Legal Aid database hacked, 'significant amount' of data and criminal records stolen

• 'Significant amount' of data stolen from Legal Aid Agency
• Up to 2.1 million records accessed, hacking group says
• Legal Aid online systems taken offline

The UK’s Ministry of Justice (MoJ) has revealed that a cyberattack on the Legal Aid system has led to the theft of a "significant amount" of data, including criminal records.

The MoJ was alerted to the attack on April 23 when data dating back as far as 2010 was accessed by the attackers.

Earlier this month, the MoJ said it was investigating a “security incident” and that payment information had potentially been accessed. The group responsible for the attack said they accessed 2.1 million pieces of data, but the MoJ has not confirmed this number.

‘Significant amount’ of data stolen

The MoJ said that the data accessed by the attackers “may have included contact details and addresses of applicants ...