The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was introduced in May 2018 and applied to all organizations with EU or national customers and applies to any data, including personal data, processing activities, and storage. There are several common mistakes organizations make when trying to comply with the GDPR, which could come up during a GDPR audit. Take a look at this guide to learn more.
Using Unsafe Data Transmission Methods
When it comes to data transmission, many companies make the mistake of thinking that the more secure the method, the better. However, this is not always the case. In fact, some data transmission methods can be quite insecure and put your company at risk of a data breach. One such method is using unencrypted email to send sensitive data. This is because email is not a secure protocol and can easily be hacked or intercepted. As such, it’s best to avoid sending any sensitive data via email unless you have added extra security measures, such as encryption. Another common mistake in data transmission is using outdated security protocols. For example, using SSLv3 instead of TLS1.2 can leave your company vulnerable to attack. So make sure you use up-to-date security protocols to protect your data during transit.
Storing Data Insecurely
One of the most common mistakes in GDPR compliance is storing data insecurely. This can include everything from failing to use encryption to not having a proper backup plan in place. In order to avoid these mistakes, it’s important to understand the risks associated with data storage and take steps to mitigate them. To mitigate these risks, use strong security measures like encryption and authentication protocols. You should also have a solid backup plan in place so that if your data is compromised or lost, you can restore it quickly and easily. Some of the biggest risks associated with data storage include:
- Data breaches: If your data is stolen or compromised, you could face significant fines from GDPR.
- Loss or corruption of data: If your data is lost or corrupted, you could lose important information or be unable to access it when you need it.
- Hackers who gain access to sensitive information: If attackers gain access to your stored data, they may be able to steal sensitive information like passwords or financial details.
Sharing Data Without Consent
One of the most common mistakes made in GDPR compliance is sharing data without consent. Consent must be explicit, unambiguous, and freely given. It must also be specific to the type of data being shared and the purpose for which it will be used. In addition, consent must be renewed on a regular basis unless it is revoked. Many companies make the mistake of assuming that implied consent is sufficient under GDPR, but this is not the case. Implied consent can only be relied on if there is a clear relationship between the parties involved and the data being shared is necessary for the performance of that relationship. Furthermore, implied consent cannot be used to share sensitive personal data.
Not Notifying Individuals of Their Rights
Under GDPR, individuals have the right to be notified of their rights under the regulation. This includes the right to access their personal data, change their data protection settings, and receive information about how their data is being processed. Companies must provide clear and concise notices about these rights in a manner that is easy for individuals to understand. One common mistake companies make is not providing all the required information in their notices. Another mistake is providing information that is difficult to understand or navigate. Companies must ensure that their notices are user-friendly and meet GDPR requirements.
Overall, avoiding common mistakes in GDPR compliance is important to protect your company and customers. By being adequately prepared, you’ll pass your GDPR audit and will keep your clients’ data secure.
