Guntrader data breach

Hackers have reportedly accessed thousands of personal records held by Guntrader.uk recently, a website that provides a marketplace for the buying and selling of guns. The Guntrader data breach has brought up serious concerns about the dangers of sensitive information exposure, with the authorities cautioning customers about the potential risks of gun theft.

While the ownership of firearms is kept under control by strict rules and regulations here in the UK, there are still legitimate retailers that provide for the legal circulations of guns. However, the risk of a data breach like the one at Guntrader is that it could reveal intelligence that facilitates illegitimate gun ownership.

With the stakes so high, it is vital that sites like Guntrader keep their private information under tight security. If it emerges that Guntrader failed to protect personal information in accordance with legal requirements, it could be held accountable for a breach of data protection law, meaning that those affected by the incident could be entitled to claim compensation.

Guntrader data breach – what information was exposed?

This July, it was reported that Guntrader had become aware that its systems had been broken into by hackers, an attack which then reportedly led to the publication of customers’ private information. The Guntrader data breach is said to have affected as many as 100,000 customer records, which are said to comprise names and addresses.

While only including two forms of information, the theft of the data could still have a severe impact. With this data, cybercriminals may be able to ascertain the identities of gun owners, as well as where they live, plotting a map of many licensed guns in the UK. Guntrader has highlighted that gun ownership details and the exact storage locations of firearms have not been revealed, but the information that has been exposed may still be enough to direct criminals to firearms.

Response to the data breach

When the Guntrader data breach was identified, the company reported the event to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO). Now, the incident is being investigated by the police and the National Crime Agency (NCA), which underlines the severity of the breach and the potential safety risks it has provoked. In fact, the police have issued security advice to affected gun owners, asking them to refer any suspicious activity to the force.

A representative of Guntrader also recommended vigilance. They stated that the Guntrader data breach was the first successful attack on the company’s systems in 20 years, but the exceptional nature of the incident does not lessen its severity.

Victims and data breach compensation claims

Investigations are still ongoing, but if it emerges that the Guntrader data breach was brought about by negligence or errors within the company itself, those affected could be entitled to make compensation claims. You could be eligible to recover damages for the distress and loss of control you have suffered.

We have represented many victims for data breach claims, developing expertise in this area of law over many years. Playing key roles in some of the largest data group actions in the UK, such as the British Airways action, we have the skills to bring your data breach claim to fruition. Do not hesitate to contact us for free, no-obligation advice today to find out if we can represent you for a legal case on a No Win, No Fee basis.