Enhanced powers will be given to the Information Commissioner’s Office from Tuesday, i. e., April 6, to fine organizations up to £500,000 for serious violations of the Data Protection Act. Earlier the maximum fine was a mere £5,000.

The central government departments found guilty for data breaches will be imposed with tougher measures beside compulsory audit notices to the same. The serious personal data breaches will be dealt with carefully which occur through negligent behavior and these new powers for the U. K’s privacy watchdog are planned to do so.

The sternest fines will be imposed in cases where the data controller has seriously flouted the data protection principles provided the contravention was of the kind that caused significant damage or suffering.

About 64% of the people of those who were surveyed carry customer data on mobile devices, with only 12% using encryption to guard data from curious eyes in the event of a loss. 50% of the mobile devices are protected by passwords and 38% stored sensitive data without any kind of protection measures.

Chris McIntosh, CEO of Stonewood, said, “Despite the danger to reputation and business that can come from a data loss, it is still a hard truth that many organisations feel they will be one of the fortunate few that remain untouched”

Hence planning for encryption as well as correct handling of data is postponed for another day.