Financial services data hacks quadruple in 2016/17, FCA reveals

Cyber incidents overall jumped by 80%

Victoria McKeever
clock • 2 min read

Data hacking against financial services firms has quadrupled in the last year, according to Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) data contained in a freedom of information request by RSM.

The number of incidents where data was lost due to hacking jumped from four in 2016 to 17 in 2017, according to the data obtained from the regulator by the tax, audit and consultancy firm. There were also two separate incidents of ‘data leakage' reported to the FCA, it said. The figures also showed a rise in the number of incidents of financial loss resulting from malware infection, with four reported cases in 2017, up from just one in the previous year.   RSM technology risk assurance partner Steve Snaith said the figures were particularly concerning ahead of the General Data P...

To continue reading this article...

Join Professional Adviser for free

  • Unlimited access to real-time news, industry insights and market intelligence
  • Stay ahead of the curve with spotlights on emerging trends and technologies
  • Receive breaking news stories straight to your inbox in the daily newsletters
  • Make smart business decisions with the latest developments in regulation, investing retirement and protection
  • Members-only access to the editor’s weekly Friday commentary
  • Be the first to hear about our events and awards programmes

Join

 

Already a Professional Adviser member?

Login

More on Regulation

FCA executive Sheldon Mills to depart

FCA executive Sheldon Mills to depart

Competition director to exit after eight years

Sahar Nazir
clock 24 November 2025 • 1 min read
Independently East declared failed by FSCS

Independently East declared failed by FSCS

Advice firm entered liquidation in 2023

Professional Adviser
clock 19 November 2025 • 2 min read
FCA consolidation review 'a warning shot' for acquirers

FCA consolidation review 'a warning shot' for acquirers

Regulator’s findings a ‘wake-up call’ for private equity and consolidators

Sahar Nazir
clock 05 November 2025 • 5 min read