The Rising Importance of GDPR Compliance
Businesses beware. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) is ready to take action against firms that are careless with sensitive information. Recent events have highlighted the critical link between GDPR compliance and robust cyber security measures.
ICO Takes Action: A Wake-Up Call for Businesses
In a recent case, the ICO provisionally fined Advanced Computer Software Group Ltd £6.09m after an initial finding that it failed to protect the personal details of 82,946 people. This decision relates to a ransomware incident in August 2022, where hackers accessed Advanced’s systems through a customer account that did not have multi-factor authentication (MFA).
The data involved included phone numbers and medical records, as well as details of how to gain entry to the homes of 890 people who were receiving care at home.
Key Lessons from the Advanced Computer Software Group Case
John Edwards, UK Information Commissioner, emphasised the importance of information security: “This incident shows just how important it is to prioritise information security. Losing control of sensitive personal information will have been distressing for people who had no choice but to put their trust in health and care organisations.“
“We expect all organisations to take fundamental steps to secure their systems, such as regularly checking for vulnerabilities, implementing multi-factor authentication and keeping systems up to date with the latest security patches.”
The ICO stressed that even data processors such as Advanced, who act on the instructions of their clients, must take measures to ensure personal information is kept secure. This includes:
- Regularly checking for vulnerabilities
- Implementing multi-factor authentication
- Keeping systems up to date with the latest security patches
GDPR Compliance and Cyber Security: A Dual Approach
The ICO’s advice comes at a time when there’s greater focus on the responsibilities of software and technology providers. The EU’s NIS2 directive, which is designed to increase cyber security, came into effect in 2023. There’s also a likelihood that the new Labour government will strengthen network and information systems (NIS) regulation in the UK.
Helen Barge, Managing Director at Risk Evolves, advised supplier firms to be proactive:
“This case is particularly interesting as the Commissioner is taking action against a company in the supply chain. If you are a supplier, the message is clear – you must help your customers to be secure. If you see weaknesses, such as lack of MFA or poor password management, you have an obligation to help them to resolve this.“
She added, “Fail to take action and you put your company’s good name at risk, while leaving yourself open to potential penalties from the ICO.“
How Risk Evolves Can Strengthen Your GDPR Compliance and Cyber Security
Risk Evolves recognises that each company should have a tailored approach, and that cyber security requires a healthy cyber-aware culture as well as IT measures. In response, we provide a wide range of appropriate services, including:
- Certification such as Cyber Essentials, IASME Governance and ISO 27001
- Comprehensive training programmes
- Emergency support
- GDPR Consultancy to help reduce the risk of non-compliance, fines and reputational damage
The Future of GDPR Compliance and Cyber Security
“For most companies these measures are no longer a discretionary option or a nice ‘add on’. They are an essential element of operating in an increasingly digital, data-based business environment.“
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Contact Us01926 800710Frequently Asked Questions
GDPR compliance refers to adhering to the General Data Protection Regulation, which governs how organisations must handle personal data in the EU and UK.
Cyber security measures are crucial for protecting personal data, which is a key requirement of GDPR compliance.
MFA is a security process that requires users to provide two or more verification factors to gain access to a resource, enhancing protection against unauthorised access.
