Preventing Data Breaches, ICO Enforcement – Fines and Penalties

Data protection – preventing breaches training, hints and tips on good practice and how to avoid data breaches and ICO enforcement action. Most GDPR and PECR breaches are down to human error, poor understanding and lax implementation of company policy. This short course refreshes and updates attendees on the importance of data protection and adhering to data protection legislation.

The course is packed with hints and tips on data protection and good practice to keep personal data safe and avoid PECR and GDPR breaches. It helps attendees understand what can go wrong and why they need to pay close attention to keep all data secure.

Whilst most of the headline news relating to data breaches majors on system security; any review of the actions and fines issued by the Information Commissioners Office (ICO) shows that most breaches are due to human error; that is to say poor adherence to data protection laws and good practice.

What goes wrong – what causes data protection breaches?

Poor understanding, a lack of adherence, bad judgments and naivety remain common place drivers behind breaches.

CC / BCC email errors
Redaction failures – accidentally leaving hidden metadata or improperly blacking out text
Lost or stolen unencrypted devices
Physical security breaches leading to Tailgating or Piggybacking
Weak passwords
A general lack thought and attention to data protection leads to insure process

This short course helps bring data protection, GDPR and PECR to the front of everyone’s mind. It highlights what frequently goes wrong and how simple easy to follow processes can reduce the risk of breaches significantly. It focusses on the types of common human mistakes that lead to breaches and penalties. In doing so it also highlights simple but effective actions that staff can undertake to help keep data and personal information secure.

DATA PROTECTION BREACH PREVENTION TRAINING COURSE CONTENT

The course focuses on the types of common human mistakes that lead to breaches, such as misdirected emails, weak credential hygiene, and phishing traps. In doing so, it highlights simple but effective actions – such as data classification and secure encryption – that staff can undertake to help keep personal information secure and maintain compliance with the UK GDPR, PECR and Data Protection Act 2018

laws and penalties for breaches
Organisational and technical security
Common breaches and How to Avoid them:
Phishing & Social Engineering: The most common ways employees are tricked into causing a breach.
Credential Hygiene: Good practice regarding passwords and multi-factor authentication (MFA).
Encryption & Password Protection: Simple, actionable technical steps everyday staff can take to secure files before sending them.
Misdirected Emails: Sending sensitive data to the wrong recipient (the number one cause of non-technical ICO breaches).
Data Minimisation: The practice of only keeping or sharing the data that is absolutely necessary.
Clear Desk Policy: Keeping physical paperwork and screens secure from unauthorised eyes.
Data Classification: how to identify what is public, internal, or highly confidential/sensitive data.
Privacy impact risk assessments
Dos and Don’ts of data protection
Reporting Culture / Near-Misses: Encouraging staff to report mistakes or “near-misses” immediately so the organisation can prevent a full breach.
Reporting breach procedures

Who is this Data protection Breach Training for?

This participative workshop is suitable for representatives at all levels and from all businesses and organisation types.

We can deliver this training a short 60-90 minute whole workforce session, online via your video conferencing platform or as targeted refresher training for high risk areas or mangers looking to understand how and where breaches usually occur. Content can be extended to 3 hours. Alternatively we offer more comprehensive data protection courses – see the links below

MORE - Data Protection Courses

Data Protection, GDPR, PECR and DUAA Reference Guides

Data protection is the process of safeguarding important information from corruption, compromise, or loss, while ensuring personal data is handled lawfully, transparently, and securely. The legislation is complex and the protentional fines for breaches huge. our Data Protection, GDPR and PECR training courses bring you up to date with the latest developments and help you make sure you are 100% compliant. Our reference documents provide outline guidance.

Data Protection Complaints Policy Template & Guidance

All organisations are required to publish their policy and procedure for make a complaint about the organisations data protection. This free to use reference document and template is free to download and use

GDPR Necessary, Fair and Transparent Explained

Before an organisation or business processed any personal data it has to ensure there is a legal basis for processing. It has to be necessary, fair and transparent. Many organisations fail to meet these requirements are put themselves at risk. Find out more about good process in this reference document

How frequent should GDPR Data Protection Training be?

