With the recent fining of META for Data Breach making the headlines. We have created a handy guide showcasing our 6 steps for data privacy compliance.
As data shifted to digital platforms, authorities recognised the importance of safeguarding it. Consequently, data privacy regulations were established to address cyber threats. Many businesses are now obligated to adhere to one or more data privacy policies.
By the end of 2024, approximately 75% of the population is expected to have their data protected by one or more privacy regulations.
How does your business protect itself from hacking, and the concern of fines for data breaches?
Content Directory
- Create a List
- Stay Up to Date
- Review Your Security Practices
- Perform Annual Reviews
- Prepare in Advance
- Keep Employees Informed
1. Create a List
Create a comprehensive list of the different data privacy rules that apply to your
business, including regulations based on industry, geographical location (such as selling to the EU), statewide or city/county-specific laws, and regulations for government contractors. This ensures you won’t be caught out by any unfamiliar regulations.
2. Stay Up to Date
Avoid surprises by staying up-to-date with any changes in data privacy regulations.
Sign up for updates on the official website of the compliance authority associated
with each regulation applicable to your business. For example, Care professionals can
subscribe to CQC updates www.cqc.org.uk.. Ensure that all responsible parties receive
these updates, such as the H&S Lead, and another named individuals, to prevent
important information from being overlooked during someone’s absence.
3. Review Your Security Practices
Regularly review your data security practices, even if they undergo minor changes,
such as the addition of new servers or computers. Any modifications to your IT
environment can potentially lead to non-compliance. For instance, a new employee
device that lacks proper protection or an employee’s unauthorised use of a cloud tool
can create compliance issues. Conduct an annual review of your data security
measures and align them with your data privacy compliance requirements to ensure
ongoing compliance.
4. Perform Annual Audits
Perform annual audits of your security policies and procedures, which serve as written
guidelines for employees regarding their responsibilities, data privacy, and breach
management. Conduct additional audits whenever there are updates to data privacy
regulations, ensuring that your policies encompass any newly introduced requirements.
5. Prepare in Advance
Prepare in advance when notified about upcoming data privacy updates. It is
advisable to comply with new rules before they take effect whenever possible. Assess
three key areas of your IT security: technical safeguards (systems, devices, software,
etc.), administrative safeguards (policies, manuals, training, etc.), and physical
safeguards (doors, keypads, building security, etc.).
6, Keep Employees Informed
Keep employees informed about changes in data privacy policies that affect their
roles. Incorporate updates into your regular cybersecurity training to keep employees’
breach prevention skills sharp and reinforce expectations. Document your training
activities by recording the date, employees trained, and the topics covered. This
documentation can prove useful in case of a future breach.
If you would like more information on this, or how your business compares, then please get in touch today with one of the team via hello@ch4b.co.uk and we will be happy to help.
