Important update: Beacon data breach
Leonardo Carer Support affected by Beacon data incident. Our statement and information for carers that may have been affected.
Important Information About a Cyber Security Incident
We are making you aware of a recent cyber security incident involving BEACON, the database system used by Leonardo Carer Support, along with around 1,500 other charities, to manage client information.
Why are we contacting you?
On Monday 3 August, BEACON notified us that they had identified unauthorised access to their systems during the previous week.
BEACON is continuing to investigate the incident, and while we await further information, we believe it is important to keep our carers, partners and supporters informed and provide an early update.
We understand that hearing about a cyber security incident may cause concern. The privacy and security of your personal information is extremely important to us, and we are treating this matter very seriously.
Do I need to do anything?
At present, BEACON has not advised us that any specific action is required from you.
However, we recommend remaining cautious and being alert to any unusual or unexpected emails, text messages or telephone calls that appear to come from Leonardo Carer Support that request personal, confidential or financial information. If we require any personal information from you, we will ask you to call us back on the proven phone number listed on our website.
If you receive a suspicious communication claiming to be from us, please do not provide any information or click on any links until you have verified that the communication is genuine.
Data accessed may include:
- Name and postal address
- Date of birth for both the carer and cared for
- Email address
- Telephone number
- Cared for illness/disability
What are we doing?
We apologise for having to advise you about this matter and appreciate your understanding.
We are working closely with BEACON and other organisations affected by the incident to establish exactly what happened, understand any potential impact and ensure appropriate measures are taken.
BEACON was chosen as our CRM (Customer Relationship Management ) system because it met the security requirements, standards and certifications that we expect when entrusting an organisation with carer information. We are therefore taking this incident very seriously and are reviewing the information provided to us as the investigation progresses.
All regulatory authorities have been notified.
We will continue to monitor the situation closely and work with BEACON throughout their investigation. Protecting the personal information entrusted to us remains a key priority, and we will take any appropriate steps necessary as further information becomes available.
Further Information
If you have any questions or concerns regarding this incident, please contact our Data Protection team at:
dataprotection@leonardocarersupport.org
Beacon is also providing updates regarding the incident on its website:
Beacon Cyber Security Incident Updates
For more information on fraud and scams to be aware of, please click on the links below: