9th December 2024
Employers manage vast amounts of sensitive personal information and are legally obliged under the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA) to ensure its security. Often, this responsibility falls on HR teams, who must safeguard data while being prepared to respond promptly and effectively if a breach occurs.
What is a Personal Data Breach?
A personal data breach happens when data is destroyed, lost, altered, or disclosed without authorisation. These breaches can stem from simple mistakes, such as sending an email to the wrong recipient or more severe incidents like phishing attacks or hacking. Even verbal errors, such as confidential information being overheard, count as breaches.
Why It's Crucial to Act Quickly
While not all breaches are severe, incidents involving sensitive information can lead to significant repercussions. For example:
Steps to Manage a Data Breach
To mitigate damage, employers must act swiftly and follow best practices:
Prevention is key
Handling data breaches efficiently minimises legal, financial, and reputational damage while safeguarding those affected. Employers should also prioritise staff training and enhance data protection measures to reduce the likelihood of future breaches.
Do you need guidance or advice on handling employee data in the workplace? Contact us today for expert advice and tailored support at 01635 896336 or hello@fentonelliott.co.uk.
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