A survey firm loses a file
A small firm runs surveys for health charities. It loses a file with the names and answers of 2,000 people. A stranger puts it on the internet.
The people are upset. Some charities leave. A news site writes about it. The regulator starts to ask questions.
One leak starts many problems. Today you learn what they are.
Key words
| Word | What it means | Example |
|---|---|---|
| UK GDPR | The UK law on how organisations must handle personal data. | |
| Personal data | Any information that is about a living person. | a name or an address |
| Regulation | A rule set by law that organisations must follow. | UK GDPR |
| Regulator | The official body that checks the rules are followed. | the ICO |
| Compliance | Following the rules. | |
| Licence to practise | Official permission to work in a job or trade. | a doctor's licence |
| Fine | Money an organisation must pay as a punishment. | |
| Refund | Money paid back to a client. | |
| Legal action | Taking someone to court. | |
| Reputation | What people think of an organisation. | |
| Breach | A failure that lets private data be seen, lost or changed. | |
| Termination | Ending a contract early. |
The cells students fill in are left blank in this preview.
By the end of this lesson
Note
I can explain six ways an organisation is hurt when it fails to keep information private.
Starter: what you already know
Have a go
Starter: what you already know
3 questionsYour answers are marked here and are not kept. A college account keeps every student’s marks.
Broken rules can cost a licence
Laws say how an organisation must handle personal data. In the UK the main laws are UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018. The regulator is the ICO.
Break the rules and the organisation is non-compliant. The regulator can fine it. Some leaks must be reported to the ICO within 72 hours of the firm learning of them.
Some jobs also need a licence to practise, such as a doctor or a solicitor. A serious breach can mean losing it.
A leak breaks trust and damages image
Loss of trust. People gave you their details because they trusted you. After a leak, they ask: will you lose mine again? Some leave.
Damage to image. The news spreads fast. Your reputation is how people see you. A bad story can stay online for years.
Trust takes years to build and one leak to break.
Check: rules, trust and image
Have a go
Check: rules, trust and image
4 questionsYour answers are marked here and are not kept. A college account keeps every student’s marks.