Consumer increase care over their personal data

One of the major issues that have raised concern across the UK over recent months is that of personal data security, with many people concerned over the risk of identity theft and fraud. This matter has not been helped by the wide range of incidents that have taken place over recent months in relation to the loss of personal data, with government agencies, financial institutions, and other companies admitting to massive losses pf personal data in some cases.

The Information Commissioner’s Office recently carried out a survey, and the results showed that as a result of recent incidents such as these over 80% of us are now taking more care over out personal and sensitive data, such as bank account and credit card details, National Insurance numbers, addresses and dates of birth, etc. However, over 70% of those surveyed also said that they felt that they did not have any control over the safety of their personal data with firms and banks.

A spokesperson from the Information Commissioner’s Office recently stated: “As more and more personal information is collected, the risk grows that some information will be inaccurate, out of date or end up in the wrong hands. If organisations fail to recognise the importance of data protection they not only risk losing business, they could also face action from the ICO.”

Around a thousand people were involved in responding to the survey, and amongst other things the results showed that around 53% had lost trust in government agencies and banks when it came to the safety and security of their personal and sensitive data. One of the most memorable data loss blunders last year was when HM Revenue and Customs lost the bank details and personal data of around 25 million people.

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