Phone Numbers

The category of contact numbers encompasses various types of data, including mobile phone numbers, landline numbers, and fax numbers associated with a business. In the event of a data breach involving this category, sensitive information such as customer contact details, employee numbers, and affiliations may be compromised. This exposure can lead to unauthorised access to accounts, potential identity theft, and targeted phishing attacks. Moreover, businesses that rely on these contact numbers for communication may face interruptions in their operations if the data is misused.

Understanding the implications of a breach involving contact numbers is critical for businesses, as the risks extend beyond immediate financial losses. Such incidents can damage a company's reputation, erode customer trust, and result in significant compliance obligations under regulations like the Data Protection Act 2018 and the UK General Data Protection Regulation (UK GDPR). Non-compliance can lead to hefty fines and further legal ramifications. Therefore, ensuring robust data protection measures in place to safeguard contact numbers is essential for maintaining operational integrity and upholding regulatory standards.