ANNOUNCEMENT
You may be aware from the news, that there has been a Legal Aid Agency Data breach.
The Legal Aid Agency advise that they became aware of a cyber-attack in late April in respect of their online digital services. These are the services through which we as a legal aid provider lodge our work and receive payment from the government.
The Legal Aid Agency have advised that they took immediate action to increase the security of the system. Limited information was provided to all legal aid providers.
On the 19th May 2025, the Legal Aid Agency made public news that on Friday, the 16th of May they discovered the attack was far more extensive than originally understood.
The group behind the Cyber-attack had accessed a large amount of information relating to legal aid applicants. They believe the group accessed and downloaded significant amount of personal data from those who applied for legal aid through their digital service since 2010.
They are unable to advise specifically, however they have indicated the data may have included contact details and addresses of applicants, dates of birth, national insurance numbers, criminal history, employment status and financial data such as contribution amount debts and payments.
The Legal Aid Agency have advised on the government website that they would urge all members of the public who have applied for legal aid during this time period (15 years) to take steps to safeguard themselves. They advise the following
Be alert for the following:-
- Any suspicious activity such as unknown messages or phone calls.
- Be extra vigilant to update any potentially exposed passwords.
If you are in doubt about anyone you are communicating with online or over the phone you should verify their identity independently before providing any further information to them.
Further information and guidance can be found on the National Cyber Security Centre website