Heavy fines for Data Protection Act breaches

A fine of £500,000 is something no company wants on its balance sheets in the coming year, yet it could be a reality for anyone openly flouting data protection rules from April. The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) will ensure that serious breaches of the Data Protection Act are penalized heavily under new powers currently going through Parliament.

According to Martin Blackhurst, Product Manager at information security providers Redstone Managed Solutions, “Explosive consumer trends like digital marketing, online payments, social networks and mobile commerce are changing the parameters of data usage and exchange between organisations and consumers on an almost daily basis. Even the most conscientious of organisations can be hit by a security threat leading to personal data misuse either deliberately or more commonly, without malice, by everyday users. The less conscientious need a stark reminder that deliberate misuse of personal data is tantamount to criminal behavior in the eyes of the law and is being more tightly controlled and regulated".

With organisations needing to embrace the information and online demands of the modern world in order to survive and prosper there are more loopholes and opportunities for data breach than ever before. An overly locked down organisation will fail to prosper, necessitating a need for open but correctly protected access to information and data, which must be governed by sound policies, procedures and security platforms.

Ensuring effective database protection
Developing an IT Governance framework

NCC Weekly News 15 Jan 2010

• Privacy no longer a social norm
• Increase digital inclusion - reduce transaction costs dramatically
• Google & China - new digital borders may change cyberspace
• SharePoint Webinars
• New survey results - Document Management for Disaster Recovery
• Heavy fines for Data Protection Act breaches