How GDPR Compliance Can Help Keep Your Company Secure
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is more than just a regulation compelling companies to respect the privacy of EU citizens. In addition to its primary function of protecting user data, GDPR can offer businesses an unexpected advantage: enhanced security. The dual benefit of GDPR—data protection for users and a security boost for businesses—can make it a cornerstone in modern corporate security strategy.
- A Built-in Security Blueprint
At its core, GDPR mandates robust data protection. It’s not just about having a privacy policy or alerting users to cookies; it’s about structurally safeguarding the data. What this means for businesses is that they’re required to have certain security measures in place, such as encryption and routine security assessments. By adhering to GDPR’s stringent standards, companies are inadvertently building a fortified digital infrastructure that can ward off potential security threats.
- Regular Data Audits Encourage Better Data Hygiene
One of the principles of GDPR is that companies should only hold onto data that’s absolutely necessary and for as long as it’s needed. To ensure they comply, businesses often conduct regular data audits. These audits not only guarantee they’re not holding onto superfluous data but also allow businesses to identify any potential vulnerabilities or areas where security might be lacking. An unintentional byproduct of these audits? A more streamlined, organized, and secure database.
- Breach Notification Mandate Acts as a Deterrent
Under GDPR, if there’s a breach, companies are required to notify the affected parties and the supervisory authority within 72 hours. The very notion of publicizing a breach can be a deterrent for some companies to ensure they up their security game. Nobody wants the bad publicity or the potential fines that can come from a data breach. This pressure to maintain an unblemished reputation compels businesses to be proactive in their security measures.
- Vendor Accountability Reinforces the Security Chain
A company’s data security isn’t just dependent on its own infrastructure. Vendors, third-party services, and even cloud storage providers play a role. GDPR acknowledges this interconnected relationship and holds all parties responsible. Businesses must ensure that their associated vendors are also GDPR-compliant. This creates a ripple effect where every link in the chain reinforces the next, resulting in a more robust overall system.
- Fines Ensure Continuous Security Commitment
Financial penalties for GDPR non-compliance can be severe, reaching up to 4% of a company’s annual global turnover or €20 million (whichever is higher). While the primary goal of these fines is to ensure user data protection, they also act as a significant motivation for companies to maintain top-tier security standards. A company’s commitment to security becomes not just about reputation but also about financial viability.
- Data Protection Officers (DPOs) Elevate the Security Stance
GDPR requires certain organizations to appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO). The DPO’s primary responsibility is to ensure GDPR compliance, but they also play a critical role in shaping a company’s data security posture. With a dedicated individual or team constantly analyzing, refining, and updating data protection strategies, companies are better equipped to handle evolving security threats.
- Employee Training Cultivates a Security-first Culture
For GDPR compliance, companies often engage in extensive employee training, ensuring everyone understands their role in data protection. When employees across all departments are trained to recognize and report potential vulnerabilities or breaches, it cultivates a security-first culture. With every employee acting as a potential security checkpoint, the likelihood of breaches or vulnerabilities slipping through undetected diminishes.
- Data Minimization Reduces Exposure
GDPR’s principle of data minimization encourages companies to only collect data that’s necessary for their operations. By collecting less data, companies automatically reduce their exposure and risk. In the unfortunate event of a breach, the damage is minimized because there’s simply less data that could be compromised.
Conclusion
The very essence of GDPR is to protect individual data, but the ripple effects it creates in the corporate world are profound. While it may initially seem like another regulatory hoop to jump through, GDPR’s emphasis on data security can be seen as a boon for businesses. In the increasingly digital world where cyber threats continue to evolve, having a robust framework like GDPR can be the guiding light for companies seeking not just compliance, but enhanced security.
Contact Cyber Defense Advisors to learn more about our GDPR Compliance solutions.
