Overview
Protecting data in today's digital information age
The Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA), which received Royal Assent in May 2018, is a comprehensive legal framework for UK data protection. It replaces the DPA 1998 to set new, clarified and modernised standards for safeguarding data in the digital world.
The DPA 2018 is designed to govern the protection of personal data to the standards set by the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It also covers general data, law enforcement data and national security data.
Aims
Aims of the DPA 2018
The UK government states that the DPA 2018 intends to:
- Make UK data protection laws fit for the digital age
- Empower individuals to take control of personal data
- Support UK organisations through the legal transition
- Ensure the UK is prepared for its post-EU future
Compliance measures
Ensuring your cyber security meets the standards of DPA 2018
Among a variety of measures necessitated by the GDPR and DPA 2018 is the need to have appropriate controls in place to protect personal data as well as to detect, investigate and report security breaches.
Redscan’s cyber security experts can help your organisation achieve DPA and GDPR security requirements by:
• Enhancing understanding of and reviewing security risks
• Improving resilience against threats
• Detecting and responding to cyber-attacks
Assisting with breach reporting procedures
FAQ
Data Protection Act 2018 FAQs
- Which organisations does the DPA 2018 affect?
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In accordance with the GDPR, the DPA applies to all organisations that process any form of personal data. It also affects organisations that process sensitive data related to law enforcement and national security.
- What is the difference between the DPA 1998 and the DPA 2018?
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The DPA 1998 was the legal framework for data protection in the UK for 20 years, but it is no longer fit for purpose given the large scale of data processing in the digital era.
The DPA 2018 requires organisations to better understand the data they hold, establish accountability, improve cyber security controls and be transparent in the event of a breach. Penalties for non-compliance are also now significantly higher.
- What is the maximum fine under the DPA 2018?
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The Data Protection Act 2018 enhances the powers of the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) to regulate and enforce data protection laws.
For the most serious data breaches, organisations are liable to receive a fine as high as £17 million or 4% of global turnover, whichever is higher. This is a straight conversion of the maximum sanction permitted under the GDPR.
- What is the difference between the GDPR and the DPA 2018?
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The GDPR is the governing piece of EU legislation applicable to all member states. The DPA 2018 is the UK’s legal framework for data protection, which replaces the DPA 1998 and applies GDPR standards to UK law.
The DPA covers all the main provisions of the GDPR but also exercises modifications and exemptions in areas such as journalism, academic research, child protection and law enforcement.
Why choose Redscan?
Why choose Redscan to support DPA 2018 compliance?
As an award-winning provider of managed security and assessment services, Redscan is perfectly placed to help your organisation meet the complex demands of the Data Protection Act 2018.
By thinking like the adversary, utilising the latest tools and intelligence, and providing clear and actionable advice, we help organisations to significantly elevate cyber security maturity in line with business and compliance requirements.
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