ICO warns cover up means pay up

Wednesday, January 27, 2010

The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has warned organisations that they may face tougher penalties, including fines, if they do not own up to data breaches.

David Smith, deputy information commissioner, said: "In just over two months a further 100 organisations have reported data security breaches to us. We are keen to work with organisations to prevent breaches occurring in the first place and to help put things right when things do go wrong. Talking to us may of course result in regulatory action. However, organisations must act responsibly; those that try to cover up breaches which we subsequently become aware of are likely to face tougher regulatory sanctions."

The ICO revealed that since November 2007 there has been 818 data security breaches reported to the ICO. Over 260 breaches were the result of theft and 195 were mistakes.

To assist any organisation in ensuring it has good data protection, the ICO has also produced a plain English Guide to Data Protection. It will provide businesses and organisations with practical advice about the Data Protection Act. The guide is intended to help organisations safeguard people's personal details and comply with the law.