The human impact of a data breach

The Ripple Effect

The ICO 'Ripple Effect' campaign focusses on the ‘human’ side of data protection and the real damage and hurt that can be caused to ordinary people following a data breach.

LOCS:23 as an approved ICO certification scheme is proud to support this ICO campaign.

The information you are trusted with reflects individual lives. To some organisations, a data breach might seem like a temporary setback – something that can be patched up with technical fixes and compliance reviews. But from the perspective of individuals – especially those in vulnerable situations – a breach can have a far-reaching ripple effect that disrupts their lives in ways that some may not fully appreciate.

The ICO resources aim to help you to ensure that within your own organisation or sector, there is a culture of empathy and understanding.

Whilst the expedited and sensitive handling of the aftermath of a data breach will go a long way to minimising the 'ripple effect', prevention will always be better than a cure.

Consider these key actions

Use available communication outlets to send out periodical reminders of the potential harm caused to employees and clients by a data breach

Compliance with LOCS:23 controls not only makes a firm UK GDPR compliant but ensuring that appropriate security process and training is in place goes a long way to preventing data breaches.

At a minimum measure yourself against the LOCS:23 standard to identify any open risks and consider full certification to promote client confidence.

You can never say never and despite the best controls and compliance efforts a data breach may happen. In case it does make sure you have the best possible response process in place to minimise the 'ripple effect'.

The LOCS:23 STANDARD IS AVAILABLE FREE OF CHARGE FROM THE ICO WEBSITE HERE

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LOCS:23 PAY FORWARD INITIATIVE

Significant amounts of sensitive personal data are being uploaded to Large Language Models and processed by AI tools.

We believe that the pervasive application of AI has the potential to increase the risk of data breach unless the appropriate governance is in place.

We developed the AI Privacy practitioner e-learning to promote data protection compliance when developing, training or using AI and as part of our effort to support the ICO Ripple Effect campaign we are making this FREE of charge to job seekers on a 'pay forward' basis No contract no obligation just pay for the course in the future if

a) you think you got value out of it
b) you get that role you wanted