A personal data breach means a breach (whether deliberate or accidental) of security leading to the accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure of, or access to, personal data.

While breaches of data security are rare they can sometimes happen. They most commonly take the form of:

  • Access by an unauthorised third party
  • Sending personal data to an incorrect recipient
  • Computing devices containing personal data being lost or stolen
  • Alteration of personal data without permission
Reporting

If you wish to report a personal data breach, please fill in this form or contact the Data Protection Officer direct.

What happens

The council will quickly determine the seriousness of the potential breach and notify the Information Commissioner where necessary. We will also immediately take all necessary steps to rectify the problem and to notify all affected individuals where it is appropriate to do so.