Client data is sensitive information, and for a company to handle it, regulations have to be in place to protect the data from malicious intent. This is where GDPR comes in to ensure data handlers demonstrate compliance and to standardise the threshold that has to be met by everyone with access.
To help organisations realise their full compliance, some companies offer GDPR services. