Data Privacy
Whether you wish to meet compliance regulations or are seeking to enhance the protection of sensitive corporate data assets, IS Centurion Consulting Ltd can help provide assistance.
Data Privacy
Everyone has a right to privacy.
For all businesses, data protection is a vital measure that should be regularly assessed and improved to prevent the data being misused by online attackers. However, as companies have become increasingly reliant on self-processed data that is transmitted on company-owned systems, they have also become complacent in protecting this data. Despite the existence of data privacy laws, companies have overlooked the severity of online threats and the ways in which data can be abused for malicious purposes.
As a result of this complacency, criminals have quickly identified that they can take advantage of this apathy and have established ways in which they can monetise corporate assets. In addition to this, as more consumers became victims to fraud, they lose faith in how these organisations treat their personal information.
In an attempt to enhance data privacy regulations, the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect. This was to ensure that regulations were reflecting modern-day threats, as well as increasing business accountability and responsibility. One of the main advantages of GDPR is that it has considerably increased the maximum fine for non-compliance. Most importantly, it has made it mandatory that high-impact data breaches are reported.
What is the difference between data privacy, information security and cyber security?
These terms are easy to get confused with, as they all require formal documents, training for security awareness, auditing, technical defences, and incident responses for the protection of data. However, the main difference is that with data privacy, the businesses are only the temporary custodians of this data. Meaning that they are provided to them (on loan) from the data subjects. Whereas with other companies, critical data will, typically, belong to the business or be of a financial nature. Meaning that the importance of this data is relatively easy to understand.
Data Life-cycle
Being the custodians of the personal data, you need to inform the data subjects on how you intend to use their information. In addition to this, you need to ensure that you’re using this information with respect and securely disposing of it.
The data life-cycle commences with consent or legitimate use and without which you are not able to comply with the data privacy principles and should refrain from further use, transfer or storage of such data, moving straight to the final stage of the data life-cycle (secure disposal).
At the Heart of Data Privacy
Businesses should recognise that data privacy should not be approached with minimal effort. They should demonstrate to their customers that they value the trust they have put in them to use their data responsibly.
SUMMARY
Many businesses have struggled to design and develop a suitable data privacy programme, which aligns to the business objectives and meets the requirements of their applicable privacy legislations. We have frequently heard businesses say that GDPR compliance is too expensive, too difficult to achieve and not worth the hassle.
However, when planned correctly, the benefits are easily realised when you understand the value of the data, the measures needed to safeguard that data and the benefits of making the correct decisions.
Treat your data privacy programme like servicing and maintaining a motor vehicle:
The larger the vehicle : The greater the potential impact and the more expensive the parts (i.e. the braking system on a HGV)
The more precious the cargo : The more protective measures applied (i.e. child seat for a new born baby).
Selecting the appropriateness of the controls, is the responsibility of the data controllers and data processors and the amount of countermeasures you apply is your decision, based upon the value of the data, the threats and your risk appetite.
If you’re struggling to keep up with the latest advancements in cyber security, IS Centurion Consulting Ltd can help you build robust protection for your organisation.
The 4 Primary Activities Should Include:
IDENTIFY
EDUCATE
Staff will need to be educated on the new regulations for interacting with data. In addition to this, companies will need to ensure that IT systems are managed appropriately and that data is being processed safely.
MANAGE
For any privacy programme, the key to success is teamwork and governance to ensure that there is a constant cycle of reviewing and reporting. In addition to this, companies must make sure that they are thoroughly prepared for any imminent attack that could result in data theft. Furthermore, the results of periodic reviews need to be regularly sent to senior management for their approval and input.
DOCUMENT
Lastly, documentation must a priority. Policies, processes, and standards must be documented alongside evidence that your staff understand the full extent of data processing environments.