What is a data breach?

The University defines a personal data breach as:

A breach of security leading to the accidental or unlawful destruction, alteration, loss, unauthorised disclosure of, or access to, personal data transmitted, stored or otherwise processed.

Common breaches can include

• Sending an email meant for one individual to another - beware autocomplete
• Attaching confidential documents to an email by mistake
• Forwarding email trails which disclose personal information
• Loss or theft of an unencrypted laptop or USB stick
• Loss or theft of paperwork

If you believe a data breach has occurred please contact the Information Compliance Unit immediately by emailing databreach@qub.ac.uk

You must also complete an online Data Incident Report Form as soon as possible.