The British data protection authority, the Information Commissioner's Office (ICO), has launched a new free online training aimed at small and medium organizations as well as sole traders to enhance their data protection skills.

Called "Data Protection Essentials," this training aims to provide practical advice for applying data protection principles daily, covering topics such as information sharing, secure file management, and reducing the risk of breaches.
It is intended for all types of businesses, with examples tailored to specific sectors such as health, education, professional services, retail, and real estate.
Designed to be flexible and accessible, the training allows participants to progress at their own pace and obtain an individual digital certificate.
Organizations can also perform a self-assessment to obtain a certificate and optional registration on a public register.
This service is free as it is covered by the data protection fee, and it is also available to entities exempt from it.