Personal data security breaches continue to rise
Yesterday the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) announced that the number of data security breaches is continuing to grow. Since the security breach at HM Revenue and Customs in November last year, the ICO has been notified of almost 100 data breaches by public, private and third sector organisations.
Chief executives are being reminded today by the Information Commissioner, Richard Thomas, of the importance of safeguarding staff and customers’ personal data. Mr Thomas said, “The level of understanding about data protection and the need to safeguard people’s personal information have no doubt increased and I am encouraged that more Chief Executives and Permanent Secretaries appear to be taking data protection more seriously, but the evidence shows that more must be done to eradicate inexcusable security breaches.”
The recently publicised loss of large amounts of personal data by both government and corporate organisations is not just a headline grabber – it could mean serious problems for the people affected. Central Government intend to significantly increase the requirements for securing personal data, for themselves and for commercial companies. This will include tighter regulations on data holders and data processors, as defined in the Data Protection Act. The Information Commissioners Office (ICO) has also been given significantly increased powers to investigate and prosecute.
The impact on businesses and hosting companies will also be considerable.
No organisation wants to face the public humiliation that follows a major data security failure.
Civica Connect already works with clients in the education, health, police and local government arenas – we are ideally placed to assist and advise your business of the impact of impending new regulations.
Wednesday 23rd April 2008
Contact Peter Hunt or Alex Forino on 0845 345 4282 or email us now.