Don't just assume that the valuable personal information held by your company is safe.Ôø‡Ôø‡ Your customers' personal data is valuable to your business, your customers too, and it's security may be your responsibility too!Ôø‡Ôø‡
The Data Protection Act 1998 requires UK based companies and businesses to protect the personal data they processes on staff, customers and others.Ôø‡Ôø‡ It is worthwhile to check whether the personal data processed is being done so legally. Businesses need to verify that they have the right methods in place to protect the accuracy and safety of personal data from unauthorized disclosure to third-parties, for instance, third parties who may misuse personal data.Ôø‡Ôø‡ Criminals steal data, such as credit-card and other bank details.Ôø‡Ôø‡ Data-theft is not a victim-less crime.Ôø‡Ôø‡ And data-theft results in damage and distress to individual people and families.Ôø‡Ôø‡ In today's economic climate such identity-theft can result in particular hardship for families already struggling to cope.Ôø‡Ôø‡ If a company is found to be at fault, through inadequate steps to prevent such harm, then they may be open to prosecution by the Information Commissioner's Office (www.ico.gov.uk). In addition, such businesses may be open to potentially further legal action under UK Common Law for any damages caused by their negligent management of affected customers' personal data.Ôø‡Ôø‡
You can help ensure this damage is less likely to occur, by taking action now; to prevent future loss to your business and harm to your customers.Ôø‡Ôø‡ Make sure your business-planning is good in this area, and decide on how to fulfill your data management responsibilities.Ôø‡Ôø‡ It really could improve your business to talk-through your requirements with a trusted adviser.Ôø‡Ôø‡ We can talk-through what your business may need and can help work on solutions with you.Ôø‡Ôø‡
Simply having IT systems with anti-virus and firewall security products installed is not enough by itself to ensure the protection of valuable information held.Ôø‡Ôø‡ There are many technical and organizational measures that may need to be taken ensure Information Security requirements are addressed.Ôø‡Ôø‡ Your staff manage, use and interpret information held and processed; and it is clearly necessary that those staff are supported by adequate processes, resources and training to help maintain the accuracy and integrity of your information and customers' personal data.Ôø‡Ôø‡
Often it can be helpful for companies to seek advice on the ways Information Security and Data Protection can be maintained.Ôø‡Ôø‡ A trusted third-party, with sufficient skills, and insight - gained from years of experience - could provide a welcome and fresh perspective on how to achieve Information Management solutions.
Call DR Data on 01270 630345 or simply complete our short contact form and we will get in touch with you.
