The number of data security breaches in the private sector has risen by nearly 60% in one year, the Information Commissioner’s Office has announced following a survey of 800 organisations. Christopher Graham, the Information Commissioner, has said that businesses not keeping data safe could face fines of up to £500,000 as well as suffering reputation damage. Meanwhile, in a separate survey of over 1,000 individuals, the ICO has found that nearly 60% lack confidence in the way their personal data is protected.