Every year on 28th January, organisations across the UK and Europe recognise Data Protection Day. The day serves as an important reminder of the value of personal data, the responsibility that comes with handling it, and the need for robust systems to keep information secure.
In an age where data is one of an organisation’s most valuable assets, protecting it is no longer optional – it is essential.
What is Data Protection Day?
Data Protection Day marks the anniversary of the signing of Convention 108 in 1981, the first legally binding international treaty focused on data protection and privacy. Today, it is recognised globally as an opportunity to raise awareness about data privacy, individual rights, and best practice when managing information.
In the UK, Data Protection Day closely aligns with the principles of the UK GDPR and the Data Protection Act 2018, both of which set clear expectations for how organisations collect, store, process, and dispose of personal data.
Why Data Protection is so important
Almost every organisation handles sensitive information on a daily basis, from employee records and customer details to financial documents and contracts. In the last year there have been numerous high profile cyber-attacks which have significantly impacted the business, and their customers and supply chains. When sensitive information is not managed securely, the consequences can be severe.
Some key facts worth considering:
- Human error remains one of the leading causes of data breaches, particularly when paper records are misfiled, lost, or improperly disposed of.
- Data breaches can result in significant financial penalties, reputational damage, and loss of customer trust.
- The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) has the power to issue fines of up to £17.5 million or 4% of annual global turnover for serious data protection failings.
Beyond regulatory penalties, poor data protection practices can disrupt business operations, damage long-standing relationships, and undermine confidence in your organisation.
Secure Document Management
While much of the conversation around data protection focuses on digital systems, physical documents still pose a significant risk if not managed correctly. Paper records can be easily accessed, misplaced, or damaged if they are stored insecurely or kept for longer than necessary.
Effective data protection means:
- Knowing what information you hold, and where it is stored
- Restricting access to sensitive documents
- Retaining records only for as long as required
- Ensuring confidential information is securely destroyed at the end of its lifecycle
A structured approach to document storage and scanning can play a vital role in supporting compliance and reducing risk.
How Archive‑Vault can help
At Archive‑Vault, we support organisations across the UK with secure document storage and professional scanning solutions designed to help improve data protection and compliance.
Our services help you:
- Maintain high security measures by storing physical records in secure, access‑controlled facilities
- Reduce on‑site risk and free up valuable office space
- Digitise documents through professional scanning, making information easier to manage and protect
- Maintain clear audit trails and retention schedules
This Data Protection Day, it’s a good time to review how your information is stored and whether your current processes are truly supporting compliance.
If you would like to find out how Archive‑Vault can help safeguard your data and simplify your document management, our team would be happy to help. Contact us on 01603 720722 or email info@archive-vault.co.uk
