Cause for Concern

A recent security breach highlights why social housing providers should consider how they handle data.  Data security breaches are a concern for all organisations that store, handle and transmit large amounts of personal data. For registered providers, who in England collectively hold personal information on more than eight million tenants, the importance of data protection is paramount. The failure to protect against data security breaches can lead to serious consequences for housing associations and could lead to the Information Commissioner’s Office imposing fines of up to £500,000. A recent security breach at a housing association is the latest in a series of high profile data protection breaches in the social housing sector over the last year. The ICO has made it clear that the social housing sector is very much on its radar and associations would be well advised to take the opportunity to review and consolidate their data protection policies and procedures.  Read more on Inside Housing.