Firms ‘at risk of data breach’

Irish companies are at risk of large-scale data breaches that could leave them open to significant liabilities, a legal expert has warned.

Following a number of high-profile breaches in recent times, barrister Michael Vallely, who specialises in IT law, says companies here face similar risks.

A landmark decision in the court of appeal in England last week involving Google found that claimants can sue for distress as opposed to having to prove financial loss as was previously the case.