Failure to comply with GDPR can result in significant fines and reputational damage for organisations. The potential fines can be up to £20 million or 4% of the company’s annual turnover, whichever is higher.
A GDPR breach occurs when there is a violation of the principles and requirements outlined in the GDPR regarding the processing and protection of personal data. This can encompass a wide range of scenarios where personal data is accessed, disclosed, altered, destroyed, or otherwise compromised in a manner that is not in accordance with GDPR requirements. Here are some examples of what a GDPR breach may look like in your workplace:
- Unauthorised Access: An employee gains unauthorised access to personal data stored on company systems or databases, either through negligence or malicious intent.
- Data Theft: Personal data is stolen from the organisation’s premises, whether physically (e.g., stolen laptops or documents) or electronically (e.g., hacking or phishing attacks).
- Loss of Devices: Personal data is compromised due to the loss or theft of devices containing sensitive information, such as laptops, smartphones, or USB drives.
- Email Errors: Personal data is inadvertently disclosed or sent to the wrong recipient via email, such as attaching a file containing personal information to the wrong email address.
- System Vulnerabilities: Personal data is exposed due to security vulnerabilities in the organisation’s IT systems, such as outdated software, weak passwords, or inadequate encryption measures.
- Third-Party Breaches: Personal data is compromised because of a breach at a third-party vendor or service provider that handles data on behalf of the organisation.
- Failure to Secure Data: Personal data is left exposed or unprotected due to inadequate security measures, such as leaving sensitive documents in unsecured locations or failing to encrypt data during transmission.
- Data Loss or Destruction: Personal data is lost or destroyed due to accidental deletion, hardware failure, or other technical issues, resulting in the inability to access or recover the data.
Regardless of the specific circumstances, all GDPR breaches have the potential to expose individuals’ personal data to unauthorised access, disclosure, or misuse, posing risks to their privacy and rights. In the event of a GDPR breach, organisations are required to take immediate action to mitigate the impact of the breach, notify affected individuals and relevant authorities, and implement measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. Failure to comply with GDPR breach notification requirements can result in significant fines and penalties for the organisation. Therefore, it is essential for businesses to have robust data protection policies, procedures, and safeguards in place to prevent and respond to GDPR breaches effectively.
So what is GDPR?
The General Data Protection Regulation was created to ensure the protection of personal data and privacy rights of individuals across the EU. It applies to any organisation that collects, processes, and stores personal data of EU residents, regardless of the organisation’s location.
In this blog post, I will walk you through some key aspects of GDPR and how it impacts businesses and individuals worldwide.
Consent and Control: One of the fundamental principles of GDPR is obtaining explicit consent from individuals for processing their personal data. Consent must be freely given, specific, informed, and unambiguous. Individuals also have the right to access, rectify, erase, or restrict their personal data.
At VCare Training Solutions we believe that:
Documents are always retained in a secure location, with authorised personnel being the only ones to have access. Once the retention period has elapsed, the documents are reviewed, archived or confidentially destroyed dependant on their purpose. The retention of any sensitive data will be assessed to comply with whether it is:
• Necessary,
• proportionate,
• relevant,
• adequate,
• accurate,
• timely,
• secure.
The information shared is necessary for the specific purpose set out in the information request and will only be shared with those individuals who need to have it, is accurate and up-to-date, is shared in a timely fashion and securely.
GDPR has brought about a significant shift in how organisations handle personal data and has increased individuals’ rights and control over their data. It aims to build trust and transparency between businesses and individuals while ensuring the protection of personal information.
As GDPR continues to evolve, it is vital for organisations to stay updated with the latest requirements, implement necessary measures, and prioritise data protection. It is equally essential for individuals to understand their rights and exercise control over their personal data.
Remember, GDPR is not just a regulation! it is a commitment to protect the privacy and rights of individuals in an increasingly data-driven world.
