The Importance of Knowing the Difference: CC vs. BCC in Email Communication
In this episode, we're covering a topic that many people overlook but is critical for email security: understanding the difference between CC and BCC.
It's astonishing that in 2023, email remains a common target for cyberattacks and data breaches.
We'll explore the reasons behind this and share guidance from the Information Commissioner's office (ICO) on how to send bulk communications safely.
We'll also discuss a real-life case of a data breach caused by misuse of the CC field, highlighting the potential consequences of getting it wrong.
If you're new, welcome to Techcess (https://www.techcesspodcast.com/), the show that helps you get the right technology and cybersecurity in place to enable your business to thrive.
I'm Mark Riddell (https://uk.linkedin.com/in/itsupportprovider), host of the Techcess (https://www.techcesspodcast.com/) podcast.
In this episode I want to explain the importance of understanding the difference between CC (carbon copy) and BCC (blind carbon copy) in email communications.
Despite the technological advancements of the modern era, email remains a widely used and vulnerable platform for cyberattacks.
Data breaches often result from improper use of CC, posing significant risks to businesses and individuals alike.
The Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) has published guidance on this issue, emphasising the need for organizations to adopt appropriate security measures when sending bulk emails.
The Consequences of Misusing CC
The ICO has observed a disturbing trend of data breaches caused by incorrect usage of CC.
These breaches have the potential to cause real harm, especially when sensitive personal information is involved.
NHS Highland (https://www.nhshighland.scot.nhs.uk/), an NHS organization, was reprimanded after inadvertently exposing the email addresses of individuals accessing HIV services due to a CC error.
The ICO's response highlights the severity of such breaches, as this incident could have resulted in a significant fine if it had occurred in the private sector.
Protecting Personal Information
Even if an email does not contain sensitive content, the mere knowledge of who received the email can inadvertently disclose confidential information.
It is crucial for organisations to assess and implement appropriate technical and organisational security measures when sending bulk emails.
Training staff on security protocols is also essential to reduce the risk of data breaches. Considering alternative secure methods, such as bulk email services or mail merge, can help prevent accidental disclosure of personal information.
Useful links I mention in the episode that you might like to check out https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/media-centre/news-and-blogs/2023/08/ico-publishes-new-guidance-on-sending-bulk-communications-by-email/ (https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/media-centre/news-and-blogs/2023/08/ico-publishes-new-guidance-on-sending-bulk-communications-by-email/) https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/security/email-and-security/ (https://ico.org.uk/for-organisations/uk-gdpr-guidance-and-resources/security/email-and-security/) https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/media-centre/news-and-blogs/2023/03/ico-calls-for-highest-standards-in-hiv-services-after-nhs-highland-reprimand/ (https://ico.org.uk/about-the-ico/media-centre/news-and-blogs/2023/03/ico-calls-for-highest-standards-in-hiv-services-after-nhs-highland-reprimand/)
And here's some guidance on using mail merge:
https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/office/use-mail-merge-to-send-bulk-email-messages-0f123521-20ce-4aa8-8b62-ac211dedefa4 (https://support.microsoft.com/en-au/office/use-mail-merge-to-send-bulk-email-messages-0f123521-20ce-4aa8-8b62-ac211dedefa4)
What you'll learn from listening to this episode of Techcess
1. Introduction to the importance of knowing the difference between CC and BCC in email communication.
- Email as a commonly used and vulnerable communication method.
- Data breaches resulting from email misuse.
2. The guidance provided by the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) regarding bulk communications via email.
- Explanation of CC and BCC functions in email.
- Limited visibility of the BCC field in email clients creates challenges.
- The assumption of prior knowledge when hiring staff and potential risks.
3. The impact of negligence in using BCC correctly.
- Top data breaches reported due to incorrect use of BCC.
- Real harm caused, especially when sensitive personal information is involved.
4. A case study showcasing the consequences of CC misuse.
- Reprimand issued to NHS Highland for emailing sensitive information to multiple recipients using CC.
- The recognition of personal email addresses by unintended recipients.
5. Regulatory response and consequences for negligent behavior.
- Oversight by ICO and the potential for fines and penalties.
- The reprimand...
