Simplify Conveyancing Data Breach

On November 8th 2021, the conveyancing and property services group Simplify reported to the Council for Licenced Conveyancers that they had experienced a major data breach.
The day prior, the company was forced to take down multiple online systems following an apparent major cyber-attack. It is unknown what data was taken in the attack, but it could affect both clients and Simplify employees, past and present.

It wasn’t until eight days later that Simplify reported that all their systems were back up and running, and they were attempting to process their transaction backlog. Unfortunately, for many of their clients, it was already too late, as potential property buyers and sellers had pulled out of sales due to the delay. In reality, it took the business over a month to finalise all delayed sales, much to the dismay of customers.

Simplify notified the police and the Information Commissioner’s Office of the breach, and an investigation is ongoing. Simplify may face fines for misuse of personal data.

The Simplify Conveyancing data breach’s impact was substantial, with the true extent of it still unknown as the nature of the data lost remains unclear. Simplify still cannot confirm how the data breach happened or what information was accessed or taken. It is possible that bank account information, contact details, passport or driving licence copies, and National Insurance numbers were lost during the attack.

The attack affected several firms that Simplify represents, including My Home Move, Move with us, Premier Property Lawyers, JS Law, DC Law, and Advantage Property Lawyers.

If you are concerned that your data was exposed during Simplify’s data breach, you should consider making a compensation claim. The ramifications of such significant losses of data are exceptionally wide-reaching. The financial losses incurred due to their system outages and loss of personal data could be substantial. Furthermore, the process of buying and selling property is already exceptionally stressful, without the added worry of lost private information. There were reports of individuals losing out on their dream homes and being forced to sleep in their cars. You can claim for resultant stress and anxiety or exacerbation of pre-existing mental health conditions.

Simplify should have contacted you directly if your private information was jeopardised in the breach. If you believe you were affected, you should take additional security measures to protect yourself. If you have a direct connection to either Simplify or one of the affected firms they work with and have received no information, contact Simplify as soon as possible.

Be extra vigilant against phishing attacks, which could involve fraudulent emails, phone calls or other forms of communication from anyone claiming to represent the brand you were working with, attempting to gain further personal details from yourself.

If your data was exposed in the Simplify Conveyancing data breach, you could be entitled to compensation. The implications of your data being lost or stolen can be far-reaching, resulting in financial losses and distress. Getting the compensation you deserve can help you to recover from any damages.

We offer a no-win, no-fee service, and during our free consultations, we can determine whether you’re likely to have a successful claim. Until you receive compensation, there isn’t a penny to pay.

To get started on your claim, get in touch with us either via our contact form, give us a call at 0151 668 0814, or email us at enquiries@hnksolicitors.com.