Watchdog set to fine NHS IT firm after medical records hack

Watchdog Set to Fine NHS IT Firm After Medical Records Hack The UK's data protection watchdog, Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), is planning to fine a private NHS IT firm for a significant breach that occurred in 2022. The breach resulted in the exposure of medical records and sensitive information about gaining entry into the homes of approximately 890 individuals. The breach is seen as a severe violation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which requires organizations to have robust security measures in place to protect personal data. The ICO's investigation found that the IT firm failed to implement adequate cybersecurity protocols, leaving the data vulnerable to hackers. The unidentified IT firm had been contracted by the NHS to handle its IT infrastructure and maintain patient records. However, the breach highlights serious concerns regarding the security practices and measures taken by external companies with access to sensitive medical data. According to the ICO, the breach exposed highly sensitive personal information, including medical records, addresses, and details about gaining entry into people's homes. Such information could be exploited by criminals for nefarious purposes, potentially endangering the individuals affected. The ICO has announced its intention to fine the IT firm for the breach but has not disclosed the precise amount. Under GDPR regulations, the ICO has the power to impose fines of up to €20 million (approximately £17 million) or 4% of a company's global annual revenue, whichever is higher. The final amount of the fine is yet to be confirmed but is expected to be substantial given the