Ten steps to get the justice system back online after cyber-attack

News:

Key steps must be taken to get the justice system back online following a cyber-attack on the Legal Aid Agency (LAA), the Law Society of England and Wales has warned.

On 23 April, the Ministry of Justice detected unusual activity in the LAA’s IT systems. The data breach includes up to 15 years’ worth of legal aid data, affecting thousands of individuals involved in legal proceedings since 2010.

“It has been two months since the cyber-attack and it is time to get our justice system back online and ensure legal aid – a crucial public service – is available to all who may need it,” said Law Society president Richard Atkinson.

“Civil legal aid providers – who can make the difference between a home and homelessness or give stability for children navigating family separation - are particularly hard hit.

“They have been unable to apply for new grants of legal aid which has left people most in need unable to secure legal advice and risks the closure of legal aid firms across the country.”

The Law Society has set out 10 key steps for the government, the judiciary and the LAA to take to keep the wheels of justice turning, including:

• Getting LAA IT operational again

• Ensuring vital representation in the courts and protecting those most in need of legal support

• Providing full transparency on what data has been accessed

• Providing clear support to individuals who have had their data breached

“While there are immediate actions required to address this crisis, it is vital that government commission a review of the response to learn the lessons from any failings or successes,” added Richard Atkinson.

“Contingency planning across government for these types of events will sadly become more and more necessary.

“Like the NHS or education, legal aid is crucially important to the public and must be invested in.”

Notes to editors

• See the 10 key steps here