Alston & Bird Privacy, Cyber & Data Strategy Blog

Hanna Hewitt

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About Hanna Hewitt

Hanna helps clients navigate cybersecurity and data protection matters in the U.K., European Union, and beyond. She assists clients throughout the lifecycle of a cyber incident: helping with immediate response, working with forensic providers to eradicate and contain cyber threats, and advising clients on their regulatory and contractual obligations. At only two years qualified, she has managed over 20 large international incidents, often acting as the main point of contact for clients.

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UK Data Protection Regulator Fines 23andMe ~$3.1 Million Following Credential Stuffing Attack

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On June 5, 2025, the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) fined 23andMe £2.31 million (~$3.1 million). The fine was for failing to implement adequate security measures to protect the personal data of over 155,000 UK users. The penalty followed a joint investigation with the Office of the Privacy Commissioner of Canada, highlighting  how regulators are […]

European Vulnerability Database Published by the European Union Agency for Cybersecurity

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The European Union Agency for Cybersecurity (ENISA) has launched the European Vulnerability Database (EUVD), a tool designed to enhance digital security across the EU. The EUVD is available here. ENISA created the EUVD under the Network and Information Securities 2 Directive (NIS2). It is a centralised database containing information on cybersecurity vulnerabilities affecting information technology […]

UK Publishes Software Security Code

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Cyber security supply chain risks are growing, and attacks on vendors and other third parties cause severe disruption to businesses. For example, in recent years we have seen many incidents that have involved threat actors compromising third-party software used by a significant number of customers. With that background, on May 7, 2025, the National Cyber […]

UK Data Protection Regulator Fines UK Law Firm ~$80,000 Following Ransomware Incident

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On April 14, 2025, the UK data protection regulator (the Information Commissioner’s Office (“ICO”)) fined DPP Law (“DPP”) £60,000 (approximately $80,000) following a ransomware incident. In its penalty notice, the ICO found that DPP failed to implement appropriate technical and organisational measures, as required by Article 5(1)(f) and Article 32 UK GDPR. This is the […]

UK Government Publishes Cyber Governance Code of Practice for Boards and Directors

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On April 8, 2025, the UK government published the Cyber Code of Practice (the “Code”) to support board directors in governing cybersecurity risks. The Code is available online. The UK’s data protection regulator is actively investigating and, in some instances, fining companies for personal data breaches caused by cybersecurity issues. It is therefore more important […]