What we can learn from Valio’s data breach – A Privacy Wake-Up Call

Valio, a household name and one of Finland’s most trusted brands, recently faced a data breach, proving once again that no company is immune to cyber risks. While details are still unfolding, this incident offers valuable lessons for every organization handling personal data.

✂️ Lesson 1: Data minimization is your best defense

If you don’t have it, it can’t be breached. Too often, companies hold onto outdated or unnecessary personal data, increasing their risk exposure. Regular audits of what data is collected, stored, and deleted should be a standard practice—not an afterthought. Your company DPO will gladly help with this in order to sleep better at night.

🏃 💨 Lesson 2: Incident response needs to be swift and transparent

How a company reacts to a breach can be just as important as preventing one. Quick, clear communication helps maintain customer trust. The worst approach? Delays, vague statements, or trying to downplay the issue. Customers and regulators expect transparency, and rightfully so.

🔐 Lesson 3: Cybersecurity is a business risk, not just an IT Issue

Security isn’t just a job for IT teams—it requires leadership buy-in and a company-wide mindset shift. Investing in proactive risk assessments, employee training, and strong access controls can make all the difference. Valio’s breach is a reminder that privacy and security must be ongoing priorities, not check-the-box exercises. The real question isn’t if a breach will happen, but how prepared you are when it does.

Link to an article by Yle about the breach: https://yle.fi/a/74-20133008