06 Apr 2010

Businesses 'must focus on data protection'

Companies must bear in mind the introduction of new legislation that could see them being fined for having in place inadequate safeguards to protect confidential data, it has been stated.

Simon Heron, internet security analyst at Network Box, said there is now likely to be a considerable focus on data protection, although the fact these fines will be discretionary could pose problems for the Information Commissioner's Office in the future.

He commented: "The commissioner is being given some discretion as to how much he charges some companies compared to other companies and I can't help but think he's going to come under tremendous lobbying pressure."

According to figures from Cyber-Ark Software, two-thirds of people are still ignorant to the fact that the Information Commissioner's Office could fine their organisation £500,000 if their actions cause a "deliberate or negligent" breach of personal data.

In fact, 71 per cent of respondents claimed, now that they have been made aware of the financial implications to their employer, they will be more careful with how they handle data in future.