The latest data released by the government shows that less than half of all businesses and charities are aware of the new data laws, coming into force in May.
Research shows that businesses in the finance and insurance sectors have the highest awareness of the changes to be brought in through the Data Protection Bill in May 2018, which see European GDPR regulations brought into force, as part of plans to help the UK prepare for a successful Brexit.
Businesses in the construction industry have the lowest awareness, with only one in four aware of the incoming regulation. Awareness is higher among businesses that report their senior managers consider cyber security is a fairly high or a very high priority, with two in five aware of the GDPR.
The survey found that more than a quarter of businesses and charities who have heard of the regulation have made changes to their operations ahead of the new laws coming into force.
Common changes to cyber security practices include:
- creating or improving cyber security procedures
- hiring new staff
- installing or updating anti-virus software.
Organisations which hold and process personal data are urged to prepare and follow the guidance and sector FAQS freely available from the ICO.
Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham said "This is a step change in the law; businesses, public bodies and charities need to take steps now to ensure they are ready.
Organisations that thrive under the new rules will be those that commit to the spirit of data protection and embed it in their policies, processes and people.
Our website is packed with information to help your organisation to get prepared for May 2018."
Businesses are also recommended to follow free guidance on protecting themselves from online attacks published by National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), such as the Cyber Essentials advice and the Small Business Guide.
Information Commissioner Elizabeth Denham said "This is a step change in the law; businesses, public bodies and charities need to take steps now to ensure they are ready.
Organisations that thrive under the new rules will be those that commit to the spirit of data protection and embed it in their policies, processes and people.
Our website is packed with information to help your organisation to get prepared for May 2018."
Businesses are also recommended to follow free guidance on protecting themselves from online attacks published by National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC), such as the Cyber Essentials advice and the Small Business Guide.
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