IT know-how tip - think twice before you attach!

23 Jan 2014

The majority of data breaches occur as a result of human error.

Being mindful when sending documents as email attachments is paramount, particularly when sharing Excel spreadsheets.  Otherwise documents can end up in the inbox of the wrong person or confidential information may be unnecessarily included in attachments and accidentally disclosed.

Protecting personal information is vital to ensure you do not cause a data breach.  Consequences not only include severe financial penalties for the University and loss of reputation, but breaches can cause considerable harm and distress to staff, students or others who are the subject of the data.

Imagine if it was personal data about you, such as medical, financial or legal data, which was wrongly disclosed?  So think:

• Do you know exactly what you are attaching?  Are you sending the attachment to the right person?  It is easy to click on the wrong person in a dropdown list!  The Data Protection web pages provide more tips on how to avoid making a mistake?
• Do you know how easy it is to encrypt a document?