Compliance & Risks and ICS Collaborate for Data Protection Services in Munster

Compliance & Risks and The Irish Computer Society (ICS) today announced a partnership to offer data protection training and auditing services to the wider Munster community. Those wishing to get data protection certification will now be able to do so without having to travel to Dublin.

The agreement will also see the establishment of a Cork branch of the Association of Data Protection Officers (ADPO), where Data Protection Officers can network, share expertise and communicate information on the impending new data protection legislation.

The announcement was made today by Mr. Dara Murphy T.D., Minister for European Affairs and Data Protection at a breakfast briefing on Data Protection Policies, Procedures and IT Security. The event was held at the Radisson Blu Hotel, Cork, and hosted by Smarttech, Compliance & Risks and ICS.

Commenting at the event, Mr. Dara Murphy, Minister for European Affairs and Data Protection said, “In this digital age, as a society and as individuals, we need to stand up and take the protection of personal data seriously. Organisations right across the public and private sectors need to develop their knowledge and competence in order to ensure compliance with data protection requirements and good practice in relation to the handling of personal data.”

Lanre Oluwatona, Data Protection Officer, Trainer & Consultant with the Irish Computer Society said “Recent surveys have shown that 52% of Data Protection breaches are caused by staff simply because they were unaware of their obligations. With fines of up to €250,000 per offence, poor data protection practices could result in serious financial and reputational damage to businesses. Having local access to a peer support network, professional advice and training is essential for business owners to protect their livelihoods.”

Also commenting at the event, Ronan Murphy, CEO Smarttech, said “We can all see that the digital world brings enormous benefits, but it comes with a price. The Cyberspace is the subject of malicious activities and sophisticated threats, leaving businesses exposed and vulnerable. It is important that organisations learn how to secure their data, protect their business and stay compliant.”

For further information please visit http://www.complianceandrisks.com/services/data-protection/.