University Of Brighton Data Breach Compensation Claims Guide
This guide about what to do following a potential University of Brighton data breach aims to give you information to help.
If you have been affected mentally or financially by a data breach, rightfully, you might consider taking legal action for the damages you’ve endured. After all, a data breach could have a serious, and in some cases, life-altering impact on your psychological wellbeing and finances.
In this guide, we aim to provide you with advice regarding making data breach claims. Once you’ve read this guide to the very end, you should have a better comprehension of the claims process. Additionally, you’ll have a greater comprehension of how you could seek the services of a solicitor for your case.
We are going to address technical information throughout this guide in bite-size pieces. However, if you have any additional questions, please do not refrain from contacting our advisers.
Here at Legal Expert, our claims team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with you. The number to call is 0800 073 8804.
Select A Section
- A Guide To Data Breach Claims Against The University Of Brighton
- What Could A Data Breach By The University Of Brighton Entail?
- Does The GDPR Apply To Universities?
- Which Universities Have Had An Educational Data Breach?
- How Many University Data Breaches Have There Been?
- Stolen Information And Malicious Data Thefts
- What You Could Be Compensated For After A Higher Education Data Breach
- Calculating University of Brighton Data Breach Compensation Settlements
- Solicitors Handling Cases Of Data Breaches In Higher Education
- No Win No Fee Data Breach Claims Against The University Of Brighton
- Talking To A Lawyer
- How To Find Out More
A Guide To Data Breach Claims Against The University Of Brighton
Our personal data is incredibly valuable and should be treated with care. For instance, whenever we purchase clothes online, subscribe to a new service, or even when we enrol at university, our personal information is processed and sometimes stored.
To ensure our personal data is kept safe, there are laws, regulations and policies set in place. Therefore, when companies and organisations — such as the University of Brighton — use our data, they should ensure they protect it. However, despite the measures that have been established to promote safer personal data processing, data breaches can still occur.
In the event you can prove you’ve suffered mentally or financially due to a University of Brighton data breach, naturally, you may question what steps you can take. In this guide, we aim to provide you with information and answer critical questions, such as:
- How are data breaches caused?
- What percentage of data breaches occur in higher education?
- What is a No Win No Fee agreement?
By the time you have finished this guide, you should be able to answer the questions listed above, plus others. However, it is crucial to note that the claims process can differ from case to case.
Each case takes into account the unique variables at hand. If we fail to overlook a critical part of your case, please don’t worry. All you have to do is reach out and speak to our claims team to learn more. One of our advisers can give free legal advice, address any concerns you may have, and help you take the first steps in beginning your case.
Time Limitation Period
Having a solicitor by your side when making a data breach compensation claim can be beneficial. However, in order for a solicitor to accept your case, it must meet specific criteria. For instance, a prime piece of criteria that must be met is a limitation period.
In order for a data breach claim to have a successful outcome, you must begin your case within 6 years from the date you obtained knowledge of the incident. While 6 years may appear to be a lengthy period of time, it’s advisable to start your case as soon as you’re able.
Beginning your claim as soon as possible grants your solicitor more time to help collect evidence and build your case. Please note that there are exceptions to the limitation period. For instance, if a data breach affects your human rights, then you would have 1 year to make your case.
Failing to begin your claim within the relevant limitation period would affect the eligibility of your case. So if you are uncertain whether you can meet the required timeframe, please speak to one of our advisers.
What Could A Data Breach By The University Of Brighton Entail?
A data breach occurs when your personal information is lost, destroyed, changed, disclosed or accessed unlawfully due to a security breach. The aftermath of a data breach can have a serious and, in some cases, life-altering impact.
There are multiple forms of personal information that could become compromised. For instance, if a data breach happened, it could compromise the following types of information:
- Mobile number
- Home address
- Online activity
- Banking information
- Passwords
- Usernames
- Email address
Both students and employees of the University of Brighton could be affected by a data breach.
