The number of self-reported data breaches increased in the third quarter of this year, and there were more high-risk cases disclosed to the Office of the Data Protection Authority.
Breaches climbed to 62, compared to 53 and 52 in the first and second quarters respectively.
20 were considered high-risk – up by six on quarter two – while 27 were low-risk and 15 were not reportable.
The ODPA said in most cases the data controlling organisation became aware of the breach through a customer or third party.
“We would encourage organisations to actively monitor for intrusions as the quicker a breach can be detected the more that any ensuing harm can be reduced,” it said.
“It is encouraging to note that organisations are recognising their obligation to report data breaches, which in many cases enables the ODPA to assist in mitigating the damage from the breach.”
The main potential harms identified in recent breaches were loss of confidentiality, personal data control and emotional distress.