Using the cloud gives away customer information

Category: Data destruction

2 October, 2012

The ICO (Information Commissioner's Office) has warned both customers and businesses that when they use cloud computing service, the customer may be giving away more personal data than they thought.

"The cloud customer should ... bear in mind that using cloud services may give rise to more personal data being collected," the new guidance laws say.

Data collected ranges from "transaction histories" to "personal data".

Knowledge of this information could allow businesses a competitive edge, granting them a greater understanding of their customers buying habits and interests.

However, the ICO also went on to say that businesses must take responsibility for this information and decipher whether or not retaining the personal data is necessary.

Data destruction services are required if a customer's information is not needed or if they leave the company.

Companies are accountable for keeping their customers data secure under the UK's data protection law requirements.

For peace of mind contact Kroll Ontrack; cost-effective and compliant end-of-life data erasure solutions.

Posted by Lucy Hill

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