GDPR Compliance: IMY Data Incident Report

Sweden's IMY report shows 60% of 2022's personal data incidents were human errors, possibly triple the reported figure. Measures like restricting unapproved app use and USB data storage are suggested. Denmark, Sweden, and Finland have the most incidents, respectively.

GDPR Compliance: IMY Data Incident Report
SW Data Protection

GDPR Incidents in Sweden: risks and best practices

Source: Integritetsskyddsmyndigheten Keywords gdpr data incidents

The Swedish Data Protection Authority (IMY) has published a report on personal data incidents reported to the agency in 2022. According to the report, 6 out of 10 incidents were caused by human error, and the actual number of incidents could be three times higher than the reported figures. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) requires businesses to report certain personal data incidents to IMY, such as leaked patient records, customer data stored on a stolen computer, or accidentally deleted registries. The report suggests that organizations should take various organizational and technical measures to reduce the risk of mistakes, such as preventing employees from saving information on USB drives or installing unapproved programs and apps on company devices. Comparing the number of reported incidents between 2019 and 2022 with other Nordic countries, Denmark has the highest number of reported personal data incidents, followed by Sweden and Finland.




Human Error Causes 6 Out of 10 GDPR Incidents in Sweden


A recent report published by the Swedish Data Protection Authority (IMY) has unveiled crucial insights and recommendations for financial institutions in Sweden and Europe to enhance their data protection practices. The report highlights the following key findings and corresponding actions:


Human Error : The report reveals that 6 out of 10 personal data incidents were caused by human error. This emphasizes the urgent need for financial institutions to prioritize employee training and raise awareness about data protection and GDPR compliance. By providing comprehensive training programs and promoting a culture of data security, institutions can significantly reduce incidents resulting from human error.

Underreporting of Incidents : The report addresses the issue of underreporting, suggesting potential gaps in organizations' understanding of GDPR obligations or reluctance to report incidents due to fear of penalties and reputational damage. To address this, regulators should provide clearer guidelines on reporting requirements and enforcement efforts. This will encourage accurate incident reporting and foster a transparent and accountable approach to data protection.

Strengthening Measures : Financial institutions must take proactive steps to prevent personal data incidents caused by human error. This includes revising and improving reporting procedures to ensure accurate and timely incident reporting. Additionally, institutions should implement robust security measures, such as access controls, encryption, and data loss prevention tools. Regular reviews and updates of security protocols are essential to minimize the risk of data breaches.

GDPR Compliance : Compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is paramount. Financial institutions should establish and enforce strict policies and controls to safeguard personal data. Regular updates and enhancements to security measures should be undertaken to adapt to evolving threats. Investing in data protection technologies and services, such as encryption and access controls, can bolster GDPR compliance efforts.

Timeline : The implementation timeline for changes will depend on the response and actions taken by the Swedish Data Protection Authority. Financial institutions should closely monitor updates from the authority and adapt their practices accordingly to ensure compliance with any regulatory changes.

Cross-Border Collaboration : The report emphasizes the importance of collaboration among European data protection authorities to improve GDPR compliance. Financial institutions should actively engage in knowledge-sharing initiatives, participate in cross-border forums, and leverage collective expertise to enhance their data protection practices.


In summary, financial institutions in Sweden and Europe should prioritize mitigating personal data incidents caused by human error through comprehensive employee training, strict security measures, and accurate incident reporting. Collaboration with authorities and proactive measures to comply with GDPR will foster robust data protection practices and ensure ongoing compliance with regulatory requirements.




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Integritetsskyddsmyndigheten | IMY
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