Under data protection law, organisations such as the University of Brighton have a requirement to secure all personal information they process. Even once the students and staff members have moved on from the institution, there are laws set in place to ensure their information is kept safe.
However, if an organisation were to neglect this duty and cause a data breach, its actions could cause an innocent individual to suffer. In return, they could be held accountable, and the affected individuals could seek data breach compensation for mental or financial suffering.
Understandably, if you’ve been the victim of a personal data breach, you may consider seeking compensation. Within the sections that follow, we will delve into data-related claims in more detail. In doing so, we will address how a solicitor could offer to take on your case, how you can collect evidence, and what steps you could take.
Does The GDPR Apply To Universities?
We briefly touched upon the laws and regulations that have been set in place to promote safe data practice. One of the most notable laws is the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), enacted into UK law via the Data Protection Act 2018.
The GDPR set a new data security foundation for all businesses and organisations to adhere to. It outlines terms for participants of data processing.
- A data subject: This is the person whose information/data is used, stored and collected.
- The data controller: This is the individual/organisation that decides how and why your data is processed.
- Data processor: This is a body, such as an agency, that processes data on behalf of the data controller.
In addition to the roles listed above, the GDPR has established some duties that must be met, such as:
- The data subject must be informed of how and why their information is being used. (However, data controllers don’t always need your consent.)
- Data controllers should show that they are adhering to the rules and acting lawfully.
- All information that is being stored and collected must be kept up-to-date and done lawfully and ethically.
Although the GDPR aims to prevent breaches from happening, there are unfortunate cases where they can still occur. If you have evidence proving that you have been affected mentally or financially by a data breach, why not get in touch? Here at Legal Expert, we understand the impact a data breach can have, so we are here to help.
Which Universities Have Had An Educational Data Breach?
Within this section of the guide, we want to take a moment to discuss a recent case study regarding university data breaches. Although the information included does not directly involve the University of Brighton, we believe that the study’s message and information could be beneficial if you happen to find yourself in a similar situation.
The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) fined the University of Greenwich £120,000 due to a data breach labelled “serious”. The event involved the University’s Computing and Mathematics School. More specifically, a student and a staff member had created a microsite in 2004 for a training event.
Once the event had finished, the site wasn’t properly secured or shut down. In return, the vulnerability of the website allowed hackers to take advantage and access other parts of the server. They were eventually able to access personal information. The ICO issued a fine against the University due to insufficient data practice.
How Many University Data Breaches Have There Been?
54% of universities reported a data breach in the 12 months leading up to August 2020, according to a survey where 86 universities responded to a Freedom of Information (FOI) request.
So what causes a personal data breach? We may immediately connect them to malware, technical malfunctions, and even ransomware. However, while these could contribute to a data breach, there are other factors to consider too. For instance, a data breach could be caused by one of the following:
- An employee could forward an email or send a letter containing personal information to the wrong person. This could expose personal information.
- A computer or office containing personal information could be unattended and unsecured, allowing an unauthorised person to access personal information.
- Outdated or weak data security software could allow unauthorised hackers to exploit systems and access personal data.
Source: https://www.itgovernance.co.uk/blog/54-of-universities-reported-a-data-breach-in-the-past-year
Do you have evidence of a University of Brighton data breach? Read on to find out more about what justifies a data breach claim.
Stolen Information And Malicious Data Thefts
A data breach has the potential to have a severe impact on your life, as it may result in psychological harm and financial loss. All companies should uphold safe practices. However, you naturally may question what types of data breaches you should be aware of. Two examples are:
- Phishing: Phishing attacks often come from third-party hackers who create emails, text messages or instant messages that look like a genuine organisation’s communication. Clicking on a link in the communication can lead you to provide them with your personal information, such as your bank details.
- Recording keystrokes: This is a software installation that tracks and documents your keyboard history. Therefore, hackers can log what you are typing and access your passwords. This can include everything from your university login details to banking information.
