Incidents related to data loss and data breaches are probably not new considering the numerous cases that have made the news during the last year. However, due to the downturn, the number of data breaches has increased and many of these have been reported by commercial firms. A total of 99 data breaches were reported to the Information Commissioner, Richard Thomas in the three months before the year end.
Last year the Data Protection Act saw 376 data breaches of which commercial firms were accountable for 112 of those cases. In a statement made last week, Mr Thomas told various MPs that the fact that the ICO could not investigate private companies without their permission. However he was not the only person to express concern over the incidents.
Jonathan Bamford, assistant commissioner said that CEOs from the private sector must ensure that their companies are reducing the amount of personal data that is being collected. This is because as more information is gathered, the risk of keeping that information longer than needed and falling in the wrong hands is higher.
To avoid these things from happening, the importance of data backup has been emphasised a great deal, yet very few companies are taking heed of this issue. Correct data backup can help regain the trust of the public and provide a safe place for vital data. The best way to safeguard and protect data to is to have online data storage and online data backup facility.
