/EINPresswire.com/ Amidst fears of another deep recession, the last thing businesses want to do is spend money to rectify human mistakes. This is what is likely to happen if organisations, especially those handling personal data, don’t comply with the Data Protection Act (DPA).
Alan Calder, CEO of IT Governance, comments, “No data can be 100% secure especially when there is human involvement. Implementing certain processes to protect personal data, and complying with the DPA in particular, decreases the likelihood of data loss and reputation damage. The misconception of the Data Protection Act is that it is limits the business activities. On the contrary, the DPA is a business enabler, focusing on good practice in information management. It ensures that your customers’ data is protected whilst helping you win their trust and loyalty.”
“The tendency of organisations loosing personal data should stop and everyone should contribute.” continues Calder. “According to the Information Commissioner’s Office’s (ICO) website £541,000 in fines were issued during 2011 between seven organisations. This figure doesn’t include the fines issued by courts following a prosecution. It also means an increase of 238% over the fines issued in 2010. It must be understood that DPA compliance is in the interest of both the customers and the vendors.”
Looking at the costs for achieving DPA compliance, it becomes evident that organisations can spend as little as a few hundred pounds and avoid financial losses in the future that could cost them thousands.
The Data Protection Documentation Toolkit is the optimal route for small and medium-sized organisations with more limited budgets to become DPA compliant. It includes all essential documentation templates for achieving compliance whilst providing recommendations and guidance on how to close any gaps that are identified.(www.itgovernance.co.uk/products/2823)
On the other hand, delegates who attend the DPA Foundation course will be able to review and understand the current processes of handling personal data, and ensure that these processes are in line with the latest Data Protection Act compliance requirements. The course is suitable for both new and experienced staff and management – those involved with or responsible for personal data.(www.itgovernance.co.uk/products/2957)
The Data Protection Staff Awareness e-learning course is a quick and effective means of delivering DPA training to non-technical staff. This will improve the DPA awareness within the whole organisation and reduce the likelihood for human errors.(www.itgovernance.co.uk/products/3392)
For more information on DPA resources contact the IT Governance service centre team on telephone number +44 (0)845 070 1750 or by e-mail to servicecentre@itgovernance.co.uk.
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FOR FURTHER INFORMATION
Desi Aleksandrova Marketing Executive
+44 (0) 845 070 1750
daleksandrova@itgovernance.co.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS
IT Governance Ltd is the one-stop shop for books, tools, training and consultancy for Governance, Risk Management and Compliance. It is a leading authority on data security and IT governance for business and the public sector. IT Governance is ‘non-geek’, approaching IT issues from a non-technology background and talking to management in its own language. Its customer base spans Europe, the Americas, the Middle East and Asia. More information is available at www.itgovernance.co.uk.