InfoSec / Cyber

Reprimand in orange text on a blue back ground which has computers. ICO logo in the top left

ICO Reprimand: company suffered a ransomware attack

Recently the ICO reprimanded a company that suffered a ransomware attack.  The attack resulted in a data breach - learning lessons from real-life incidents is a valuable way to promote knowledge sharing and improve.

Key points to take from the reprimand are:
  • Lack of multi-factor authentication
  • Inadequate account lockout policy
  • No clear Bring your own device policy
  • Implementing a comprehensive set of policies
These are basic configurations/setups that are essentially free to implement and set up.  Had these controls been in place it could have significantly reduced the likelihood of a successful cyber attack.

The report also notes that the company held personal data for longer than was necessary and that there were not appropriate organisational measures in place to ensure confidentiality and integrity of their systems.

View the full reprimand details here:  ICO Reprimand Optionis Group Limited

We would advise all organisations however large or small to have these security measures in place as a step to being cyber resilient.

Our Knowledge Bank covers all of the above and more:


Records Management Best Practice Area
pdf DPE Model Bring Your Own Device Policy
(15 KB)
Information & Cyber Security Best Practice Area
Review our Cyber Security Checklist (you will need a DPE subscription to be able to view):

What to do in the event of a Cyber Attack 

Incidents or attacks where any security breaches may have taken place, or other damage was caused, should be reported to an external body. 

The SLT digital lead will be responsible for assigning someone to report any suspicious cyber incidents or attacks. This person will need to report this to: 

  • Action Fraud on 0300 123 2040, or the Action Fraud website 
  • the DfE sector cyber team at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

You may also need to report to: 

You must act in accordance with: 

Police investigations may find out if any compromised data has been published or sold and identify the perpetrator. 

m.  Preserving evidence is as important as recovering from the crime.

Forward suspicious emails to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.. Report SMS scams by forwarding the original message to 7726 (spells SPAM on the keypad).

Little Guide to ACTION FRAUD

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