Data Protection
Sending monthly bulk reports to the Legal Services Commission (LSC) in Excel spreadsheets via unsecured e-mail gives rise to information security risks which potentially breach the Data Protection Act 1998, the Law Society says. Although no security breaches have come to light so far, the society says it is important the risks are minimised and the establishment of a secure electronic alternative is being discussed with the LSC. In the meantime, firms should not e-mail their reports to the LSC, but should instead submit a paper report or prepare an electronic report and await details of the new secure system.