Wave of cybersecurity breaches during Covid-19

According to a recent survey conducted by Censuswide, almost two-fifths of UK businesses have dismissed employees because of a cybersecurity or data policy breach since the coronavirus pandemic began.

Using personal devices, not changing passwords regularly, and opening unfamiliar web links or attachments are among some of the most common issues reported. Video conferencing, the use of which has increased significantly over the past few months, also brings with it a host of data protection concerns.

These results come as a YouGov survey revealed that up to one-third of workers believe they will not return to their place of work until 2021, if at all due to the current climate.

In light of the above, employers should revisit their cybersecurity and data policies and ensure that they cater for ongoing home-working arrangements. These policies should detail the procedures which employees must follow when processing confidential data at home and what is (and is not) authorised use of such data.

Employers should also ensure that employees are aware that the same principles of data protection apply whether they are working in the home or in the office and provide refresher training sessions where required.

f you have any questions regarding this topic, please contact Linky Trott or any other member of the Employment team.

For an update on all the legal implications relating to Coronavirus, please see here.

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