Tietosuojarikkomus

Tietosuojarikkomus, or "data protection violation" in Finnish, refers to any breach or failure in the handling of personal data that compromises its confidentiality, integrity, or availability. Under Finnish and EU law, particularly the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), organizations must ensure the security of personal data they process. A rikkomus occurs when these obligations are not met, leading to unauthorized access, disclosure, alteration, or destruction of sensitive information.

Common causes of tietosuojarikkomuksia include cyberattacks such as phishing or ransomware, human error (e.g., misplaced documents), or inadequate security measures like weak encryption. Organizations must report significant violations to the Finnish Data Protection Authority (Tietosuojavirasto) within 72 hours of discovery, unless the risk to individuals is deemed low. Failure to comply can result in fines, reputational damage, or legal consequences.

Finnish law, including the Personal Data Act (Henkilötietolaki), aligns with GDPR principles, requiring transparency, user consent, and data minimization. Individuals affected by a breach have rights to compensation and notification of the incident. Employers, healthcare providers, and public sector entities are particularly vulnerable due to the sensitive nature of their data.

Preventive measures include regular security audits, employee training, and implementing robust access controls. Organizations should also establish clear incident response protocols to minimize damage and ensure compliance with legal requirements. Public awareness of data protection rights encourages responsible data handling and reduces the likelihood of violations.