To put it into simple terms, GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) is the law that protects the way data is collected, used and stored. It is essential to be GDPR compliant to prevent unauthorised access to your customers personal data and your own. Having robust IT strengthens your GDPR posture by implementing multi layered security, performing proactive monitoring, and using secure cloud services.
Understanding GDPR Compliance
The General Data Protection Regulation is easy to comply with once you understand its core principles. Below is a list of the seven fundamentals you need to know that will reinforce GDPR adherence.
- Lawfulness, fairness and transparency: personal data must be collected and used legally, and people should understand how their data is being processed.
- Purpose limitation: data should only be collected for specific, legitimate reasons.
- Data minimisation: businesses should only collect the data they absolutely need.
- Accuracy: to avoid mistakes data must be kept accurate.
- Storage limitation: data can only be stored as long as necessary.
- Integrity and confidentiality: businesses must store personal data securely.
- Accountability: companies must make sure they keep records and policies of their GDPR compliance to prove they adhere to it.
Following these principles is essential to protecting personal data, building customer trust, and avoiding legal implications.
The Risks of Weak IT in Your GDPR Compliance
Weak IT goes beyond the odd scam email, it can put you at a real risk of data breaches and make you vulnerable to attackers, which can result in huge fines, criminal charges and reputational damage. Non-compliance with GDPR is taken very seriously and organisations can be penalised by regulatory authorities, so make sure your IT is strong and up to date.
What Does Weak IT Look Like?
Weak IT can appear as small and large issues, smaller problems such as weak passwords, no multi factor authentication, and employees sharing login details, can be brushed off as not important. Whereas with large problems, for example businesses having no firewalls, no cybersecurity policies/training and no access controls, can be seen as too expensive or time consuming. However, all problems can result in dangerous and potentially costly consequences, so no matter the size of your IT weaknesses you should get in touch with an expert to make sure your organisation is secure.
The Real Benefits of Good Quality IT in Your GDPR Strategy
For those who are unsure, a GDPR strategy is a plan that an organisation creates that outlines how they will protect personal data. It can include details such as checking customer consent regularly, mapping data (where it goes once collected), and IT solutions. Having a good strategy opens your business up to a range of benefits for example:
- Increased customer retention
- Clearer visibility of risks
- Faster threat detection
- Competitive advantages due to strong reputation
- Reduced risk of fines or legal issues
The Advantages of Partnering With Intrasource to Boost Your GDPR Compliance
At Intrasource we pride ourselves on supporting people, not just computers. After 26 years of providing IT support, we know we can give you the expert advice and support you need to make sure your IT stays GDPR compliant. No matter the industry, our friendly team are here to help and work with you to get the best from your IT budget.
We are also Cyber Essentials Plus and ISO 27001 certified, meaning we have a proven strength in data protection. You can trust our cyber security services to keep your business protected and secure, with solutions such as, penetration testing, antivirus and endpoint security, and antispam and malware protection. Get in touch now to keep your IT strong and comply with GDPR.
