Goodbye job applications, hello dream career
Seize control of your career and design the future you deserve with LW career

BigLaw firm pinpoints data breach spike since GDPR roll out

Over 59,000 personal data breaches have been reported since the introduction of general data protection regulation (GDPR), according to new research by DLA Piper.

user iconEmma Musgrave 07 February 2019 Big Law
DLA Piper
expand image

The BigLaw firm has just wrapped up its GDPR Data Breach survey, with the findings revealing that there have been 59,000 data breach notifications across the European Economic Area since GDPR came info effect on 25 May 2018.  The European Economic Area includes the 28 member states of the European Union – currently in the UK – as well as Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein. 

The Netherlands, Germany and the UK recorded the highest number of reported breaches, with 15,400, 12,600 and 10,600, respectively. Oppositely, those reporting the lowest number of reported breaches were identified as being Liechtenstein, Iceland and Cyprus, with 15, 25 and 35, respectively.

From an Australian perspective, Peter Jones, DLA Piper head of technology sector Australia, said: “Australia has had a mandatory data breach notification regime operating for around three months prior to the introduction of the GDPR”.

“While the total number of breaches reported under the Australian regime is far less than those reported in Europe, it is clear that many organisations are heeding the new rules with notifications increasing each quarter.

“Australia is fortunate with the level of reporting from the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner (OAIC) on not only the number of notifications, but also the nature of the breach, number of affected individuals, information disclosed, perceived sources of breach and industries affected.

“Malicious attack and human error currently remain the two most reported breaches impacting Australian organisations. Over time, this level of information will allow organisations to better consider their own security postures in the face of the evolving threat landscape.”

Last year Lawyers Weekly and a panel of professionals joined together to discuss regulatory and legislative updates that are impacting how lawyers can and must protect data.

To view the webcast click here.

Emma Musgrave

Emma Musgrave

Emma Musgrave (née Ryan) is the managing editor, professional services at Momentum Media.

Emma has worked for Momentum Media since 2015, including five years spent as the editor of the company's legal brand - Lawyers Weekly. Throughout her time at Momentum, she has been responsible for breaking some of the biggest stories in corporate Australia. In addition, she has produced exclusive multimedia and event content related to the company's respective brands and audiences. 

Prior to joining Momentum Media, Emma worked in breakfast radio, delivering news to the Central West region of NSW, before taking on a radio journalist role at Southern Cross Austereo, based in Townsville, North Queensland.

She holds a Bachelor of Communications (Journalism) degree from Charles Sturt University. 

Email Emma on: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

Tags
You need to be a member to post comments. Become a member for free today!