DTI Survey

In the latest UK DTI survey, it was found that UK businesses were still failing to protect an individual's personal information.

With increasing amounts of business being conducted online, data protection is ever more important, the DTI said. While most large organisations have adopted best practices regarding network and data protection, small companies have not. Fewer than a third of them encrypted the data they received.

This is particularly worrying for individuals who regularly use the internet, whether for buying goods, checking their bank statements etc. The UK Information Commissioner has provided guidance about the Data Protection Act 1998, but more needs to be done to raise awareness amongst the smaller businesses that it is vitally important to adhere to the Data Protection Act 1998. In particular, the seventh data protection principle (schedule 1 DPA 1998) requires that appropriate technical and organisational measures are taken against unauthorised or unlawful processing of personal data and against accidental loss or destruction of, or damage to, personal data.

For more details see:

• Information Commissioner's website
• Business Link: Data Protection and Your Business - I shall add this link to my website
  
• Westbrook Data Protection Services