Datashred can help public sector in wake of data protection warning
02 June 2011
Following the latest security leak at NHS Birmingham East & North, PHS Datashred can help the public sector after warnings from data destruction experts to thoroughly destroy confidential information.
The Information Commissioners Office has reported today that NHS Birmingham East & North, was in breach of the Data Protection Act, after failing to restrict access to files on their IT network. The breach meant that some NHS staff at their own Trust and two other NHS Trusts, could gain access to confidential information.This latest case follows 2,565 data breaches recorded since April 2010, when the ICO first had the power to implement fines of up to £500,000. The severity of public sector data protection breaches is highlighted by 80% of all fines being imposed on public bodies.
PHS Datashred Commercial Director, Anthony Pearlgood;
“Public sector identity fraud is on the rise. The yearly cost of fraud to the UK has leapt to £38.4 billion. This is a question of national security, public institutions are now legally bound to protect our records and permanently destroy data when no longer needed. Confidential information is not just limited to physical copies of documents and data on laptops, memory sticks and disks must also be treated in a secure and confidential manner.”
PHS Datashred have offered the following tips to prevent public sector data leaks;
- Create a confidential data policy – if you don’t have one already you are already in the high risk category for being a victim of data theft.
- Store & dispose of data safely – don’t assume that binning it is the end of the matter. Criminals often rifle through bins in car parks where confidential data has been poorly disposed.
- Destroy data properly – Arrange for a properly accredited company to help store, collect and securely destroy information. Ensure you know where your data is heading. Even better, have your data destroyed on site, using a mobile shredding vehicle and watch the destruction.
- Check identities – use credit reference agencies to verify the identity of your preferred suppliers.
- Secure your accounts – don’t allow bank details to escape into the public domain. Thieves are adept at falsifying signatures.
- Inform staff – train staff on how to deal with confidential data properly and monitor their behaviour. Remember, most fraud is committed by people who work within the organisation.
- Beware of carrying large amounts of confidential data on unencrypted laptops, data sticks or mobile devices such as Blackberrys and iPhones. These small portable gadgets are magnets for thieves who can exploit your confidential information.
Other Press Releases By This Company
- 05/09/2012 - PHS Datashred awarded prestigious customer service accreditation
- 05/09/2012 - PHS Datashred on track for Whizz Kidz
- 03/09/2012 - PHS Datashred scoop national recycling award
- 07/02/2012 - Datashred warns data dumping businesses
- 07/02/2012 - Datashred halts Jigsaw fraudsters - do you?
- 07/02/2012 - Datashred predict shredding boom for 2012
- 07/02/2012 - Employee annoyances
- 13/12/2011 - PHS Datashred’s expansion plans
- 08/12/2011 - Ward Hadaway looks to PHS Datashred for confidential waste disposal
- 28/11/2011 - The rules of reporting of data disclosures
- 28/11/2011 - London businesses must clean up data dumping act
- 02/06/2011 - PAS 141 gets warm welcome from confidential data experts
- 02/06/2011 - Datashred asks, are you sure your data is secure?