This a frequently asked question and one we attempt to answer. The one over-arching answer is to risk assess, many find this too vague so we try to be more helpful in this guide

The ICO guide to the PECR – PDF

The ICO is responsible for overseeing adherence to the PECR. This PDF document summarises all, alternatively see the ICO website

FAQ - Frequently Asked Questions about this Training

If you can’t find the answer you’re looking for, feel free to contact our support team.

Why should you use Concrew Training?

Specialist HR, Employment Law & Compliance training provider
We reference to official Government bodies such as ACAS, ICO, EHRC
Content tailored to your policies and procedures
CPD certificates included
12 months of post-course support
UK-wide delivery
Online and face-to-face options
Open and transparent pricing

What information is available on course content?

We publish detailed course overviews for all courses. These provide indicative content based on the course learning plans. Final content is tailored to each client’s individual requirements.

What other information is available on individual courses?

Free reference guides and resources to help employers evaluate training quality and improve workplace compliance

Downloadable resources available via our website
Customer feedback and testimonials published on our website

Can you include our company policies and procedures in the training?

Yes. We actively encourage this approach. Including your policies and procedures helps demonstrate how, where, and why good practice applies within your organisation. This contextualises the learning, improves engagement, and increases the practical value of the training. There is no additional charge for incorporating your policies and procedures.

How long do Concrew Training courses last?

Standard courses: 6 hours of learning (approx. 7 hours including breaks)
Condensed 3-hour sessions available
Extended sessions or multi-day programmes available

How many people can attend each course?

Online courses: up to 15 participants
Face-to-face courses: up to 20 participants
Whole workforce awareness sessions: available for larger groups

Where does Concrew Training deliver training?

Online: via your preferred video conferencing platform (Zoom, Teams, etc.) across the UK
Face-to-face: on your premises in England, Scotland, and Wales

How much does your training cost?

Typical prices range from £800 to £2,000 excluding VAT. Final cost depends on course duration, location, number of participants, and payment terms.

Full pricing details available on our website
No hidden charges
Formal quotations remain valid for 30 days

What are your courses like?

Our courses are delivered as interactive workshops rather than traditional lectures, and typically include:

Subject specialist input
Interactive quizzes
Group discussions
Practical exercises
Real-world case studies

We incorporate your organisation’s policies and procedures wherever possible to ensure the learning is relevant, engaging, and immediately applicable.

Who delivers the training?

Training is delivered by experienced subject specialists with extensive knowledge in their field. Our trainers:

Have significant practical experience
Can answer most participant questions during the session
Provide follow-up responses for complex questions
Are skilled facilitators who make technical subjects engaging

Do you issue CPD certificates?

Yes. All participants receive a CPD certificate detailing learning hours completed and headline course content.

Who uses your training services?

We work with organisations of all sizes, including:

Large international organisations
Public sector employers
Charities and not-for-profits
SMEs and local businesses

Attendees commonly include directors, senior leaders, HR professionals, operational managers, line managers, employee representatives, and staff teams. Customer feedback and testimonials are available on our website.

Why should I book a Concrew Training course?

Our training is:

Delivered live by subject specialists
Designed for real-world application
Suitable for teams of up to 20 participants
Available face-to-face in England, Scotland, and Wales
Available online across the UK
Practical, engaging, and immediately applicable
High-quality and competitively priced

Suitable for directors, senior leaders, HR teams, operational managers, line managers, staff teams, and employee representatives.

How far in advance should we book training?

We recommend booking training 2–3 months in advance. Availability is generally good with a three-month lead time. Dates are only reserved once a booking is confirmed. Short-term bookings may be limited.

How do I book a course?

Complete our quote request form
Receive a formal quotation and provide any delivery details
Confirm your booking
Receive a formal Delivery Confirmation and “What Happens Next” guidance

Is there anything else I will need to do?

For online courses

Schedule the event on your video conferencing platform
Share joining details with attendees
Provide the trainer profile and course overview

For face-to-face courses

Book the room/venue and required equipment
Share trainer details and course overview with attendees
Print and provide handouts to the trainer prior to the session

After the course

Distribute post-course handouts and CPD certificates

How does your 12-month post-course support service work?

Email us with any training-related questions that arise following the course. We provide guidance and support relating to the training content covered.

Note: This service is not a substitute for legal advice.

What happens if I have more questions?

We’re here to help. You can contact us at any stage before, during, or after your training programme, and we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.