Data breaches can have a devastating impact on both organisations and data subjects, regardless of the circumstances. After a breach, organisations can face a multitude of issues, including operational disruption, reputation damage, loss of customer trust and regulatory consequences. Though businesses exist that offer data protection as a service, there are still a few core concepts of data breach management best practices that every business should be aware of.

Developing a long-term data breach framework and security strategy is key for any organisation to remain proactive and help mitigate the consequences of a data breach. It’s important for organisations to have a well-rounded approach to data breach management, and the below is a list of five tips to ensure you build an effective response to both cyber and non-cyber incidents.

Cyber vs non-cyber breaches: What’s the difference?

Some of the biggest personal data breaches in recent history have involved cyber-attacks on organisations by malicious third parties. A prime example is Yahoo’s 2013 breach, which involved 3 billion user accounts and was reportedly initiated by a spear-phishing email.

Despite the growing concern of cyber-assisted breaches, the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) posits that non-cyber incidents still account for the highest number of reported breaches in total.

A non-cyber breach could also be referred to as a physical or offline breach. As each name suggests, these happen through physical means, and usually involve some form of human error. Between October and December 2022, 75% of reported UK personal data breaches were classified as non-cyber, with “data emailed to the wrong recipient” cited as the leading cause, accounting for almost one in five incidents.

Data breach management best practices

No matter the organisation size or industry sector, proactive steps need to be taken to prevent a data breach. A robust plan should seek to offer more than mere protection from data breach penalties; it should allow organisations to respond swiftly and, ideally, provide the following advantages:

• Build customer trust
• Preserve brand reputation
• Strengthen partnerships
• Mitigate business disruption
• Give stakeholders peace of mind

By having a robust plan and well-prepared staff, organisations can reduce the impact of potential attacks whilst demonstrating a firm commitment to safeguarding customer information. While larger organisations typically have dedicated teams and support for ongoing data security training, smaller businesses – especially self-employed individuals – can face unique challenges due to a lack of resources.

Businesses in the UK can review the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) data protection guides for small organisations. For businesses in the EU, the European Data Protection Board (EDPB) offers a similar guide.

5 tips for an effective data breach response

1. Establish a data breach response team

This can be a single person or a group, who will manage security incidents. Time is of the essence when responding to a breach, and a dedicated response team will play a vital role in minimising impact whilst safeguarding sensitive information. Ideally this person or team should have a firm understanding of data protection considerations, along with any immediate technical mitigation.

2. Review your data processing activities

Understanding how and where your organisation processes personal data (as well as the current security measures) helps identify potential weaknesses and highlights any risks. Regular reviews should be part of your overall plan, as they will enable you to make informed decisions on how best to allocate resources to strengthen your data protection efforts.

Creating an Information Asset Register, conducting data mapping exercises and building a Record of Processing Activities (RoPA) can all help with this process. In addition, undertaking Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs) on high risk processing activities ensures focus on processes where the impact of a data breach may be more significant.

3. Develop a data breach response plan

Though a risk assessment will identify areas of weakness, a robust data breach response plan ensures staff are prepared if a breach does occur.

The specifics of a plan will vary, and can depend upon organisation size, industry sector and specific data handling practices. As a general rule of thumb, however, data breach response plans should include:

• Details of the data breach response team
• Breach identification and internal reporting and logging procedures
• Legal and regulatory procedures
• Breach containment and mitigation
• External support resources
• Breach risk assessment framework
• Post-breach review procedures
• Training and awareness requirements

4. Monitor for suspicious activity and anomalies

This should be a non-exhaustive and ongoing strategy for identifying potential breaches. Early intervention can reduce the damage caused by cyberattacks or personal data security incidents. Regularly updating and monitoring internal processes based on emerging threats and best practices is ideal. Here are some measures to consider:

• Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) and Intrusion Prevention Systems (IPS)
• Analyse web application logs for suspicious activities such as multiple login failures
• Conduct regular data protection security audits
• Conduct regular data protection refresher courses for all staff

5. Build a data protection culture

A company culture with in-built data protection awareness and knowledge is perhaps one of the primary factors in data breach prevention. As ICO figures show, the highest number of breaches are non-cyber, and of those, sending an email to the wrong recipient is the most probable cause of a data breach. Ongoing staff awareness and training is a core foundation for a strong data protection company culture.

Summary

Data breaches are an unfortunate reality that we must take into consideration, but by having a robust data breach management plan, organisations of all sizes can reduce the impact of potential attacks and demonstrate a commitment to safeguarding information.

By following these five tips and implementing a step-by-step plan, personal information can be safer, data security can be stronger and the trust and confidence of stakeholders and customers can be ensured. Proactive measures and timely responses are the key for effective data breach management, so don’t sleep on this.

Anu Khanna of Anu Khanna ActionCOACH continues to lead by example in the business coaching world. Her recent accolade, the Action HERO award which she won at the EMEA Awards on April 16th in Liverpool for the third year running, underscores her unique position as the only female coach to consistently achieve this honor.

