Brain tumour charity latest victim of cyber breach

Yorkshire's Brain Tumour Charity (YBTC) has become the latest victim of a data breach which could put the personal details of its users and supporters at risk.

The charity, which is based in Leeds city centre, contacted supporters on Wednesday to inform them of a security incident involving Beacon CRM, a secure database system which the organisation uses to manage information.

It said an "unauthorised third party" had accessed Beacon CRM's systems, and exported all the data, including names, addresses, as well as information about donations and health.

YBTC said it had "no evidence" the information had been misused, and said Beacon CRM's investigations are ongoing.

The Sheffield Hospitals Charity was a victim of the same breach, which Beacon said had affected more than 1,000 charities and organisations.

The number of people affected is unclear.

Chief executive of the charity David Grant-Roberts said: "We are very sorry that information you have entrusted to YBTC has been affected.

"Beacon has identified and addressed the vulnerability believed to have caused the incident and has introduced additional security measures.

"Importantly, there is currently no evidence that the information has been published, disclosed or otherwise misused."

His email advised users to be "particularly cautious about unexpected emails, calls or text messages referring to YBTC, Beacon, donations or support you may have received".

YBTC said it was "deeply sorry", and insisted it would continue to "hold Beacon to account for its response".

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