The National Commission for Information Technology and Liberties (CNIL) announced the opening of an in-depth investigation following the massive data leak at Free. The French personal data policeman now indicates that victims can file a complaint. Here’s how to do it.
How to file a complaint?
The authority thus explains that consumers who believe that their data has not been sufficiently protected can file a complaint. directly from her. In the event that they have been victims of identity theft or fraudulent payment following this violation, they can contact police and gendarmerie services.
Finally, the CNIL specifies that “you have the possibility to file a complaint via an online form without going to a police station or gendarmerie brigade. This form will soon be available from the site cybermalveillance.gouv.fr ». The latter will be available during the day of Thursday October 31 according to our colleagues at RTL.
A major cybersecurity incident
As a reminder, the hacker who operates under the pseudonym DarkAngel has put up for sale the personal information of nearly 20 million Free subscribers: names, first names, addresses, telephone numbers, but also the IBAN of more than 5 million subscribers. This package would have found a buyer for an amount of 160,000 euros.
Free wants to be reassuring and indicates that it has launched a crisis unit. The operator promises regular communications: “Our teams work 24/7 to strengthen the security of our systems and support our subscribers”.
Whatever the case, the danger hangs over the victims more than ever. There are thus risks of identity theft, targeted scams and malicious use of banking data. The total cost could even be around several million euros according to estimates. Vigilance is therefore more important than ever and it is advisable to carefully monitor your bank statements to ensure that no doubtful transactions have been carried out.
Finally, note that consumer protection associations are starting to step up to the plate. For example, the UFC-Que Choisir and the CLCV are considering collective actions are already considering collective actions against Free. Me Claire Dubois, lawyer specializing in digital law, recently explained to our colleagues Echoes : “Free’s responsibility is clearly engaged in this matter”.
What to remember:
- The CNIL indicates how to file a complaint following Free hacking
- You can take your steps directly with them or by contacting the police depending on your situation.
- A form will also be available on cybermalveillance.gouv.fr
