MINNEAPOLIS -- A student loan services company recently notified 16,500 borrowers that files containing personal data were released to a business that wasn't authorized to receive them. Access Group Education Lending said in a letter to those affected that the data breach happened on March 23 when one of its vendors sent out files -- including borrowers' names, driver's license numbers and Social Security numbers -- to another business. The business was not identified, but has been described as a student loan lender. Access Group said in the letter that it learned of the release on March 28 and it was assured that the vendor who received the files deleted them and didn't retain copies. The company did not begin notifying borrowers until three weeks later. In response to questions from The Associated Press, Access Group said in a statement that exposure to personal information was limited and has been terminated. Those who were affected are being offered free credit monitoring … [Read more...] about Student loan company notifies 16,500 borrowers of personal data breach
Processing of personal data
‘As Facebook admits grabbing personal data, it’s time we switched off i-spies’
Forty years ago, Johnny Rotten uttered the immortal line, “Ever get the feeling you’ve been cheated?” at the Sex Pistols’ final gig in San Francisco. That was known as The Great Rock ’n’ Roll Swindle. Now, again in California, where his HQ is based, Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg faces accusations of being involved in the Greatest Personal Data Swindle of all time. It is claimed that not only has Facebook cheated governments out of billions in taxes, it now looks like it allowed its platform to be used to abuse democratic processes around the world, including in the US presidential election and Brexit referendum. Complicated personal data-collection rules that nobody reads or understands left many Facebook users trusting that their personal data was safe. However, that trust has been betrayed and it is time for regulators such as the UK’s Information Commissioner’s Office to act – and to be given increased powers to do so. They … [Read more...] about ‘As Facebook admits grabbing personal data, it’s time we switched off i-spies’
GDPR: Greater control over use of our online personal data is on the way
Back then, it would have been unimaginable that, one day, we would all carry in our pockets a device that allowed us to make video calls to anywhere in the world, instantly send a letter, do our shopping, manage our banking affairs and interact effortlessly with people from across the globe. While we may not always think about it, the personal information we provide online helps companies and organisations to identify our habits, needs and wants. Ireland's Data Sec 2018/GDPR conference takes place on Monday April 9 at the RDS, click here to buy tickets As consumers, it is vital that we can have confidence that this personal data is used safely and responsibly. If you were unsettled by recent reports about the alleged misuse of personal data to influence the outcome of international political events, you won’t have been alone. We all need to be aware of the value of the information we provide online, how it can be used, and by whom. In just 50 days’ time, on May 25, … [Read more...] about GDPR: Greater control over use of our online personal data is on the way
Personal data was weaponised against democracy in the EU – and can be again
Picture: AFP By Nomi Byström Whistleblower Christopher Wylie’s revelations on the exploiting of voters’ data have been heavyweight not once but twice. In the European Union too, personal data of millions was harnessed to influence choices at the ballot box: to vote for leaving the European Union in the Brexit referendum of 23 June 2016. As for voters themselves, they were oblivious to what was done with their information. But Wylie’s insights also affirm how truth can be stranger than fiction. Perhaps this is also the reason why, despite attempts to draw attention to the abuses of data for years, scholars, journalists and civil society organisations have had an uphill struggle to make their voices heard. The March revelations did not come out of the blue. Rather, they have brought much-needed attention to what has been known about shady and nothing short of unlawful campaigning activities. Violating the UK Data Protection Act, enormous, politically … [Read more...] about Personal data was weaponised against democracy in the EU – and can be again
Endangering confidentiality of citizens’ personal data unacceptable for Armenia – MFA
YEREVAN, APRIL 5, ARMENPRESS. Endangering the confidentiality of citizens’ personal data is unacceptable for Armenia, deputy foreign minister Shavarsh Kocharyan told reporters after today’s Cabinet meeting, commenting on the possibility of VisaMetric’s operation in Armenia, reports Armenpress. “The German Embassy announced that the previous procedure will operate, the issue should be discussed up to the end as Armenia considers unacceptable endangering the confidentiality of personal data, therefore, a decision will be made based on the discussion results”, he said, adding that the Armenian side has not announced competition for selection of company that will accept visa applications. “After the results of the competition we have addressed respective questions. Armenia has a law on citizens’ personal data protection and if there is a risk in terms of their confidentiality, respective steps will be taken”, the deputy FM said. The Embassy … [Read more...] about Endangering confidentiality of citizens’ personal data unacceptable for Armenia – MFA