Cybersecurity threats aren’t just a global concern—they’re very real here in the Isle of Man. Recent reports reveal a sharp rise in personal data breaches, a trend that reflects growing awareness as much as rising incidents.
Data Breaches Nearly Double
Between April and June 2025 alone, the Isle of Man’s Information Commissioner received 61 breach reports, nearly double the 35 reported during the same period the previous year (manx.news, manxradio.com, iomtoday.co.im). These breaches affected over 800 individuals, and that’s likely just the tip of the iceberg—some cases are still under investigation (manxradio.com).
Although it may sound alarming, part of this increase stems from better reporting—thanks to education and training initiatives aimed at both public and private organisations (iomtoday.co.im).
The Human Impact
What does a breach look like on the ground? The consequences aren’t theoretical. Affected individuals have reported experiencing:
- Emotional distress
- Unwanted contact
- Reputation damage
- In some cases, identity theft or fraud (digitalisleofman.com, manxradio.com)
Alarmingly, 28% of these incidents were classified as “high-risk,” which under GDPR means the affected individuals must be notified promptly (manxradio.com). Yet compliance isn’t perfect—about 23% of breaches were reported after the mandated 72-hour window (manxradio.com).
Not Just Numbers—Why It Matters
Whether reports are rising due to awareness or real risk, the bottom line is clear: we must stay alert. The fact that 70% of these breaches occurred in public sector organisations underlines areas where improvements can make a meaningful difference (iomtoday.co.im).
How Businesses Can Respond
- Don’t Wait for the Worst
Whether you’re in the public or private sector, consider this data a call to action. Proactive measures beat reactive responses every time. - Learn from the Numbers
The faster a breach is recognized and reported, the less potential harm it can do. Streamlining your response and reporting processes is critical—not just from a compliance standpoint, but also to safeguard the people you serve. - Know That You’re Not Alone
The rise in reported breaches shows progress in awareness. If you’re concerned about your own business’s cyber posture, a Free Cyber Health Check can be a powerful first step. At JTG, our service goes beyond surface-level snapshots—it’s a deep, jargon-free assessment to highlight risks and help build stronger defences.
Want to take proactive steps to protect your team and clients? Get in touch at jtg.im to book your Free Cyber Health Check. Let’s work together to make the Isle of Man safer, one business at a time.