Data lost by employees could see firms fined

HINCKLEY businesses could face public humiliation and huge fines for losing valuable data – if one of their employees does something as simple as lose their mobile phone.

That’s the warning from Andy Viner, operations director of local IT support company Intalect.

“It’s all because of a trend called Bring Your Own Device, or BYOD,” explained Andy.

“Most businesses round here let their staff access company data using their own phone, and sometimes their own iPad or laptop.

“But the business’s boss remains liable for protecting company data.

“And if a device is lost without adequate protection, it can mean your data is open anyone.”

Andy added: “From May this year there are new GDPR data laws coming in.

“The loss of an employee’s mobile phone with company data would have to be reported to the Information Commissioner.

“That loss of data would sit in the public record.

“People Googling your business might see your data loss before they even get to your website.

“There are also big potential fines.”

Andy has written a free guide on the subject.

It explores the six BYOD data security areas to be most con- cerned about and what to do to mitigate them.

Intalect was formed in 2004, and now looks after lots of local businesses in the Hinckley area.

The General Data Protection Regulation is an EU regulation passed by the EU Parliament.

It was designed to strengthen data protection and comes into force on May 25.