Many senior executives do not know GDPR is coming

More than four fifths (84 percent) of small business owners in the UK, and almost half (43 percent) of senior executives in large companies have no idea what GDPR is and that it’s coming.

That's according to Shred-it’s Security Tracker research, which also found that roughly one in seven (14 percent) of small business owners, and 31 percent of senior executives know what the fines of not complying with the GDPR are.

This is despite the fact that 95 percent of senior executives and 87 percent of small business owners claim to have some understanding of their industry’s legal requirements.

Four in ten have started preparing for the GDPR, even though 60 percent say the change in legislation would put pressure on their company.

Also, the report says companies feel the UK government should take more action.

"As we approach May 2018, it's crucial that organizations of all sizes begin to take a proactive approach in preparing for the incoming GDPR," says Robert Guice, senior vice president Shred-it EMEAA.

"From implementing stricter internal data protection procedures such as staff training, internal processing audits and reviews of HR policies, to ensuring greater transparency around the use of personal information, businesses must be aware of how the legislation will affect their company to ensure they are fully compliant."

"Governmental bodies such as the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), must take a leading role in supporting businesses to get GDPR ready, by helping them to understand the preparation needed and the urgency in acting now."

"The closer Government, information security experts and UK businesses work together, the better equipped organizations will find themselves come May 2018."

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