Data breaches can result in:
- Theft: When your personal information is stolen.
- Loss of Privacy: If a breach were to occur, it could expose your home address, banking information, and personal information.
- Emotional Damage: The aftermath of a data breach can be emotionally damaging and cause mental health-related issues, such as depression and anxiety.
- Identity Fraud: This is when someone acts as you without your permission or consent. In doing so, the individual could make purchases after accessing your information.
What You Could Be Compensated For After A Higher Education Data Breach
A data breach could affect you in various ways, so it is more than reasonable to question whether you could seek compensation. You could claim, granted you can prove the breach has caused you to suffer mentally or financially. For example, compensation could be awarded for:
- Non-material damages — awarded to those who endure psychological trauma, such as depression or anxiety.
- Material damages — awarded to those who have experienced a financial loss, such as bank account theft.
Supplying evidence is a critical part of the claims process. Without formal documentation to support your case, a solicitor cannot offer to handle your case. Thankfully, you can provide various forms of evidence, such as proof of a formal complaint, financial documentation and by attending a medical assessment.
If your claim is taken on, our solicitors could organise a medical assessment with an impartial professional. Upon attendance, the professional conducting the evaluation will examine the type of injury you’ve endured, its severity, and whether there are future implications.
The information collected from the assessment will be documented in a report which can be used to support and value your case. It could also be used to prove that your condition was caused or worsened by the data breach.
If you happen to have any questions about data breach compensation, medical assessments, or collecting evidence, please reach out and speak to one of our advisers.
Calculating University Of Brighton Data Breach Compensation Settlements
The case of Vidal-Hall and others v Google Inc [2015] changed the compensation process for data breach compensation claims. The Court of Appeal held that psychological harm could be compensated for without the requirement of also suffering financial loss. The case also established that compensation for psychological trauma could be valued as it is under personal injury law.
It is reasonable to question how much compensation you could be awarded should you take legal action. After all, a data breach can have a severe impact on your life and finances.
When discussing compensation, it is essential to address how every compensation claim takes into account various factors. For instance, when seeking compensation, the type of injury you endured, its severity, and long-term health implications will play a significant role. To illustrate how these factors can influence the amount of compensation awarded, we have included the compensation table below.
| Injury | Severity | Amount | Injury Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| PTSD | Less Severe | Up to £7,680 | The individual would make a full recovery within 2 years with minimal side effects. |
| PTSD | Moderately Severe | £21,730 to £56,180 | With the support of a medical professional, a great recovery can be made. |
| PTSD | Severe | £56,180 to £94,470 | Would have a life-altering impact, damaging relationships and affecting professional and social life. |
| Psychiatric Damage Generally | Moderately Severe | £17,900 to £51,460 | Injuries of this nature would impact the individual’s relationships and how they cope with life. |
| Psychiatric Damage Generally | Severe | £51,460 to £108,620 | This bracket would share similarities to the one above. However, the person would be severely impacted. In return, this would trickle into all areas of their life. |
The compensation table above used information provided by the Judicial College Guidelines to offer insight into compensation for psychological harm. The Judicial College Guidelines is a publication that solicitors may use to value injuries.
However, it is worth noting that you could be compensated for financial loss caused by the data breach. In order for financial loss to be factored into your case, you will be required to provide evidence. Thankfully, you can supply various forms of documentation to support your claim, such as bank statements and receipts.
To gain an estimated figure more specific to your case, please reach out and speak to our advisers. They can offer free legal advice and an accurate valuation.
Solicitors Handling Cases Of Data Breaches In Higher Education
As we enter the final sections of this guide, you may begin to question how you can find the best solicitor to handle your case. In times like this, claimants often take to the internet and read reviews.
By reading reviews left by previous clients, you can gain information to help you with the decision-making process. For instance, by reading reviews, you will see the firm’s success rate and whether previous clients had a positive experience with the firm.
