Centennial Article: ICO warns of "substantial" fines for data loss

ICO warns of "substantial" fines for data loss

The information commissioner's office (ICO) has reported that companies will face hefty fines if they cause a data breach or theft.

It was warned that "substantial" fines would be issued now that the office has the power to impose them on businesses, under the criminal justice and immigration act.

The new powers, which have recently been adopted by the government following extensive debate, will allow any "reckless or deliberate" losses of data to be made illegal.

David Smith, the deputy information commissioner, said: "This new power will enable some of the worst breaches of the Data Protection Act to be punished."

However, as the act does not apply retrospectively it will not impact on any past losses.

A spokesperson for the ICO said that no jail term penalties would be seen for company bosses, just financial reprimands

The Security IT Portal reported that the move had not been expected by privacy experts.

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About Centennial Software

Centennial Software (www.centennial-software.com) is a leading developer of asset management and network security solutions with more than five million licenses sold to blue-chip organizations around the world. Centennial's growing portfolio of solutions helps organizations better manage their IT infrastructure, maintain compliance and minimize operational risks. Centennial products are available through a global network of approved resellers and market-leading OEM vendors. The company operates offices in the USA, UK, Germany, Sweden and Australia.

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