Hackers exact revenge on hated law firm that prosecutes copyright infringement claims against file sharers

A UK law firm specializing in aggressive copyright enforcement litigation (some might say "mill") was hacked and a huge cache of its emails were posted publicly.  More here.  According to news accounts, all sorts of client confidences are now being viewed at sites around the world.  The story highlights the frightening ease with which client confidences can be lost through technology issues and mishaps.  The stolen emails also show how the firm solicited new matters by framing how much revenue could be generated by demand letters that offered quick settlements for relatively low amounts:

Phase 1: 2,500 letters, estimated revenue to you: £16,666.00
Phase 2: est. 4,000 letters, estimated revenue to: £26,666.00
Phase 3: est. 18,000 letters, estimated revenue to you: £120,000.00

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Comments

[Duke]

Phase 1: 100 compromised client confidences, estimated damages to the firm: 57,600.00
Phase 2: 500 compromised client confidences, estimated damages to the firm: 629,600.00
Phase 3: 1000 compromised client confidences, estimated damages to the firm: 1,419,600.00

[SenatorMark4]

This type of issue regarding confidentiality in ANY business once the internet became the backbone was obvious. Now some firms are outsourcing accounting, patent law, and other core business functions overseas. I'm sure the $1500/year Indian network manager is much more concerned about the confidentiality and security of your U.K. information than those bozos at the law firm. Right?

[c]

$1500/year Indian network manager

??? You obviously don't have a clues that IT professionals are paid in India.

http://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Country=India/Salary

[stencil]

c says "You obviously don't have a clues that IT professionals are paid in India."

http://www.payscale.com/research/IN/Country=India/Salary

So? 600,000 rupees currently is about 14,000 dollars.
.

[Old Iron]

Heh heh. You are chasing after technologically-savvy persons and did NOT expect them to retaliate using their weapon of choice?

[Donald H]

The guys at wiredvc seem to be all over this issue. Check out some of their coverage on it:

http://www.wiredvc.com/beware7-x-rated3-article18-that-acslaw-intellectual-property/
http://www.wiredvc.com/dirty-filthy-lawyers-the-disgusting-secrets-of-acslaw/
http://www.wiredvc.com/lawyers-beware-pirates-fight-back-in-ddos-attack-spate/
http://www.wiredvc.com/acslaw1-copyright-22lawyers-350mb-of-emails-seized-and-freed-by-pirates/