What is a data breach?

A data breach is a security incident in which personal or confidential information is copied, transmitted, viewed, stolen, or used by an individual unauthorised to do so or if the information is lost, corrupted, or destroyed.  For example:

• A fire on campus destroys a building in which records are stored.
• A university server is compromised by a cyber-attack.
• An employee accidentally sends an email containing personal or confidential information to the wrong recipients.
• A cell phone that contained personal or confidential information is stolen or lost.

When we look at data breaches both locally and abroad, it becomes clear that organisations are often caught off guard by such data breaches and do not have a plan in place to deal with it. Breach response is one of the iGaPP programme’s first priorities.

We cannot do it on our own. If you are aware of a breach, or just the possibility of a breach, please contact us immediately by sending an email to [email protected].