Help - data breach

[Holdupman]

I have accidentally emailed some very sensitive information outside of the company this was a complete accident
but it’s so sensitive
I tried to recall but this won’t be successful outside of the company
please help will I get the sack

I once, early in my career, made an absolute balls up and as I couldn't access a new document I overwrote on another one. I was sure I'd cleared everything important but I didn't, I had left in a key piece of personal information about someone. I reported it, spoke directly to the people the form had gone to, (4 separate places!!!) All of them destroyed the file without reading. I had a meeting with IT/ Data Protection about it, my union rep was with me and it was frightening beforehand because I didn't know what the outcome would be but it was very much a formality and nothing came of it other than me being very vigilant checking everything over and over again and only using blank documents.

Hopefully as long as you've followed the correct reporting procedures the impact can be mitigated and things go well for you ❤️

As a manager in social work I have had staff have a number of accidental data breaches over the years, which will be related to very sensitive information. Disciplinary matters have only been considered if a) it was intentional or b) number of repeat situations where not adhering to the expectations previously agreed (eg removal of auto complete on email etc). First time accidental breach highly unlikely you will be fired. Acknowledging the issue, identify how you will ensure it doesn't happen again and what you have learnt from it.