A leading North-West law firm has officially initiated legal proceedings against Capita, in response to a recent data breach that could impact millions of people.

Manchester based Barings Law, sent a letter of claim to the technology and outsourcing giant last week outlining their case and client concerns.

In just 2 weeks, the firm has already signed up 250 people who suspect their personal data may have been compromised by the breach, and is currently fielding 30-40 enquiries per day from concerned members of the public, including local councils.

Investigations by Barings Law have revealed alarming potential breaches of personal information, including compromised passports, emails and home addresses.

Disturbingly, affected individuals have also reported unauthorized activities such as Uber Eats and Just Eat orders being placed on their bank accounts which have gone unnoticed for weeks.

The cyberattack in March also targeted people's pensions which were administered via Capita's systems, resulting in individuals falling prey to phishing attempts, fraudulent calls and emails purportedly from their providers.

Following the incident, The Pensions Regulator made contact with more than 300 funds, encouraging investigation into whether their personal data had been compromised.

The Universities Superannuation Scheme (USS), which is a pension fund for universities, is notifying its half a million members about the risk.

"This could be one of the biggest data breaches this country has ever experienced,"

"We're receiving a staggering number of enquiries which is why we've officially launched legal action. The number of clients we're signing up is growing every day, which shows how big this is.

"A lot of people who have been paying into their pension for years are really worried they'll have nothing when they retire.

"The hackers have their home addresses, email addresses telephone numbers and even the amount of money they have in their pension pots. They have everything they need to gain access to accounts so it's a very serious situation.

"Aside from people's pensions being affected, the testimonies from our clients reveal some very concerning details ranging from potential huge financial impact to highly sensitive details being compromised."

Capita, which looks after services for the military, local councils and the National Health Service, estimates the financial impact of the hack could be £20m.

This was the second breach the company experienced after it had left some data unsecured online, resulting in thousands of individuals reporting their concerns.

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has reported around 90 organizations having been in touch regarding the breach, despite Capita assuring the public that measures have been taken to secure the affected data.

Mr Malik adds:

"One would think Capita may have put robust measures in place following the first instance, but now innocent people, through no fault of their own, find themselves in really worrying circumstances.

"While we acknowledge that Capita were themselves victims of a cyberattack here, their financial resources are such that the £20m they're forecasting this will cost them, is not that significant in the grand scheme of things.

"Unfortunately, the same can't be said for our clients, who've worked extremely hard all their lives to be told they might now lose everything.

"The legal action from Barings Law sends a powerful message that data breaches carry significant consequences and that companies must prioritize it. It serves as a reminder to organizations to take appropriate measures to safeguard personal data and prevent similar incidents in the future."

Barings Law is encouraging anyone impacted by the breach to reach out on 0161 200 9960, email info@baringslaw.com or simply visit the data breach claims section of the website to join the action.