Vyta

  • Why Vyta
    • The Vyta Team
    • Certifications
    • Sustainability
    • Awards
    • Vision, Mission & Values
  • Our Services
    • IT Asset Disposal Services
    • IT Equipment Resale and Revenue Return
    • On site Shredding Services
    • WEEE Recycling
    • Secure Data Destruction
    • Secure Collection
    • IT Asset Relocation and Deployment
    • IT Services
  • DiskShred
  • Clients
  • Careers
  • News
  • Glossary
  • Contact

November 29, 2017

Gear up for GDPR – AMI’s ‘GDPR: The Final Countdown’ Recap

It’s now less than six months until GDPR comes into effect and dramatically alters the way organisations collect and process data. In order to aid Irish organisations’ preparations for the impending legislation, AMI recently hosted a GDPR breakfast seminar in the Fitzwilliam Hotel – GDPR: The Final Countdown. We’ve put together some of the key points made by our speakers for those who missed it. If you were lucky enough to be in attendance at the information-packed event, read on for a recap of a terrific morning.

Ignorance is not a defence

Faye Thomas, business manager at AMI, first addressed the crowd, giving an overview of the event and introducing the guest speakers.

First up, Pearse Ryan, partner at Arthur Cox Solicitors, delivered a detailed overview of the legal obligations facing companies under GDPR. Following a dreaded cyber event, there is a potentially long list of contacts who need to be notified, from the Central Bank of Ireland, to the Gardaí, to the Data Processor or Data Controller. Once GDPR comes into force, organisations will need to be aware of what their obligations are, including exactly who they need to contact.

A standout takeaway from the talk was the potential for organisations to in fact commit a criminal offence through the mishandling of data. Organisations are obligated to report a data breach and failure to do so – be it through ignoring the law or being unaware of it – could constitute a criminal offence. One thing is clear: ignorance of your obligations will not be accepted as a defence. Don’t stick your head in the sand when it comes to GDPR, be aware of the requirements and comply.

Disposal – an overlooked area

Don’t panic. That was the first message from Steve Mellings, founder of Asset Disposal and Information Security Alliance (ADISA) and COO of DP Governance Limited. The GDPR deadline (25th May 2018) is not doomsday. For those organisations already working towards existing data protection laws, the new regulation is simply an extension requiring some additional business changes. However, those organisations not complying with existing data protection laws face a significant business transformation project.

One area where many businesses tend to struggle is where they engage with third parties to perform services which impact on data. The erasure or destruction of data is an aspect of data processing in which companies have been performing particularly poorly. Studies have shown that 16% of companies have suffered a data breach due to improper disposal and over 40% of hard drives purchased from auctions still hold data. Working with an ADISA-accredited IT disposal provider ensures businesses peace of mind when disposing old IT equipment.

Irish landscape

AMI’s recent survey on IT disposal practices produced some similarly troubling findings for Irish organisations. Paul Hearns, editor of TechPro magazine, presented an overview of some of the most interesting results of the survey. Among the findings was the fact that 32% of companies that use third-party IT retirement companies don’t get formal confirmation that their data has been completely erased. In addition, 25% of companies admitted to leaving end-of-life IT assets on premise for more than one year.

These findings support the argument that Irish companies are overlooking IT disposal when it comes to data protection and their preparations for GDPR. While organisations shouldn’t panic in the run up to the GDPR deadline, now is the time to act and take responsibility for the complete and safe erasure of data.

We want to thank our three guest speakers for providing an information-packed morning and for helping Irish businesses face GDPR more prepared. Another huge thank you is due to all in attendance who engaged with our speakers in a meaningful and insightful Q&A following the presentations. If you would like any further details on the topics discussed, or would like to enquire as to how AMI can help your business get GDPR ready, contact us today or get an IT disposal quote.

Filed Under: News

Search

Latest News

Vyta Welcome Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey to Belfast site

Mayor of Antrim and Newtownabbey, Alderman Stephen Ross was welcomed to industry leading IT recycling company, Vyta, in Mallusk to hear about the important work they do and to meet the Vyta team. During his visit the Mayor was given a … More...

Vyta targets additional £1.3M in revenues with top security accreditation

Vyta announces that it has been awarded the highest data security rating from ADISA. The accreditation reflects the company’s commitment to supporting the circular economy while giving businesses the peace of mind that they are adhering to … More...

Vyta revenue more than doubles to £16m

Recent revenue surge fuelled by increased demand for Sustainable IT Asset Disposal and an Acquisition Vyta, Ireland’s leading secure IT recycling company, today announces newly-audited financial results that show Group revenues … More...

BUSINESS SECTORS

  • Data Centre Disposal
  • Financial Organisations
  • IT Service Companies

COMPUTER RECYCLING

  • Computer Recycling
  • Server Recycling
  • Laptop Recycling
  • Monitor Recycling
  • Printer Recycling

DATA DESTRUCTION

  • Secure IT Disposal Service
  • Blancco Wiping
  • Hard Drive Shredding
  • Tape Shredding
  • On Site Data Shredding
  • Detailed Asset Tracking and Reporting

IT SERVICES

  • Secure IT Disposal
  • IT Recycling
  • Secure Collection Services
  • IT Buyback Service
  • On Site IT Audit
  • Deployment Support

Get in touch with our team today

Vyta provide sustainable, secure and cost-effective solutions for the disposal of your end of life tech. Our solutions are key to protecting your data, controlling your IT assets, maximising value, managing corporate risk and meeting sustainability goals.

CONTACT US

info@vyta.com
+44 (0) 28 9084 7913

Vyta Great Britain
Vyta
Unit 28 Little Boyton Hall,
Roxwell, Chelmsford CM1 4LN, United Kingdom
Tel +44 (0) 33 0551 9983

Vyta Republic of Ireland
Vyta
Unit 66 Block 503, Greenogue Business Park
Rathcoole, Dublin D24 F300, Ireland
Tel +353 (0) 1257 3232

Vyta Northern Ireland
Vyta
Unit 1 Mallusk View, Central Park
Newtownabbey BT36 4FR, Northern Ireland
Tel +44 (0) 33 0551 9983

Privacy Policy | Cookie Policy | Modern Slavery Policy |
PAS2060 Qualifying Explanatory Statement
  • LinkedIn
  • Twitter

Copyright Vyta Ltd © 2023