Most UK consumers want tougher penalties to be handed out to companies guilty of losing data, a survey has indicated.
Nearly two-thirds of respondents to a OnePoll survey, commissioned by LogRhythm, said organisations should receive large fines.
Almost a third went as far as to suggest company directors should be subject to criminal proceedings for serious breaches.
Yesterday the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) issued its first fines since it was handed new powers in April.
Some praised the ICO for showing its muscle, while others suggested the penalties did not amount to much.
The majority of UK people also want to see compulsory data loss disclosure implemented in this country, the survey indicated.
Furthermore, seven in ten of the 5,000 consumers surveyed said more prescriptive regulations are needed.
"Responding to the recent European Commission (EC) personal data protection strategy document, the European data protection supervisor came out in support of wide-ranging reform of data protection laws including the implementation of mandatory data breach notifications," said Ross Brewer, vice president and managing director, international markets, LogRhythm Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA).
"Our research suggests there is solid public support for such moves."
The research proved companies do not just risk being punished for data loss incidents, they risk losing customers as well, Brewer added.
"Our findings show that when people hear about the loss of confidential information they will actively avoid the organisations involved 66 percent stated they would try to avoid future interactions, while 17 percent were adamant they definitely would not have anything more to do with the guilty party," he added.
It looks likely telecommunications companies will be required to disclose data breaches in the UK from next year, to fit in with EU regulation.
