A Guide to Data Breaches and the GDPR
What is a Data Breach?
A data breach occurs when a security incident affects data for which your company or organization is responsible.
The UK GDPR and Data Breaches
A key principle of the UK GDPR is that personal data is processed securely using appropriate technical and organisational measures.
The GDPR defines a personal data breach in Article 41(2) as a breach of security leading to the accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure of, or access to, personal data.
What to do in the Event of a Data Breach
Under the GDPR, you must notify the relevant supervisory authority about a data breach within 72 hours.
You must also notify affected individuals if the breach poses a high risk to their rights and freedoms.
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) provides guidance on how to report a data breach: ICO: Personal Data Breaches Under the GDPR
Examples of Data Breaches
- A hacker gains access to a company's database and steals customer records.
- A laptop containing sensitive information is lost or stolen.
- An employee accidentally sends an email containing personal data to the wrong recipient.
Consequences of a Data Breach
Data breaches can have severe consequences, including
- Financial loss
- Reputational damage
- Legal liability
Preventing Data Breaches
There are several steps you can take to prevent data breaches, including:
- Implement robust security measures.
- Educate employees about data protection.
- Have a plan in place for responding to a data breach.
More Information
For more information on data breaches and the GDPR, please visit the following resources:
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