Preparing for GDPR
Hidden Threats And The Role Of Data Cleansing
It’s just weeks away until the EU brings into force the biggest shake-up of data privacy and security that we have ever seen – the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). It’s important to think about the areas of businesses that hold personal data but might slip through the net.
GDPR’s introduction will mean that businesses of all sizes handling EU data must comply with stringent security practices. Those who think this only relates to large businesses are mistaken – SMBs must follow the regulation, too. Failure to do so could prove financially crippling; a data breach for an uncompliant company could result in fines of up to €20m or 4 percent of its annual turnover.
Ultimately, the arrival of GDPR will increase the control people have over their personal data. We’ll be able to request access to it and withdraw the right for businesses to store it. Companies will not be able to gather personal data without good reason and businesses will have to prove that they are doing all they can to keep it safe, which includes disposing of data in a proper way.
Smart devices and technologies mean the amount of personal and confidential data obtained by businesses has increased rapidly. Functions like scan-to-email increase efficiencies, but also gather personal data which must remain secure. Keeping track of where this data is stored and how it’s disposed of is crucial for businesses ahead of GDPR. This is especially true during the disposal of end-of-life equipment.
GDPR solutions are causing businesses of all sizes headaches as they navigate a legal minefield. But it’s important to act now to avoid a data security scramble come next month. Working with service providers that build data security and GDPR best practice into their offerings from the ground up is key. Failure to do so could be catastrophic for a business’ bottom line and its reputation.