What Would a Data Breach Actually Look Like in Your Organisation?

When you think of a data breach, you might imagine a sophisticated cyberattack or a hacker targeting a multinational corporation. But in reality, many breaches are caused by something far more ordinary — human error, poor document handling, or outdated processes.

For organisations in sectors such as healthcare, finance, legal and the public sector, where sensitive information is handled daily, a breach doesn’t need to be dramatic to be devastating. In fact, the most common causes are surprisingly low-tech.

Here’s what a real data breach could look like in your organisation — and what you can do to prevent it.

Scenario: The Overlooked Spreadsheet

Let’s say your HR department is finalising staff bonuses. A spreadsheet containing names, addresses, salaries and National Insurance numbers is shared with the head of finance for approval.

But instead of clicking ‘Forward’, the HR assistant clicks ‘Reply All’ to an internal email chain. The spreadsheet goes to 20 recipients across the organisation — many of whom should never have access to that information.

Within minutes:

• Someone downloads the spreadsheet to their personal desktop.

• A colleague forwards it to someone working remotely.

• Another employee mentions the figures in passing during a team call.

  
  

The damage is done.

This isn't a hypothetical. These types of breaches happen regularly — and under GDPR, they count as a reportable data breach.

Why It Matters

Data breaches can have serious implications, including:

• Reputational damage — especially in healthcare and legal sectors where trust is critical

• Fines from the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

• Internal investigations, staff disciplinary action, and operational disruption

• Loss of public funding or contracts (in public sector environments)

In this scenario, the breach didn’t happen because of malicious intent — but because the systems in place didn’t protect against basic human error.

The Role of Physical Records in Data Breaches

You might think going fully digital solves the problem — but paper-based systems carry their own set of risks:

• Leaving confidential client files in meeting rooms

• Sending medical records in unsealed envelopes

• Misfiling documents in unlocked cabinets

• Storing sensitive information in warehouses with no audit trail

These physical vulnerabilities often go unaddressed — until it’s too late.

How Document Scanning Helps You Stay Secure

Digitising your documents isn’t just about convenience. It’s about control, accountability, and security.

At MDSS, we help organisations reduce the risk of data breaches by turning paper records into searchable, indexed, and secure digital files — stored in GDPR-compliant systems.

Here’s how that reduces risk:

1. Controlled Access

Digital records can be protected with access controls, so only authorised personnel can view them — unlike a paper file left unattended.

2. Audit Trails

Every access, edit or download can be logged and reported — helping you prove compliance in case of an audit.

3. Searchability

Need to respond to a Subject Access Request (SAR)? Full-text searchable files reduce the chances of missing critical documents — a common cause of non-compliance.

4. Secure Storage

Digitised documents are stored in secure servers with encrypted access — significantly harder to compromise than a filing cabinet in an open office.

5. Improved Collaboration

Sharing documents digitally (within secure systems) is faster and safer than photocopying, emailing, or printing hard copies for internal meetings.

What You Can Do Today

Avoiding a data breach starts with better information handling. Here are three steps your organisation can take:

• Conduct a data flow audit – Map where sensitive information is created, stored, and shared

• Review your document storage – Do you know what’s in your offsite boxes? Are you still storing files well past their retention periods?

• Digitise legacy records – If you’re still relying on paper archives, scanning can drastically improve compliance, retrieval, and security

  
  

Final Thought

Data breaches don’t always come from hackers or ransomware — they often start with an unlocked cabinet, an unsecured email, or a shared drive full of untracked documents.

Digitisation gives you visibility and control. And with the right partner, it’s easier and more secure than you might think.

Get in touch with MDSS today to find out how our secure document scanning services can help you reduce risk, stay compliant, and protect your organisation’s reputation.