Navigating through the complexities of the UK’s business environment, Anu’s journey has been one of immense perseverance and determination. Her success serves as a powerful testament to her role as a mentor and inspiration to countless Asian women striving in the business sector.

Reflecting on her experiences, Anu said, “Being an Asian woman in business wasn’t always easy. But the challenges I faced only fueled my determination to succeed. Now, seeing others thrive under my coaching is the most rewarding aspect of my journey.”

Anu’s coaching not only highlights her personal achievements but also her dedication to lifting others to reach their potential, impacting clients across cities including Coventry, Leamington Spa, Rugby, Derby, and Luton.

Anu’s clients remarkable achievements were recognized at the UK’s biggest business awards and forum, the BizX Awards, held on April 18th. Three of her clients emerged victorious, claiming prestigious BizX awards, while an impressive five others were named finalists out of a fierce competition of over 1000 businesses. This achievement stands out even more considering Anu’s coaching program is the only one to achieve such a remarkable feat.

These triumphs highlight not only Anu’s exceptional coaching abilities but also her unwavering commitment to her clients’ success. Her tailored approach and personalized support ensure each client, regardless of background or industry, excels. John Courtenay & Richard Courtenay from MQP, consistently winning BizX awards for three years in a row under Anu’s guidance, is a testament to this. Additionally, Karen Williams OBE, CEO and Co-Founder of the Buddy Bag Foundation, exemplifies the diverse range of businesses thriving under Anu’s coaching. Anu’s team member and Business Coach, Harneet Kaur, also embodies this commitment. Her dedication is evident in the success stories of clients like Azam Shafa from Lawrence Kurt Solicitors, who has secured the BizX award twice. 

Additionally, Anu’s clients also secured noteworthy positions as finalists in various categories: Simon Rotheram from Beechwood Trees and Landscapes Ltd for the Best Customer Service Award, Jamie White from Exactaform Cutting Tools for the Best Manufacturer/ Wholesaler Award, and John Courtenay & Richard Courtenay from MQP as finalists for the Most Innovative Company.

Her team member and business coach, Harneet, also played a pivotal role in these successes. Under her guidance and dedication, clients like Martin Geks from Magnum Building Services Ltd emerged as finalists for the Fastest Growing Company Award, and Monika Carroll from New Start 4 U CIC earned recognition as a finalist for the Not-For-Profit Business of the Year award.

These achievements collectively demonstrate the depth and breadth of impact Anu Khanna’s coaching, along with her team’s efforts, has on her clients’ businesses, propelling them to the forefront of their respective industries. Harneet’s dedication to her clients’ success further exemplifies the commitment of Anu Khanna’s coaching team to excellence.

Commenting on her clients’ victories, Anu remarked, “I’m incredibly proud of my clients recognized at the BizX Awards. Their success is a testament to their hard work, determination, and willingness to embrace change. As a coach, there’s no greater reward than seeing them achieve their goals, especially for those who may have faced similar challenges to myself in the business world.”

James Vincent, the BizX Podcast host, echoed this sentiment, saying: “What a win! Huge congratulations Anu Khanna. All the hard work and commitment are truly showing. He highlighted Anu’s unwavering dedication to her clients’ success and her ability to propel their businesses to even greater heights.

With each triumph, Anu Khanna ActionCOACH reaffirms its mission to elevate businesses to new heights of success and set a benchmark for business coaching excellence globally. Learn more about how Anu Khanna ActionCOACH can help your business thrive at anukhanna.actioncoach.co.uk.

In a strategic move to expand its specialised logistics network, Viso Logistics has acquired A Really Cool Company (ARCC), a leading provider of temperature-controlled transportation services based in Wetherby, Yorkshire. ARCC, with a strong 15-year track record, primarily serves the food and beverage industry and a range of other sectors requiring controlled temperature logistics across the UK and Europe.

In 2021, Viso Logistics kicked off their ambitious plan to build an independent, specialised logistics network across the UK. Jag Express, a leading specialist courier in Cambridge, was the first company to join the network.

Andrew Wood, Managing Director at ARCC, spoke about the acquisition: “The ARCC team are very excited about this next step in the evolution of our business. A partnership with Viso Logistics gives us the best of both worlds – we retain our company values, team and everything that makes us unique, but we also get to leverage off some excellent knowledge both inside and out of the logistics sector. Ultimately, this means that our loyal customers continue to get the same care and attention they have always had. What’s great is that they will now have some extras to help elevate their experience with us, such as access to an expanded network.”

Alexi Jones, Managing Partner at Viso Logistics, was pleased to welcome ARCC to their network: “Our strategy is to acquire long-established, successful specialist logistics companies that have expertise in specific sectors. To work with a business like ARCC that is so highly regarded in the food and beverage and pharmaceutical sectors, and complimentary to our existing network, makes them a perfect fit for Viso Logistics. The ARCC team are passionate about the service they provide and are real experts in their field. We have been impressed with their depth of industry knowledge and committed team, and know that their service will be one that our expanding customer base will benefit from. The addition of ARCC expands our Group’s growing footprint. Together with Jag Express in Cambridge, we now have a North-South axis which expands the scope of work we can undertake for our combined client base.”