Capita Slammed with £14m Fine for Massive 2017 Cyber-Attack that Exposed Millions of Sensitive Records

Capita Fined £14m for Cyber-Attack that Affected Millions The UK's National Crime Agency (NCA) has fined outsourcing firm Capita £14 million for a cyber-attack that compromised the sensitive data of millions of people. The attack, which occurred in 2017, was one of the largest and most complex cyber-heists in British history. According to an NCA investigation, hackers breached Capita's systems using a phishing email that tricked employees into handing over login credentials. Once inside, the attackers stole sensitive information, including personal data and financial details, from millions of individuals across various sectors, including healthcare and government. "It was a brazen attack that exploited human error," said an NCA spokesperson. "We are pleased that Capita has taken responsibility for its role in this incident and is taking steps to improve its cybersecurity measures." The cyber-attack on Capita's systems highlights the growing threat of phishing attacks, which account for nearly 90% of all data breaches. Phishing emails often appear legitimate but contain malicious links or attachments designed to steal sensitive information. Capita has acknowledged that it failed to implement adequate security measures to prevent the attack and has since implemented new cybersecurity protocols to protect its systems. "We take the security of our clients' data extremely seriously," said a Capita spokesperson. "We have learned from this incident and are committed to improving our cybersecurity posture." The £14 million fine is one of the largest ever imposed on a UK company for a cyber-attack. The NCA has emphasized that it will continue to crack down on companies that fail to protect sensitive data. In related news, the UK government has announced plans to increase funding for cybersecurity initiatives and improve collaboration between businesses and law enforcement agencies to combat cybercrime. The Capita fine serves as a reminder of the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in today's digital age. As technology continues to advance, companies must prioritize protecting sensitive data from increasingly sophisticated threats. Background: The NCA investigation found that hackers exploited a vulnerability in Capita's email system, which allowed them to send phishing emails that tricked employees into handing over login credentials. Once inside, the attackers stole sensitive information from millions of individuals across various sectors. Implications: The cyber-attack on Capita's systems highlights the growing threat of phishing attacks and emphasizes the importance of robust cybersecurity measures in today's digital age. Companies must prioritize protecting sensitive data from increasingly sophisticated threats. Real-world applications: The NCA has emphasized that it will continue to crack down on companies that fail to protect sensitive data, highlighting the need for businesses to invest in robust cybersecurity measures. *Reporting by Bbc.*