No Organisation is Immune From Cyber Attacks: Investing in IT Has Never Been More Important
In April 2025, the Legal Aid Agency (LAA), part of the Ministry of Justice, suffered a catastrophic
cyber attack. The breach exposed the personal information of all individuals who applied for
legal aid, potentially reaching as far back as 2010. The leaked data included names, addresses,
dates of birth, National Insurance numbers, criminal histories, financial records, and
employment status. Among many others, the subsequent risks could now include fraud, identity
theft and even blackmail.
While the LAA shut down all online systems, the attackers claim to have accessed over 2.1
million records, though this is yet to be confirmed by the MoJ. Lawyers and other industry
professionals have said they had complained for years about the Legal Aid Agency’s IT system
and were concerned that the cyber-attack would leave vulnerable claimants and those briefly
represented by a duty solicitor open to exposure and possible blackmail.
In 2023, the Law Society called on the government to invest in the LAA digital system. In a
statement which now rings with a level of irony, the society described the system as “too fragile
to cope.” It was further criticised as recently as March 2024, just weeks before the breach.
This attack has exposed 15 years of sensitive data. The warning to all organisations is clear —
If a government agency with layers of regulation can be compromised, your business is also at
risk.
What Are The Risks of a Cyberattack?
Cyberattacks carry serious risks, which include financial losses, operational disturbances, data
breaches and damage to your reputation. They can often lead to further issues such as fraud,
identity theft, blackmail and could even lead to your clients or customers bringing claims against
you.
Why Are So Many Cyber Attacks Happening Right Now?
The LAA breach is the latest in a string of high-profile incidents, with other victims including the
Co-op and M&S Food. This begs the question: Why are so many cyber attacks happening right
now? According to IT Support & Security Partner Conosco, the five major causes and
contributing factors of the LAA incident were:
● Ageing Infrastructure: It’s no secret that the platforms used by the Legal Aid Agency
have been considered outdated for quite some time, and could not survive modern
attack techniques. It is said that even the basic requirements were lacking.
● Underinvestment in Cyber Security: Falling to the bottom of the priority pile, whether
through budget constraints or a lack of awareness around the level of threat, there was a
clear lack of funding for adequate security services.
● Administrative Omissions: Bad habits reportedly included lapses in security, flagging
vulnerabilities without resolving them and outdated risk registers.
● An Awareness Deficit: Company culture and proper training are imperative to ensure a
completely cohesive defence. Regular training on phishing, as well as exemplary
password hygiene and multi-factor authentication are critical.
● Inadequate Outsourcing: Like many other companies, the LAA relied on a range of
external contractors and third-party software vendors who were selected without the
thorough vetting needed.
How Can Business Finance Help Protect My Company Against a Cyber Attack?
Fast, flexible and tailor-made business finance will allow you to invest in the security essentials
that your company needs to survive in the modern market. Regular staff training, bespoke
security platforms and the integration of existing software with ongoing management are all
examples of the steps you can take to prevent a cyberattack. With a business finance product
such as a working capital loan or a commercial loan, you’ll be able to afford it without restricting
cash flow.
Key Takeaways From The Recent Cyber Attacks
1. Delays can be fatal for your business. Cybersecurity shouldn’t be seen as something to
‘get around to’ as they leave dangerous (and easy!) openings for criminals to get into.
You need resilient online support and effective management from the outset.
2. Size doesn’t matter. No firm is too small or too niche, and assuming that yours is could
be a costly error. All sectors are at risk as cybercriminals continue to target a variety of
industries.
3. IT is only the first hurdle. You should keep in mind that a breach or attack will have a
domino effect on the rest of the business – other expensive factors will follow, including
downtime, professional claims and reputation damage. This is why an effective proactive
approach goes beyond IT to things like Professional Indemnity Insurance.
It has never been more important to ensure watertight online security. Don’t risk your data being
compromised – invest in your security infrastructure today. With fast and reliable business
funding from White Oak UK, you can secure approval on a loan in as little as 24 hours, giving
you the cash needed to ensure effective online security management.
Sound good? Get in touch today to avoid any unwanted breaches.
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