Personal data protection laws are springing up around the world. You’ve probably heard of the EU’s one. They have made organisations acutely aware of the need to protect any personal data placed in their care. Not to do so can result in massive fines. Under General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) can fine organisations up to 4% of global turnover for any given personal data breach. Quite apart from this, a breach can cause reputational damage and great harm to the individuals whose data is leaked, stolen or lost. They may well sue, which will only add to the expense, both reputational and financial.
While the computer industry has enabled sophisticated processing of personal data, it has also facilitated its loss. Corporate IT systems and networks have all manner of measures in place to minimise the risk of a data breach, but it’s a different story when data is physically on the move. How many times have you heard of mobile phones, laptops, USB sticks, portable hard drives or optical discs being mislaid or stolen?
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