SMEs are less aware of theData Protection Act, says theInformation
Commissioner's Office(ICO).
Research commissioned by the ICO shows SMEs are less aware of
the principles of the Data Protection Act than their larger
peers.
Researchers found that although just more than half of SMEs
realised they had to keep customer data secure, just 22% of the
800-plus SMEs surveyed were aware that they are required to keep
customer information accurate and up to date under the act.
This is despite the fact that 94% of the companies surveyed
believed that the act makes good business sense.
With
identity theft on the rise, information commissioner, Richard
Thomas, said the findings were of "considerable concern".
All businesses must now take their responsibility to protect
personal information seriously, he said.