The General Data Protection Regulation, otherwise known as GDPR, is a European order that comes into power on May 2018.
GDPR is set to ensure that the way in which personal data is collected, stored and used aligns with the evolution of the digital industry since the EU Data Protection Directive in 1995. Cybercrime cost businesses 29 billion pounds in the UK alone in 2017.
The implementation of GDPR will see consumers obtain more control of their personal data and gain complete transparency in who is handling their information.
GDPR is set to have a huge impact on many SME’s and according to a recent study, only one in 4 businesses have begun preparing for it. Here, the experts at ASL give their top tips on how to avoid a fine of 2-4% of their annual turnover and ensure that they adhere to the GDPR guidelines.
THINK
Before you pass on your consumers data, think! The tides are turning, and consumers will be given access to a world of digital rights that they previously didn’t know existed.
Data can not be passed from one party to another without the patrons’ consent.Before you pass on data, ensure that the owner is aware and has given a resounding YES.
Draft a Strategy
Conduct a detailed analysis of any privacy risks that may incur due to the upcoming GDPR. Acknowledge the flaws and create a detailed strategy that presents how to ‘close the gaps’ to prevent data being leaked.
Be sure to involve all elements of your digital team early as conforming to the new regulations may involve tweaks to certain databases and servers.
What is a data breach?
Perhaps the most important of tips, make sure you know exactly what a data breach is and how it can be avoided.
All employees must be educated with the fundamentals of GDPR and the implications of not obeying the guidelines. It is also a good idea to integrate a system within your business that flags any breaches that may occur and escalate breaches internally with your team.
It is also worth noting that employees must not feel scared about flagging mistakes. Create a culture in the work place where it is known that mistakes can be easily rectified and not dwelled upon.