Millions of people have been affected by a major cyber attack involving Manchester Airports Group, and Scottish travellers who have used its airports are being urged to check whether their personal information may have been compromised.
Manchester Airports Group (MAG) operates three of the UK’s major airports:
- Manchester Airport
- London Stansted Airport
- East Midlands Airport
Around 8.7 million customers are reported to have been affected by the cyber attack, with personal information connected to services including airport Wi-Fi, parking, Fast Track and airport lounge bookings involved.
The incident has since become even more concerning, with criminal hackers reportedly posting personal data relating to nearly nine million people online.
For anyone who has received an email or notification from Manchester Airports Group confirming that their information may have been affected, it is important to understand what has happened and what options may be available.
What information may have been affected?
The personal information involved will vary depending on how someone interacted with the airports.
Information reportedly accessed includes:
- email addresses;
- telephone numbers;
- postcodes; and
- vehicle registration numbers.
Many people may not immediately associate themselves with Manchester Airports Group. You do not necessarily need to have booked a flight directly with one of the airports to have been affected.
For example, personal information may have been provided when connecting to airport Wi-Fi, booking airport parking, using Fast Track or reserving an airport lounge.
Manchester Airports Group has said that bank and payment details were not held within the system that was accessed.
Why does this matter for people in Scotland?
Manchester Airport is regularly used by people travelling from Scotland, particularly where direct flights are not available from Scottish airports. Scottish travellers may also have used Stansted or East Midlands Airport.
This means that people living in Glasgow and elsewhere in Scotland could have had their information stored by Manchester Airports Group even though none of the affected airports is located in Scotland.
If you have received an email or other notification confirming that your data was affected, it is important not to ignore it.
What should you do if your information has been affected?
Following any data breach, it is sensible to be particularly cautious about unexpected communications.
Affected customers should keep the notification they received and remain alert to:
- suspicious emails or text messages;
- unexpected telephone calls;
- phishing attempts;
- requests for passwords or financial information; and
- messages containing links or attachments from unfamiliar senders.
The reported publication of stolen customer information online may understandably increase concerns about how that information could potentially be used.
It is also worth keeping copies of any suspicious communications you receive following the breach, particularly if you believe they may be connected.
Could you make a Manchester Airport data breach claim?
Being affected by a data breach does not automatically mean that compensation will be payable.
However, depending on the circumstances, people whose personal information has been compromised may be able to pursue a data breach compensation claim.
Claims are not necessarily limited to financial losses. The impact of losing control of personal information, including distress or anxiety caused by a breach, may also be relevant when assessing an individual claim.
The circumstances will be different for everyone, which is why obtaining specialist advice can help you understand whether you may have a claim.
Received a Manchester Airports Group data breach email? Talk to Thompsons
Thompsons Solicitors Scotland is currently taking on claims from people living in Scotland who have been affected by the Manchester Airports Group data breach.
Thompsons has extensive experience representing people following major data breaches, including claimants affected by breaches involving Arnold Clark, easyJet and JD Sports.
If you live in Scotland and have received an email or notification from Manchester Airports Group advising that your personal information may have been affected, speak to Thompsons.
You do not need to know whether you definitely have a claim before getting in touch. The specialist Data Breach team can review the notification you have received, assess your individual circumstances and explain whether you may be able to pursue compensation.
If you have received a Manchester Airports Group data breach notification, Talk To Thompsons today.
