How do we protect information

How do we protect your information?

We'll do what we can to make sure we hold records about you (on paper and electronically) in a secure way, and we'll only make them available to those who have a right to see them. Examples of our security include:

• Encryption, meaning that information is hidden so that it cannot be read without special knowledge (such as a password).  This is done with a secret code or what's called a 'cypher'.  The hidden information is said to then be 'encrypted'
• Pseudonymisation, meaning that we'll use a different name so we can hide parts of your personal information from view.  This means that someone outside of the Council could work on your information for us without ever knowing it was yours
• Controlling access to systems and networks allows us to stop people who are not allowed to view your personal information from getting access to it
• Training for our staff allows us to make them aware of how to handle information and how and when to report when something goes wrong
• Regular testing of our technology and ways of working including keeping up to date on the latest security updates (commonly called patches)

Verification of identity and/or authority before disclosing personal data

Use of secure email to communicate personal data unless it is the express wish of the data subject