim significantly. What might seem irrelevant to you, could make a huge difference in the eyes of the law. That’s why it’s important not to be fobbed off by a low initial offer from British Airways. Instead, by making a no-win, no-fee claim with us, we can increase the amount of compensation you receive substantially.
Committed to helping victims of data breaches and cybercrime to achieve the justice they deserve, at Hayes Connor Solicitors we are now launching a group action to compensate victims of the British Airways’ data breaches.
Here’s our previous pieces of this BA Data Breach:
British Airways Website And App Hacked & 380K Customer’s Credit Card And Other Information Stolen
UPDATE: British Airways Data Breach Affects Those That Made Award Bookings April 21 – July 28, 2018
Stolen Credit Card Data From British Airways Hack On Sale For $12 Million
Reader Question: British Airways Data Theft & Card Compromised?
Reader Question: $21K In Fraudulent Charges Due To British Airways Hack & HSBC Refuses To Dispute?
British Airways Is Facing a Record Breaking £183 Million Fine Over 2018 Data Breach
Conclusion
Unless you get your claim in, you won’t get any money regardless what inconveniences this data breach may have caused to you. I would advise eligible readers to make sure that they are part of the process. I filed my claim with the SPG, but the other firm is apparently more experienced with data breach/theft cases.
It is inconceivable that British Airways continues to claim that none of the credit cards from this leak would have been used in an unauthorized manner based on the sheer number of instances reported. I guess that they continue to claim this to try limit their liability.
I hope that all these fines and penalties would make companies take the information security more seriously. It is very unfortunate that the confidential data is stolen so often these days.
