What is a potential risk associated with mishandling PSI records?

The risk associated with mishandling PSI (Personal Sensitive Information) records is predominantly linked to the loss of public trust and potential legal consequences. When sensitive information is not handled properly, it can lead to unauthorized access or exposure of confidential data. This not only jeopardizes the individual’s privacy but also diminishes the public's confidence in the agency responsible for safeguarding that information.

When trust is compromised, the repercussions can be significant, including damaging relationships with stakeholders, which can hurt an agency's reputation and its ability to operate effectively. Additionally, mishandling personal data often brings legal ramifications, as there are strict regulations and policies governing the protection of sensitive information. Agencies may face fines, lawsuits, or other legal actions if they fail to comply with these regulations.

In contrast to this answer, financial loss could be a consequence of mishandling PSI, but it is typically a secondary effect of losing trust and facing legal issues. Increased personnel workload might arise from responding to incidents related to data breaches but isn't a primary risk of mishandling records themselves. Lastly, stating there is no significant risk fails to acknowledge the serious implications of improper handling of sensitive information, which is a well-established concern within the realm of security and privacy practices.