It has become even more important to be able to prevent data breaches since the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) went into effect.
Of course, you should have been concerned already about the privacy and freedom of your customers, being susceptible to regulatory action, and being able to protect your reputation in case a security incident were to occur, however, they have taken on increased significance now.
More than ever the public is increasingly aware of what their rights are when it comes to their personal information, and organisations have long been warned about data breach threats. Regulators have responded by increasing maximum penalties when legal requirements are not met.
So whether you are still working on your GDPR compliance, or are confident in the measures you have in place, you will always need to look for ways that your compliance processes can be streamlined. That helps with managing problems in a more efficient manner and also helps you keep current on the threat landscape which is continuously and rapidly changing.
The following are six tools that you can use to help with achieving GDPR compliance and managing your information security processes.
GDPR Data Breach Support Service
For all organisations, it is challenging to report a data breach within the 72-hour notification deadline set by the GDPR, and as the threat of breaches continues to grow, it is something you may need to deal with in the very near future.
However, your job is made a bit easier by the GDPR Breach Support Service. A management team made up of cybersecurity and information experts, barristers, lawyers and data protection officers (DPOs) at GRCI Law, our sister company, will help you to respond quickly to security incidents and in compliance with the requirements of the GDPR.
Data Flow Mapping Tool
The Cloud-based tool allows you to achieve full visibility over the personal data flow through your organisation, which helps to streamline all of your process along with mitigating the risk of your data being exposed erroneously in locations that are not secure.
The tool can be used to generate consistent visual representations of data flow throughout all of your business processes without needing to resort to methods that are more time-consuming, like vector graphics or pen and paper.
Cyber Security and Information Security Staff Awareness E-Learning Class
Interactive e-learning classes are a cost-e and time-effective way of educating staff on important organisation matters in a structured way. A Cyber Security and Information Security Staff Awareness E-learning class will teach your staff the basics of how to deal with various threats, cybersecurity risks, information security, and data security.
The content of the course isn’t technical since it has been designed not only for information security experts but for all staff who process information.
Penetration testing
Essentially penetration testing is a controlled type of hacking where a professional tester, who is working for an organisation, searches for vulnerabilities the way that a criminal hacker would. This is critical for rooting problems out before an application or network gets put to use, or whenever there are substantial changes put into place.
DPO as a form of service (GDPR)
Whether your organisation is required by the GDPR to appoint a data protection officer (DPO), such as those appointed by Trident Assurance Services or not, when you have an expert staff for dealing with data protection it can help to lessen many of the hassles that relate to regulatory compliance. A broad range of tasks are taken on by DPOs, including:
- Overseeing the development and maintenance of the organisation’s personal data processing register;
- Review and revise documentation and policies;
- Provide guidance on data breach reporting, management and monitoring;
- Advise on the need for data protection impact assessments (DPIAs); and
- Serve as the contact for various data protection authorities.
It can be difficult to find an individual with suitable qualifications, which is why you may want to consider this role to outsource as a DPO service (GDPR).
When you outsource it, a data protection expert acts as a remote DPO and works with you closely to understand what the requirements of your organisation are. They will complete all of the necessary tasks and offer guidance anytime you need it.
