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Legal Aid Agency Cyber Attack Exposes Records Since 1978

Legal Aid Agency Cyber Attack Exposes Records Since 1978

First seen 14 Oct 2026, 20:37 UTC • •
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ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •October 14, 2026 at 21:33 UTC
  • •Hackers accessed personal data records dating back to 1978 during a 2025 cyber attack.
  • •The breach primarily affected data from 2007 to May 2025, including sensitive personal information.
  • •No complete legal aid case records were compromised, and no evidence of data publication has been found.

In April 2025, a cyber attack targeted the Legal Aid Agency (LAA), compromising personal data of legal aid applicants and providers. The Ministry of Justice disclosed that hackers accessed records dating back to 1978, with the majority from 2007 to May 2025. The attack exploited vulnerabilities in the LAA's IT systems, leading to the exfiltration of sensitive information, including names, addresses, and financial details. While the data breach is extensive, the government has confirmed that no complete legal aid case records were affected. The LAA is working with law enforcement and cybersecurity agencies to assess the impact and has not found evidence that the stolen data has been published or shared. Legal aid providers and applicants are urged to stay informed about potential impacts on their data.

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Timeline

2025-04-23
Cyber attack identified
The LAA discovered a cyber attack affecting its online digital services and personal data.
Gov.Uk
2025-05-16
Extent of breach confirmed
The LAA confirmed that the attack was more extensive than initially understood, with significant data exfiltration.
Gov.Uk
2026-10-14
Data update released
The MoJ provided an update confirming the extent of the compromised data and its historical range.
Independent

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Common questions

Who is affected by the data breach?
Individuals who applied for legal aid or interacted with the LAA from 1978 to May 2025 may be affected.
What types of data were compromised?
Compromised data may include names, addresses, dates of birth, and financial information related to legal aid applications.
What actions are being taken in response to the attack?
The LAA is collaborating with law enforcement and cybersecurity agencies to assess the breach and secure systems.