Spy Review

All kinds of sensitive and personal data are stored by various organisations in the private and public sectors. Off and on the public hear about how sites were hacked or information lost or there has been breach of confidential data. What makes news, however, is only the tip of the iceberg – there are many more instances where cases are not reported and never come to light.

The European Commission is seriously considering passing laws that make it mandatory for organisations to notify all concerned parties if there has been any data breach. The Telecoms Package currently is only limited to telecom companies. In Europe the laws have still to be passed regarding accountability of breach of data, whereas in many US states these laws have been passed.

As many services are now accessible via the internet there is an increasing danger of people being put to hardship or open to crime if records of online transactions, e-banking and even medical records get into the hands of criminals.

If organisations are forced to make public the nature of data loss, the people concerned can take steps to safeguard themselves and the negative publicity will also negatively affect the company’s image, thus forcing them to use more secure methods.

This all comes after a spate of high profile cases of loss both by private and public organisations.

Via: The Register