What can we learn from past fines? Real GDPR cases show what not to do — and how to avoid costly errors.
Takeaway: Prevention is cheaper than cure. And when a breach happens, act fast and transparently.
GDPR is evolving. Here’s how to keep your breach response fit for the future. The threat landscape is changing. So must your breach defences. For 2025 and beyond, focus on: Compliance is continuous. Regular reviews of your security and response policies are essential to staying protected.
Fail to notify the ICO of a notifiable breach within 72 hours, and your risk of fines increases. Here’s what to know. When a personal data breach occurs and is likely to result in a hig risk to individuals, you must notify the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) within 72 hours of becoming aware. Your report…
Building a Breach Response Plan That Works When a breach hits, speed and structure matter. Here’s how to build a response plan that’s ready to go No organisation is immune from data breaches — but how you respond defines the impact. Your plan should include: Rehearse the plan. Breaches don’t wait for calm days.
Human error causes most data breaches. Training is your first defence. Here’s what good training includes. Even the best systems fail when staff don’t understand data risk. Good training should cover: Make it: Training isn’t optional — it’s your insurance policy against simple mistakes becoming major incidents.
Failing to document a breach, even if not reportable, could still cost you. Here’s what you must log. UK GDPR Article 33(5) requires you to document all breaches — whether or not they are reported to the ICO. Each record should include: This record must be made available to the ICO if requested. Good documentation…
Knowing where breaches start is half the battle. These five causes account for most incidents in professional firms. Most data breaches stem from everyday errors — not hackers. In professional services, the top five causes include: All of these can be reduced with training, tech, and clear policy enforcement.