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GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is just around the corner and it’s time to start thinking about your compliance. GDPR applies to all UK businesses, including SMEs. To stay on the safe side and avoid costly fines you could face if you do not comply, one of the first steps you need to take is completing a data audit. On the 25th May 2018, there will be a fundamental change in data protection legislation, allowing customers to gain greater rights when it comes to the use of their personal information. A GDPR compliance audit is the starting point for your …

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has been circling the news a lot lately, informing all businesses and their marketing departments about the new regime. GDPR is a regulation which was created in April of 2016, to be implemented by May of 2018. The aim of the regulation is to strengthen data protection within the European Union and give the power back to citizens, so individuals can control who uses their personal data. What is GDPR ‘fake news’? Along with the new publicity about GDPR, there has also been ‘fake news’ rumours spread about GDPR which doesn’t involve anything that …

It is already being reported that the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will hugely shake up the way businesses collect, process and store marketing data when it comes into effect on the 25th May 2018. However, did you know that there is a possibility that ‘opt in’ might not apply for certain marketing data collected by B2B marketers? With or without the new GDPR law, B2B marketing data used for prospecting and lead generation will still need to comply with the Data Protection Act (DPA), and the Privacy and Electronic Communications Regulation (PECR). However, the type of consent you …

Thousands of UK businesses are at risk of huge fines if they do not comply with EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) coming into effect on the 25th May 2018. Are you prepared? Time is running out. According to research published by Careers in Cybersecurity and London law firm Hamlins LLP, thousands of UK businesses are at risk of fines for not complying with GDPR. As part of the research they surveyed 207 people in the UK, between the dates of April – May 2017, who owned their own business or were directors or senior management of a business. From …

In recent news, cyber-attacks have been a major topic of concern across the UK and indeed the globe. The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) have just announced a huge fine of £60,000 to an SME who was a victim of a cyber-attack, for not complying with data protection legislation. After an investigation, the ICO found Berkshire-based, Boomerang Video Ltd failed to take simple steps to prevent its website from being attacked. The video game rental business, was the victim of a cyber-attack in 2014, commonly known as the SQL injection attack. Due to a lack of cyber security 26,331 customers had …

As an employer, it is your responsibility to conform with the Data Protection Act to ensure your employees’ data is protected. Human resources should take great care in the transmission and disposal of employee data. In September 2016 Sports Direct were the victims of a cyber-attack, compromising the data of 30,000 employees. Not only were the hackers able to access names, emails, addresses and telephone numbers of these employees, the company failed to inform their employees of the attack, leaving them unaware of their personal data being compromised. We would like to share with you our advice for handling personal …

The GDPR is just around the corner. The European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation comes into effect on the 25th May 2018, which may sound like a long time away, but like everything, it all comes around sooner than you think. Brussels have now given businesses all over the UK, yet another reason to be prepared for EU General Data Protection Regulation, after they reveal a plan to launch a huge marketing campaign telling consumers about the new regime. What’s the campaign about and why should you be prepared? With less than a year to go, there is no time …

Happy New Year to you all, I cannot believe that another year has been consigned to the annals of history. However, more of a concern is the future and that we now only have 507 days until Friday May 25 2018, which is the day that the GDPR comes online; and this figure includes weekends, high-days and holidays! It is going to take most organisations a minimum of 12 months to gain compliance with the new Regulations, and we are here ready and waiting to make that journey with you and take some of the strain and pain away. On behalf of …

Over the past year we have become increasingly busy and sadly this blog has been neglected, for which I am sorry. I post daily news and items on our LinkedIn Group  Data Protection 4U and you can read all about the latest news, developments and insight on Data Protection, Governance, Compliance and Cyber-Security in that group. Join us today and stay in touch with all of the latest information. Visit LinkedIn Group

We have all had experiences of websites where details of how they will use your personal information is buried with pages and pages of privacy polices. This is unfair on the Data Subject and risky for the company concerned as consent and permissions obtained under these conditions cannot be relied upon. With the new EU General Data Protection Regulations (GDPR) on the horizon the ICO is recommending a more transparent approach to privacy notices and started a consultation to obtain the views of privacy experts, businesses and members of the public. Have your say now – you have until the 24th March 2016 to offer your views. …