If you discover that you or your organisation has breached the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the UK, it is important to take immediate action to address the situation. Here are some steps you should consider taking:
1. Identify and Contain the Breach: Determine the extent and nature of the breach, including the type of personal data involved, the number of individuals affected and the potential risks. Take immediate steps to contain the breach and prevent any further unauthorised access or disclosure of data.
2. Notify the ICO: If the breach poses a risk to individuals’ rights and freedoms, you may be required to notify the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) within 72 hours of becoming aware of the breach. Provide the ICO with all relevant details about the breach, including its impact and the measures taken to mitigate the risks.
3. Assess and Mitigate Risks: Conduct a thorough assessment of the risks associated with the breach. Identify potential harm to individuals, such as identity theft, financial loss or reputational damage. Take appropriate measures to mitigate these risks, such as notifying affected individuals, offering support or credit monitoring services or implementing additional security measures.
4. Review and Improve Security Measures: Evaluate your organization’s existing data protection and security measures. Identify any weaknesses or gaps that contributed to the breach and take steps to address them. Enhance security protocols, implement encryption and ensure that access controls and data handling procedures are robust and compliant with GDPR requirements.
5. Document the Breach: Maintain a detailed record of the breach, including the date and time of discovery, the actions taken to contain and mitigate the breach and any communications with affected individuals or the ICO. This documentation will be crucial for demonstrating compliance and cooperation in case of any investigations or inquiries.
6. Communicate with Affected Individuals: If the breach poses a high risk to individuals’ rights and freedoms, you may need to inform them about the breach and its potential impact. Provide clear and concise information about the breach, the steps taken to address it and any measures they can take to protect themselves.
7. Seek Legal and Technical Expertise: Consult with legal professionals who specialise in data protection and GDPR compliance. They can provide guidance on the specific steps you should take to address the breach, comply with legal requirements and minimise potential penalties. Additionally, consider engaging technical experts to conduct forensic investigations, assess vulnerabilities and implement necessary security measures.
Remember, each breach is unique, and the appropriate actions may vary depending on the circumstances. It is crucial to seek professional advice to ensure that you handle the breach appropriately and take the necessary steps to rectify the situation, protect affected individuals and demonstrate your commitment to data protection and GDPR compliance.
The ICO provides helpful guidance on its website and links to helpful checklists can be found here: https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/advice-for-small-organisations/checklists/assessment-for-small-business-owners-and-sole-traders/ and https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/report-a-breach/personal-data-breach-assessment/
Are you worried about compliance with GDPR? Why not contact one of Alexander JLO’s expert commercial lawyers on 020 7537 7000 or email peter@london-law.co.uk for a free no obligation consultation and see what we can do for you?