Heart Research UK has been informed that Beacon CRM, the software provider we use to manage supporter and contact information, has experienced a cyber security incident that has affected systems used by more than 1,000 charities.
While we cannot be sure that our data has been accessed or viewed, we have taken the decision to respond as if it has. Beacon CRM does not store payment card details or bank account information.
We are treating this incident with the utmost seriousness. Since being notified, we have taken immediate steps to review and secure our systems, reported the incident to the Information Commissioner’s Office, and will be notifying both the Charity Commission and the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator. We have also contacted individuals on our database to make them aware, and we will continue working with Beacon while their investigation continues.
As ever, we encourage everyone to remain vigilant for any unexpected or suspicious emails, text messages or phone calls and to avoid sharing passwords, verification codes or financial information in response to unsolicited requests.
Heart Research UK are taking this matter very seriously and will provide further updates should more information become available.
Anyone with questions or concerns can contact us at dataprotection@heartresearch.org.uk.