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Most Googled Questions On Data Breaches & ISO 27001

In 2021, a record number of users have searched Google for information around data breaches, the consequences and what can be done to stop it.

This perhaps could be seen as a direct response to an increase in hackers trying to find flaws in the cyber defences of businesses, with the aim of extracting sensitive company information. The eventual aim of the hackers is to sell the data on to unscrupulous individuals for profit.

However, it’s often businesses that bear the brunt of a data leak, often having to pay out substantial sums to both government and the victims. To make sure that you have all the information you need when it comes to data breaches and the ISO/IEC 27001 certification designed to prevent it from happening, Hicomply experts have answered Google’s most searched for questions on the subject.

What is a data breach?

Monthly searches: 880

A data breach is the release of private or sensitive information by an organisation in both an intentional and unintentional manner. However, many of the most damaging data breaches take place when an unauthorised individual gains access to confidential information, often for personal gain. Most data breaches are carried by malicious malware, hacking attacks or insider leaks.

When must data breaches involving personal data be reported?

Monthly Searches: 320

Data breaches must be reported to the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) if it represents a significant threat to the right and freedoms of the individuals involved. This is defined as leading to potential discrimination, damage of reputation, financial loss or loss of confidentiality. Also, if the risk poses a significant threat to the individuals involved, the organisation must make every effort to make them aware of the situation without hesitation. In order to avoid this, implement our top tips to keep your data safe.

How long do you have to report a data breach?

Monthly Searches: 260

According to the ICO, it is the duty of all organisations that once they have become aware of a potential data breach, they must report it within 72 hours. You can report a data breach here if you have been impacted.

How much compensation for a data breach?

Monthly Searches: 110

The amount of compensation you will be entitled to will differ greatly depending on the type of breach that has taken place. Factors which will influence this are the potential risk that has been incurred due to the data leak and the distress that is has caused the victim. GDPR enables you to claim compensation of up to £2,000 if your personal data has been part of a breach, lost or mis-used, however claims can be much higher if there has been significant damage caused.

What are the consequences of a data breach?

Monthly Searches: 90

A person’s data being breached can lead to forgery of accounts using all personal details that have been stolen. People stealing personal data can also have access to an individual’s banking details and passwords, meaning more accounts being created in your name or money being stolen from your account. For the business that have suffered a data breach, they may be faced with a heavy fine, major damage to their reputation and legal action.

What is ISO 27001?

Monthly Searches: 720

The ISO/IEC 27001 is an internationally recognised standard of managing information security systems, having been standardised in 2005 and updated in 2017. Created by the International Organisation for Standardisation and the International Electrotechnical Commission, the standard uses a risk based approach to secure organisations sensitive data and keep it safe.

What is ISO 27001 certification?

Monthly Searches: 140

ISO/IEC 27001 certification is awarded to companies that provide quality data security to clients. This can benefit a business through greater customer satisfaction, legal compliance, and improved risk management. An ISO/IEC 27001 certificate will provide customers with the feeling of trust that their data is safe with the company. ISO/IEC 27001 certification must be renewed every 3 years.

How much does ISO 27001 certification cost?

Monthly Searches: 90

When calculating the cost of ISO/IEC 27001 certification, factors such as number of employees and audit time need to be taken into consideration. In general, certification audits will start out at around £3,000 and will cover up to almost 50 employees. When employee numbers reach the mid to late 1000s then it can cost over £13,000. For a more accurate quotation for your business, take a long at this article here then contact Hicomply.

How to audit ISO 27001?

Monthly Searches: 90

There are both internal and external ISO/IEC 27001 audits that can be carried out. Internally, they are used monthly or annually to ensure that standards put in place, in order to achieve or maintain certification, are stringently adhered to. We have an ISO 27001 checklist that can help with the process. An external audit is conducted by a certification body every 3 years in order to gain or maintain certification. Hicomply’s software provides the tools to guide you through the internal auditing procedure.

For more information about data breaches and the benefits of ISMS, be sure to bookmark the Hicomply blog and take some time to read our infographic on the benefits of ISO/IEC 27001.