Pension Ombudsman Cyber Attack

2terriers

Hi, I've received an email from the Pension Ombudsman advising I'm one of the 17500 who's details have been compromised in a cyber attack earlier this year. I'm struggling to find any help and advice about this, they've got every single piece of information about me and the Ombudsman doesn't seem to think it's a big deal and have offered me a free Experian account for twelve months. Can anyone help me please?

flaneurs_lobster

The actual cyber attack occurred six months ago. Is this the first communication from the PO that you've had on this subject? 

Ayr_Rage

Take the free Experian account and vigilantly check that and the other CRAs for anything suspicious.

If you used a recycled password in any shape or form with the agency, change all related passwords with other companies, banks etc

dunstonh

they've got every single piece of information about me 

Is that what the ombudsman has told you?
a) my understanding is that the hack didn't provide access to everything
b) most of the data the PO had was public domain or limited impact.
c) its unlikely the PO had special category data.

Marcon

2terriers said:

Hi, I've received an email from the Pension Ombudsman advising I'm one of the 17500 who's details have been compromised in a cyber attack earlier this year. I'm struggling to find any help and advice about this, they've got every single piece of information about me and the Ombudsman doesn't seem to think it's a big deal and have offered me a free Experian account for twelve months. Can anyone help me please?

That doesn't mean your personal data has been exposed. From the PO's website:

The Pensions Ombudsman has concluded its investigation into the cyber incident. During the investigation we worked with relevant agencies such as the National Cyber Security Centre, and cyber experts to put in place appropriate containment, monitoring and security solutions.

We have notified under 17.5k individuals whom we considered required notification in line with our regulatory obligations.

coey

I'm also one of the 17500. I've signed up to experian as offered and can't see what else we can do. I'm just going to be extra vigilant with regard to all financial matters for a while.

Somebody

coey said:

I've signed up to experian as offered and can't see what else we can do.

You could sign up for Protective Registration at https://www.cifas.org.uk/pr

flaneurs_lobster

Somebody said:

coey said:

I've signed up to experian as offered and can't see what else we can do.

You could sign up for Protective Registration at https://www.cifas.org.uk/pr

You could, but be aware it costs £25 for 2 years.

handful

I got the same message about 2 months ago but mine was to do with a DB pension I held with Capita administering it. My sister also had the same warning but that was in the early part of the year. I think they are discovering more "casualties" as they unravel the mess. I did notice an increase in the number of scam emails I was receiving and some were actually very plausible. I took out the free Experian option as well.

leosayer

Ayr_Rage said:

Take the free Experian account and vigilantly check that and the other CRAs for anything suspicious.

If you used a recycled password in any shape or form with the agency, change all related passwords with other companies, banks etc

The latter is great advice whether you have been part of a data breach or not. Password safe apps have tools to help with this.

eric4395

Dont know about a cyber attack but i have been in touch with the pension ombudsman regarding a pension complaint since March this year, any correspondance was taking an age to get a reply. Finally got a letter last week that says after loooking at all my details & correspondance regarding my case/ complaint they agree to take it forward to there assement team however estimates are that could take about 11months before anything happens  !!