Here at Legal Expert, our solicitors have received numerous reviews from previous clients detailing their time with us.
While we strongly advise that you read client reviews, we also suggest that you reach out and speak to an adviser before progressing with your case. By speaking to an adviser, you have the ability to ask questions relating to your case in more detail. In doing so, you can ask whether the firm has experience handling cases similar to yours.
No Win No Fee Data Breach Claims Against The University Of Brighton
We receive a lot of questions from claimants in regards to the claim process. Sometimes, we receive enquiries from claimants that are unsure of how they are going to fund a solicitor’s services.
Finding affordable representation can be a stressful experience. However, we firmly believe that financial concerns shouldn’t prevent anyone from seeking the data breach compensation they deserve with the help of a solicitor. For that reason, our solicitors can offer to handle your case under a No Win No Fee agreement.
Here at Legal Expert, we could connect those with valid grounds to make a claim to our solicitors, who operate on a No Win No Fee basis. In short, a No Win No Fee agreement is a way to provide claimants access to legal advice, representation, and manageable solicitor funding options.
For instance, if a solicitor agrees to take on your case under a No Win No Fee agreement, you would have access to the following benefits:
- You would have no start-up solicitor fees to begin your case.
- At no point throughout the claims process would you be required to cover an unexpected solicitor fee.
- If a solicitor fails to attain a settlement, then you would not be required to cover their fee.
Under the No Win No Fee agreement, your solicitor would retain a small fee should a settlement be awarded. The fee is capped by law, and it covers their work.
If you would like to access free legal advice, please speak to our advisers today.
Talking To A Lawyer
Throughout this online guide we have supplied you with a significant amount of information, so it is more than understandable to have follow-up questions. So, if you have any questions relating to the content within this guide, or even if you feel that you are ready to begin your claim, we’re here to help.
Thankfully, our advisers are more than happy to speak with you, answer any questions you may have, and help you. If you have evidence of a valid claim and would like to reach out and speak with an adviser, please use one of the following measures:
- Telephone: 0800 073 8804
- Email: info@legalexpert.co.uk
- Online Form: complete our ‘claim online‘ form
- Live Chat: Use our chat by clicking the icon in the corner of the page.
How To Find Out More
We are now entering the final section of our guide exploring what we mean by a potential University of Brighton data breach. Before we progress any further, we want to take a moment to thank you for reading our guide. We hope you have found the information of use.
Now that you have taken the time to read our guide, you may consider searching for additional resources to further your knowledge of the claims process. If so, why not take a look at the additional resources we have provided below?
How to get help if you suffer from anxiety.
Click the link to learn how you can gain support with depression.
Care to learn more about the benefits of a No Win No Fee agreement? Why not take a look at our guide?
Anglia Ruskin University Data Breach Guide
Take a look at our guide to learn more about University breach cases.
University College Birmingham Guide
Suffered from a University College Birmigntm Data Breach? Why not take a look at our guide to learn more.
Other Useful Compensation Guides
- Teesside University Data Breach
- The Arts University Bournemouth Data Breach
- The Open University Data Breach
- Transform Hospital Group Data Breach
- University of Aberdeen Data Breach
- University of Bedfordshire Data Breach
- University of Bradford Data Breach
- Can I Get Compensation For Loss of Medical Records?
- University of Buckingham Data Breach
- University of Cambridge Data Breach
- University of Central Lancashire Data Breach
- University of Cumbria Data Breach
- University of East Anglia Data Breach
- University of Edinburgh Data Breach
- University of Glasgow Data Breach
- University of Gloucestershire Data Breach
- University of Huddersfield Data Breach
- University of Hull Data Breach
- University of Kent Data Breach
- University of Lincoln Data Breach
- Data Breach Solicitors
Thank you for reading our guide on what to do following a potential University of Brighton data breach.
Written by Brennan
Edited By Victorine
