France’s data protection authority, the CNIL, is escalating enforcement measures against companies failing to secure sensitive data following a record year of breaches. In 2024, over 5,629 incidents were reported—a 20% increase from 2023—with 40+ attacks each compromising more than one million individuals1, 2. Major entities like France Travail, Free, and healthcare providers Viamedis/Almerys were among the worst affected3.
New Regulatory Measures
The CNIL will mandate two-factor authentication (2FA) for organizations managing databases exceeding two million users, specifically for remote access systems4. According to the regulator, 80% of recent breaches could have been prevented with 2FA and improved employee training5. This move aligns with the CNIL’s 2025 strategy, which includes mass audits of compliance starting in 2026.
Sanctions have also intensified: 87 fines were issued in 2024 (up from 42 in 2023), totaling €55.2 million. Notably, Orange received a €50 million penalty for non-consented advertising practices6. Complaints filed with the CNIL rose by 8% year-over-year, reaching 17,7727.
Technical Implications for Security Teams
For security professionals, the CNIL’s focus on 2FA and AI-driven data practices necessitates immediate action. Below are key considerations:
- 2FA Implementation: Prioritize rollout for systems handling large datasets, especially those accessible remotely.
- Audit Preparedness: Document access controls and training programs to demonstrate compliance during inspections.
- AI Governance:
The CNIL plans heightened scrutiny of generative AI tools like ChatGPT8. Ensure data processed by AI models adheres to GDPR principles.
Future Outlook
The CNIL’s 2024 annual report highlights a shift toward proactive enforcement, including planned audits of 2FA adoption9. Organizations should treat these measures as a baseline rather than a ceiling, integrating additional safeguards like encryption and anomaly detection.
For teams managing incident response, the surge in breaches underscores the need for robust logging and real-time monitoring. The CNIL’s historical enforcement framework10 provides a template for aligning internal policies with regulatory expectations.
Conclusion
France’s escalating data breach crisis has forced the CNIL to adopt stricter measures, with technical teams bearing the brunt of implementation. While 2FA and training are immediate priorities, long-term resilience will require continuous adaptation to evolving threats and regulations.
References
- “Fuites de données d’une ampleur inédite: record de sanctions en 2024, annonce la CNIL,” Le Nouvel Obs, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.nouvelobs.com/economie/20250429.OBS103320/fuites-de-donnees-d-une-ampleur-inedite-et-record-de-sanctions-en-2024-annonce-la-cnil.html
- “Fuites de données d’une ampleur inédite: record de sanctions,” Les Echos, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.lesechos.fr/tech-medias/hightech/fuites-de-donnees-dune-ampleur-inedite-record-de-sanctions-ia-la-cnil-dresse-le-bilan-de-lannee-2024-et-promet-de-hausser-le-ton-2162370
- “Face à l’ampleur des fuites de données en France, la CNIL va serrer la vis aux entreprises,” Le Figaro, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.lefigaro.fr/secteur/high-tech/face-a-l-ampleur-des-fuites-de-donnees-en-france-la-cnil-va-serrer-la-vis-aux-entreprises-20250429
- “Les fuites de données ont explosé en France en 2024: la CNIL veut contre-attaquer,” Ouest-France, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.ouest-france.fr/high-tech/numerique/les-fuites-de-donnees-ont-explose-en-france-en-2024-la-cnil-veut-contre-attaquer-0da2a370-249e-11f0-8e4d-80235dd3728c
- “Face aux fuites de données massives, la CNIL va hausser le ton, annonce sa présidente,” Notre Temps, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.notretemps.com/depeches/face-aux-fuites-de-donnees-massives-la-cnil-va-hausser-le-ton-annonce-sa-presidente-112945
- “Face aux fuites de données massives, la CNIL va rendre obligatoire la double authentification,” Yahoo Finance, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://fr.finance.yahoo.com/actualites/face-fuites-donn%C3%A9es-massives-cnil-025704574.html
- “La CNIL va rendre obligatoire la double authentification face à l’explosion des fuites de données massives,” RTL, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.rtl.fr/actu/sciences-tech/la-cnil-va-rendre-obligatoire-la-double-authentification-face-a-l-explosion-des-fuites-de-donnees-massives-7900499366
- “Facturation électronique, IA, cybersécurité: des défis numériques pour les entreprises françaises,” Le Figaro, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.lefigaro.fr/entrepreneur/facturation-electronique-ia-cybersecurite-des-defis-numeriques-pour-les-entreprises-francaises-20250428
- “Face aux fuites de données, la CNIL veut hausser le ton,” Stratégies, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.strategies.fr/actualites/culture-tech/LQ4561549C/face-aux-fuites-de-donnees-la-cnil-veut-hausser-le-ton.html
- Rapport Annuel 2024, CNIL, 2025. [Online]. Available: https://www.cnil.fr/sites/cnil/files/2025-04/rapport_annuel_2024.pdf
