ICO stories

Identity security will become core infrastructure by 2026 as AI‑driven attacks, deepfakes and state hackers overwhelm old perimeter defences.

Most UK firms still rely on generic compliance training as tougher cyber, harassment and sanctions regimes loom, VinciWorks research shows.

With 93% of firms facing unauthorised AI use, new governance models urge flexible policies to manage shadow AI risks while fuelling innovation.

The health sector leads UK data breach self-reports with 3,820 cases from 2023 to early 2025, reveals ICO data analysed by Reward Gateway Edenred.

UK police forces have reported over 13,000 data breaches since 2022, with incidents rising yearly and causing serious risks to personal information.

The UK’s updated Cyber Security and Resilience Bill will extend compliance to many SMEs, urging them to bolster defences and improve cyber resilience by 2025.

Holland & Barrett has saved 3,000 annual hours handling data requests by automating the process with Aiimi’s AI platform, boosting accuracy and speed.

UK local authorities reported over 2,400 data breaches in 2024, highlighting concerns over device loss, human error, and public sector data security.

UK Metropolitan Councils reported over 12,700 data breaches in three years, paying more than GBP £268,000 in compensation claims.

UK firms reporting data breaches to the ICO rose to 69%, with remote work risks rising as phishing and employee errors top causes amid policy gaps.

Basic cyber security controls could prevent the majority of major data breaches, says analysis of UK and Australian data affecting tens of millions annually.

Over 1,200 devices were reported lost or stolen across UK government departments in 2024, highlighting ongoing security challenges despite audits and efforts.

Nearly 400 data breaches at UK Jobcentres in 2024 exposed personal details of jobseekers, raising serious concerns over data security and privacy.

A Dutch man has inadvertently sparked a data security alarm after buying hard drives packed with sensitive personal information at a flea market.

The ICO has launched investigations into TikTok, Reddit, and Imgur over data privacy issues concerning teenage users, sparking fears of increased scrutiny.

A recent report reveals a staggering 39% rise in data breaches within the UK's legal sector, compromising the personal details of nearly 8 million people.

The UK government is consulting on a plan to ban ransomware payments by public sector bodies, amid rising cyberattacks, particularly in healthcare.

Cybersecurity experts report a sharp rise in phishing attacks in 2024, with 94% of organisations affected and AI tactics in 67.4% of incidents.

The Information Commissioner's Office is urging organisations to share personal information responsibly to combat the UK's growing fraud crisis.

Oldham Council hit by cyberattack, exposing sensitive data; part of a broader wave across Greater Manchester, leaving thousands at risk of phishing scams.