22 Jan 2019

How to think differently about dealing with data breaches

How to think differently about dealing with data breaches  news article image

Sports organisations rely on online services, websites and data as much as any other business or charity – and so the rise of data breaches is presenting new challenges.

The Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport published a Cyber Security Breaches Survey last year and reported that 43 per cent of businesses and 19 per cent of charities had suffered a breach in the previous 12 months (this figure increases to 72 per cent for larger companies).[1]

Those are significant figures and organisations are coming to terms with the reality that, in the modern world, breaches are almost inevitable.

So, the question is how does behaviour need to change?

Many sports organisations have been working hard on data protection and on preventing breaches. But how many have considered what to do when a breach does happen?

The stakes are high. Just think about how much personal data is held on trust for customers, members and even staff in the sport and recreation sector.

How will those customers react if their information is leaked? How will the reputation of an organisation suffer? And how can reputation and trust be restored?

The truth is a data breach should not be seen as a learning opportunity. There is far too much to lose to get the recovery process wrong.

This is why many organisations are changing their thinking and looking at the issue from another angle.

Choosing an insurance policy which focuses not only on mitigating risk but on providing services and advice to cope with a breach is increasingly popular.

Having one number to call and a breach manager who will arrange forensic computer experts, data expert lawyers and credit monitoring services is hugely valuable.

It helps organisations fight to protect their reputation before members and customers consider leaving.

Cyber attacks may sometimes be beyond a business’ control but responding to a breach is not.

Howden’s Privacy Breach Response Services offers Three Towers of cover:

Tower 1:

  • Computer expert services
  • PCI forensic investigator
  • Legal services
  • Crisis management and public relations

Tower 2:

  • Notification services
  • Call centre services
  • Credit and identity monitoring

Tower 3:

  • Third party information security and privacy coverage
  • Regulatory defence and penalties
  • Website and office media liability
  • Fines, penalties and assessments
  • First party coverage

Speak to Kate Awmack for more details or email her on Kate.Awmack@howdengroup.com.

[1] https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/702074/Cyber_Security_Breaches_Survey_2018_-_Main_Report.pdf 

Latest News

14 Aug 2025

Celebrating South Asian Heritage Month: Spotlight on the England Kabaddi Federation

Exploring how a traditional South Asian sport is building community, fostering inclusion, and shaping a more diverse and representative sporting landscape across the United Kingdom.

Read more Arrow Right
12 Aug 2025

Empowering Young People to Lead Through Inclusion, Innovation, and Partnership

Each year on 12 August, International Youth Day shines a spotlight on the vital contributions young people make in building a better, more inclusive world. The 2025 theme, “Youth Advancing Multilateral Cooperation Through Technology and Partnerships”, underscores the creativity, leadership, and collaborative spirit that young people bring to addressing global challenges.

Read more Arrow Right
31 Jul 2025

A United Voice for Sport and Recreation: Alliance launches new five-year strategy

The Sport and Recreation Alliance has today published its new five-year strategy, titled ‘A United Voice for Sport and Recreation’.

Read more Arrow Right

Become a member

Joining the Sport and Recreation Alliance is pretty simple, but worthwhile!

Register now

Our Partners

Admincontrol logoAir IT logoGateley Legal logoSport:80 logoZellar logo93FT logo