Staff information data leaks

Often, the most high-profile data leaks involve customer data being leaked by a third-party organisation as, in these cases, the hit to the company’s reputation and revenue can be perceived as more significant. However, staff information data leaks can be just as costly, as they can expose extremely sensitive information related to the internal operations of a business.

In many cases, such leaks can be entirely preventable, and they may never have occurred if companies and their staff had rigidly followed data protection protocol. Nowadays, there should really be no excuse for accidents and mistakes, as the GDPR requires that any company in possession of private data follows stringent regulations.

At Your Lawyers – T/A The Data Leak Lawyers – we are a leading data compensation law firm that is here to help any staff member who has fallen victim to a data leak provoked by their own organisation. You may be entitled to claim thousands of pounds in compensation.

What happens in a staff information data leak?

When an organisation leaks staff information, it can often arise from a complete accident, but that does not make the incident any less severe. If anything, it can demonstrate that there is an incautious attitude towards data handling.

In a type of breach that is now becoming infamous as the ‘human error’ data leak, mass emails are sent out with the accidental attachment of confidential information, or the sender fails to anonymise the recipients of an email. In these ‘accidental’ email leaks, simple carelessness can lead to the exposure of private information, yet such incidents can be entirely preventable if proper mass email systems are correctly used.

As an example, a staff information data leak involving an email recently occurred at Hampshire Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. In this case, the error was not entirely accidental.

The email in question reportedly shared details of 1,000 employees distributed among senior managers from across the Trust. The error lay in the fact that the amount of information was deemed ‘unnecessary’, meaning that some of the information was shared without a valid reason, and was surplus to the reasonable requirements of management.

The ICO investigated but did not take disciplinary action. Instead, they advised the Trust to ensure staff had all the information required to send emails and attachments within the constraints of the GDPR.

Potential consequences of staff information data leaks

In staff information data leaks, the personal impact on staff can be severe, particularly if the information is leaked outside their organisation.

For example, beyond the typical names and contact details, organisations also store staff details about ethnicity, religion and sexuality, as well  payroll information and National Insurance numbers. This means that the risk to their privacy can be substantial if a data leak occurs.

Human resources departments may hold information about any medication, counselling, and disciplinary action a staff member has been involved in. If exposed, this could have devastating effects on the personal and professional lives of the victims.

Claiming for a data leak

Your Lawyers – the Data Leak Lawyers – are here to help anyone who has suffered as a result of staff information data leaks.

We understand that, in these cases, relationships between staff members and their employers can quickly turn sour. You need to find reliable legal representatives who will help you navigate this tricky dispute.

If your employer is at fault, you may be entitled to claim thousands of pounds in compensation for the distress and financial losses caused to your life.

Contact us today to receive free, no-obligation advice here.

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