Security requirements may not always be included in the data protection law, but are key to guaranteeing lawful processing of personal data. The entity processing the data must take all useful precautions with respect to the nature of the data and the risk presented by the processing, to preserve the security of the data and prevent alteration, corruption or access by unauthorized third parties. Appropriate technical and organizational measures shall be implemented to ensure a level of security appropriate to the risk.
Employers in the United Kingdom should follow the general security standards listed in the UK Data Protection Act 2018 (UK GDPR). The Act largely mirrors the European Union General Data Protection Regulation requirements. When protecting employee and applicant data, consider the sensitivity of the information, the technology available, the expense of protecting the data and the risk to individuals if the data is compromised. Then take organizational and technological measures, including:
The UK’s Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) recommends that organizations should adopt best practice methodologies such as ISO 27001. In addition, the UK GDPR requires that employers put ‘appropriate policy documents’ in place, in certain cases, if they are processing special/sensitive information (e.g. performing criminal background checks) and, have an ‘appropriate policy document’ in place outlining and explaining the procedures for securing compliance with the principles of the UK GDPR. Employees should be provided with a document outlining company data retention policies.
HR Best Practices: Ensure contracts with service providers detail the security and confidentiality measures to be implemented. Areas that should be considered include:
