Expert Lawyers Call For Increased Security To Protect Customers And Businesses

New research has claimed that one in five people in the UK has been, or knows someone who has been, the victim of online data theft or identity fraud.

Expert lawyers at national law firm Irwin Mitchell have reacted to the ‘worrying’ new findings by calling for more to be done to increase security and protect private and personal customer information from getting into the wrong hands.

The survey on personal security online by cyber security firm Miracl found that many people now feel nervous providing personal or financial information online in the wake of data breaches.

Some 40% of those surveyed said they had already received scam emails claiming to be from HMRC, asking for personal details. This is a hacking technique known as "phishing" where cyber criminals try to lure victims into handing over data.

Data hacking has becoming more and more prevalent with TalkTalk, JP Morgan, Sony, and Ashley Madison all suffering high profile breaches in recent years.

77% of those surveyed said they would feel better about providing personal information if the website had stronger security settings.

Irwin Mitchell provides support for businesses who are concerned about the dangers posed by cyber-attacks.

Georgie Collins, Partner and Intellectual Property, Media and Privacy specialist at Irwin Mitchell, feels that this is another wake up call for both companies and consumers on the web.