ARTICLE · 21 MAY 2025

Cyber attacks: legal precautions and responses

LegalVision

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Explores the legal risks that can arise from a cyber attack. some measures to reduce risk & what to do if data is compromised.

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In Short

UK GDPR and other laws require businesses to protect personal data and respond quickly to cyber attacks.
Not all breaches must be reported, but serious ones must be notified to the ICO within 72 hours.
Having a cyber strategy and response plan helps reduce risk, meet legal duties, and protect your business.

Tips for Businesses

Assess your data risks, secure your systems, and train your staff regularly. Create a response plan and know when to report a breach. If a cyber attack occurs, act quickly; contain the issue, notify your insurer and legal adviser, and record your actions. Legal advice early on can prevent bigger problems later.

Cyber attacks are among UK businesses' most serious operational risks today, especially as cybercriminals become increasingly sophisticated. Whether you run a small firm or a large organisation, your systems, operations, and personal data are vulnerable to an attack. A successful attack can cause

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