Simon Heron, internet security analyst at Network Box, pointed out that recent years have seen a number of high-profile data breach cases emerge and said firms have to become more aware of the problem.
'It's not getting any better by hoping people will do it themselves, so I think [the ICO's new powers] are probably… to create focus,' he commented.
However, Mr Heron said one concerning element of the new powers is that the information commissioner can exercise discretion in how large the fines for data protection breaches are, which could place him under lobbying pressure from large companies.
Recent research by information security company Cyber-Ark Software found almost two-thirds of workers do not know that the ICO can now issue fines of up to £500,000 for a 'deliberate or negligent' breach of personal data.
'It's not getting any better by hoping people will do it themselves, so I think [the ICO's new powers] are probably… to create focus,' he commented.
However, Mr Heron said one concerning element of the new powers is that the information commissioner can exercise discretion in how large the fines for data protection breaches are, which could place him under lobbying pressure from large companies.
Recent research by information security company Cyber-Ark Software found almost two-thirds of workers do not know that the ICO can now issue fines of up to £500,000 for a 'deliberate or negligent' breach of personal data.
