UK Privacy Watchdog Unveils Data Breaches

In recent months, the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has unveiled a series of data breaches, each exposing critical flaws in data protection practices across multiple sectors. These incidents, totaling more than two dozen, span from healthcare providers to public service departments, underscoring the pervasive nature of cybersecurity challenges.

Healthcare Sector Vulnerabilities

In August 2024, the ICO provisionally fined Advanced Computer Software Group Ltd £6.09 million following a ransomware attack in August 2022. The breach compromised the personal data of 82,946 individuals, including sensitive health information. Hackers accessed Advanced’s systems through a customer account lacking multi-factor authentication, leading to significant disruptions in NHS 111 and other critical health services. (dataprotectionlawhub.com)

Similarly, in December 2023, Cambridge University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust admitted to a data leak affecting over 22,000 patients. The breach occurred when the trust inadvertently included sensitive patient information in Freedom of Information (FoI) responses, exposing data such as names, hospital numbers, and medical details. (theregister.com)

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Public Sector Breaches

The public sector has also faced scrutiny. In August 2023, the Electoral Commission suffered a data breach affecting approximately 40 million individuals. Investigations revealed inadequate security measures, including outdated servers and weak password policies. The ICO reprimanded the commission for these lapses, emphasizing the need for stringent data protection protocols. (ashurst.com)

In July 2024, the ICO reprimanded the London Borough of Hackney following a cyber-attack that encrypted 440,000 files, including special category data. The attack impacted at least 280,000 council residents and staff. The ICO’s investigation found failures in security patch management and the use of insecure passwords, highlighting systemic issues in public sector data security. (ashurst.com)

Corporate Sector Incidents

The corporate sector is not exempt. In June 2025, the ICO fined 23andMe £2.31 million for failing to protect UK residents’ personal and genetic data prior to its 2023 data breach. Hackers accessed over 6.9 million user accounts using stolen credentials, exploiting the absence of multi-factor authentication. The breach affected more than 155,000 UK residents, underscoring the critical importance of robust authentication measures in safeguarding personal data. (techcrunch.com)

Emerging Enforcement Trends

The ICO’s approach to enforcement has evolved, with a noticeable shift towards reprimands over monetary penalties. In 2023, the ICO issued 37 reprimands, up from eight in 2020. This trend reflects a more proactive stance in addressing data protection failures across various sectors. (ashurst.com)

Conclusion

The ICO’s recent disclosures serve as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities inherent in handling sensitive personal information. The diverse range of sectors affected—from healthcare to public services and corporate entities—highlights the pervasive nature of cybersecurity challenges. These incidents underscore the pressing need for organizations to implement robust data protection measures and adhere to stringent security protocols to safeguard personal data against evolving threats.

References

• “NHS software provider faces £6 million fine after cyber attack.” Stephenson Harwood, August 2024. (dataprotectionlawhub.com)

• “Data Bytes 49: Your UK and European Data Privacy update for July 2024.” Ashurst, July 2024. (ashurst.com)

• “UK watchdog fines 23andMe over 2023 data breach.” TechCrunch, June 2025. (techcrunch.com)

• “Data breach debacle hits yet another UK public sector org.” The Register, December 2023. (theregister.com)