What happened?
On Wednesday 29 July 2026, Beacon, our database software provider, became aware of a cyber-security incident and engaged external specialists to investigate and secure its systems. Beacon has told us that compromised credentials may have been used to access its systems and that copies of database backups may have been taken. Living Better was notified on Monday 3 August 2026. There is currently no evidence that the data has been shared, but it could potentially be used to create convincing phishing emails, calls or messages.
What have we done about it?
Beacon has secured its systems and is continuing to investigate with external cyber-security specialists, while monitoring for any signs that information has been shared.
Living Better has also secured access to its account, reviewed connected applications, and is following recommended data protection procedures. We have reported this incident to the ICO (Information Commissioner’s Office) and the Charity Commission in line with our policies. There is no evidence that Living Better’s own systems were accessed as part of this incident.
What information may have been affected?
We have reached out to all contacts on our system to notify them of this incident and have outlined what information was held in Living Better’s Beacon account at the relevant time, as it may have been included in this breach. We have also reassured our contacts that financial and payment information was not affected. The information we store in Beacon is limited to:
- Your name (for most people)
- Your email address (for all people)
- Your phone number (for some people)
- Your postal address (for some people)
- Your link to an organisation (for some people)
Extra steps to reassure you
We appreciate that news like this may be concerning and would like to reassure of all of our contacts that protecting personal information remains a priority for Living Better. We are continuing to work closely with Beacon and will keep you informed of any significant developments.
At this time, we recommend that you remain vigilant and take extra care with any unexpected emails, text messages or phone calls. Please be cautious of phishing attempts (scams) that ask for personal details, payment information, changes to payment details, passwords or include unexpected links or attachments. Take Five is a useful source of advice on spotting and avoiding phishing. Genuine Living Better emails will come from @living-better.org.uk.
If you have not yet seen our email and believe that you are a contact on our system, or have any questions, please contact us at info@living-better.org.uk our team is here to support you. Please also refer our Data Protection Policy if you require any general information not specific to this Beacon update.
