The FSA stated in its recent report on Data Security, that there are three main reasons why firms are failing to identify all aspects of the data security risk they face:

• Some do not appreciate the gravity of this risk
• Some do not have the expertise to make a reasonable assessment of key risk factors and devise ways of mitigating them
• Many fail to devote or co-ordinate adequate resources to address this risk

The Information commissioner, Richard Thomas, has stated; "the blunt truth is that all organisations need to take the protection of customer data more seriously."

Add to these comments the news headlines in recent months, regarding the loss of sensitive CD’s and lap tops and it is clear that there is a greater focus on this issue than ever before.

This course is a practical approach to assist you in meeting your firm’s responsibilities under the FSA’s “Principles for Business” and “SYSC” Rules. The course also covers the legal responsibilities on firms under the Data Protection Act. 

It is important to remember that a number of high profile organisations have recently lost data and have been open to data abuse through poor organisation and controls. Firms who pay scant regard to the security of data held by them or on their behalf risk bringing about commercial, reputational, regulatory and legal penalties.  This course aims to help you ensure that your firm is not one of them.