Important Information for supporters

What Happened

Whilst Beacon cannot confirm if access was gained to our database, there is evidence that some databases were copied and downloaded. As a precaution Beacon has advised all customers to assume that data held in their accounts may have been accessed. As we take your privacy very seriously, we wanted to be transparent and keep you informed of this incident.  

What This Means

Our database holds names, addresses and contact details that you have given us, as well as donation and correspondence history. We want to reassure you that we store no passwords or financial (payment card or bank account) details on our database, and the third party platforms we use to take payments have not been affected. 

Beacon immediately engaged external cyber-security experts to contain and investigate the incident, and they assure us that the vulnerability that allowed the breach has been addressed, and that additional security measures are now in place. There is no perceived risk to anyone currently using the platform.

We have taken all the measures advised to us and reported the incident to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) and Charity Commission.   

What Should You Do Now

There is no need to do anything. However, whilst we are not currently aware of any misuse of information affecting any of the 1500+ charities involved, we encourage everyone to be vigilant for unexpected or suspicious emails, phone calls, messages or communications claiming to be from Open Arms Malawi. 

• We will only ever email you from an address that ends with @openarmsmalawi.org.
• We never call supporters to ask for donations over the phone, unless you already know us and are expecting the call. 
• We will never ask for passwords or other sensitive information.  
• If you are unsure of any communications from us or have any concerns, please get in contact with us directly at hello@openarmsmalawi.org or call us on 01423 530129.

Thank you for your understanding and we are sorry for any concern this may cause.  We are desperately sorry this has happened to people who go above and beyond to make such a difference to the children and families we work with in Malawi and if you have any questions please do reach out to us at any time.