With GDPR now a reality, data protection is at the forefront of discussions.
And it’s not just individual remote workers who can find sensitive data slipping through their fingers.
Over recent years, data breaches at known high-profile businesses have proven that nobody is immune from sheer carelessness or everyday risks. The spotlight on data protection is brighter than ever with GDPR.
It applies to all hard copy and digital data.
The consequences of a data breach are severe and non-compliance could result in fines as much as 4% of a business’s global turnover or €20 million, whichever is higher – as well as a damaged reputation.
Here are some of the recent data breaches that made the headlines.
Uber
In 2016, global taxi firm Uber fell prey to a hack that exposed the personal information of around 57 million customers worldwide. This security breach compromised customers’ names, email addresses and mobile phone numbers. Instead of disclosing the incident when it was discovered, senior executives decided to pay a ransom of $100,000 to delete the stolen data.Their information was not knowingly used for any fraudulent purpose. (Source: http://fortune.com/)
Deloitte
In late 2017, world-leading accountancy firm Deloitte discovered itself to be the victim of a long-running cyber-attack. Hackers used an administrator’s email account to access restricted information on blue-chip clients including usernames, passwords, personal details and confidential emails. (Source: https://www.ft.com/)
Facebook and Cambridge Analytica
More recently, in 2018, we heard how up to 87 million Facebook users were affected when Cambridge Analytica (CA) obtained voter data through a Facebook-linked app named 'thisisyourdigitallife'. The app facilitated a detailed personality test that users were paid for, as part of academic research. However, the app also pulled personal data from all users' linked Facebook friends without their consent. (Source: https://www.techradar.com/news/)
The risks and consequences of data breaches are very real and all businesses have a legal obligation to implement the guidance set out in the GDPR. Fellowes offers a range of products that can help organisations. Find out more about how to keep your data safe and comply with the General Data Protection Regulation.
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General Data Protection Regulation