IMPORTANT NOTICE - WISEPAY DATA SECURITY INCIDENT

 

Wisepay have made us aware of a data security incident which affected their online payment platform.  They have been investigating the extent of the breach and do not believe that any payments made on our system were affected.  They have notified Action Fraud and the National Cyber Crimes Agency and have implemented additional security measures designed to prevent a recurrence. 

Wisepay have asked us to share the following information and guidance with all our users.

We value the privacy of your information, which is why we are writing to let you know about a data security incident that affected WisePay.

At some point around 2 October 2020, we understand that a cyberattack occurred in the form of a URL manipulation, meaning that the payment gateway page was redirected or controlled by a bad actor.

WisePay has engaged a computer forensics expert, and the forensic investigation is ongoing. Even though you did not attempt to make any transactions during the period in question, as best practice, we would still recommend that you are especially cautious regarding your personal financial arrangements and take prompt steps to pause or cancel the payment card you have used on our site. We also recommend you take additional precautionary steps to change passwords or login details for your bank accounts and credit cards.

WisePay has taken steps to implement additional security measures designed to prevent a recurrence of such an event. WisePay has notified the UK’s Information Commissioner and law enforcement to ensure the incident is properly addressed.

Please review the information below for additional steps you can take to protect your information.

Given that there are several investigations into this incident, including potentially by law enforcement, WisePay requests that you keep it confidential.

STEPS YOU CAN TAKE TO FURTHER PROTECT YOUR INFORMATION

1.       Review Your Account Statements and Notify Law Enforcement of Suspicious Activity

As a precautionary measure, we recommend that you remain vigilant by reviewing your financial account statements and credit reports closely. If you detect any suspicious activity on an account, you should promptly notify the financial institution or company with which the account is maintained. You also should promptly report any fraudulent activity or any suspected incidence of identity theft to proper law enforcement authorities.

2.       Copy of Credit Report

You may obtain a free copy (30-day free trial) of your credit report from the major credit reporting agencies by visiting:

Experian:             http://www.experian.co.uk/

Equifax:               https://www.equifax.co.uk/

TransUnion:       https://www.transunion.co.uk/consumer-solutions

3.       


       Fraud Alert

You may want to consider placing a fraud alert on your credit report. An initial fraud alert is free and will stay on your credit file for at least 90 days. The alert informs creditors of possible fraudulent activity within your report and requests that the creditor contact you prior to establishing any accounts in your name. To place a fraud alert on your credit report, contact any of the credit reporting agencies identified above (as applicable).

4.       Security Freeze

You may be able to put a security freeze on your credit file. This will prevent new credit from being opened in your name without the use of a PIN number that is issued to you when you initiate the freeze. A security freeze is designed to prevent potential creditors from accessing your credit report without your consent. As a result, using a security freeze may interfere with or delay your ability to obtain credit. You must separately place a security freeze on your credit file with each credit reporting agency.

5.       Emails

Check if your email has been misused on www.haveibeenpwned.com


The school has taken all appropriate measures and will contact users if we receive further information or an update from Wisepay to indicate that Wisepay accounts have been affected. 

In the meantime, should you need to contact Wisepay their telephone number is 0845 8990011.

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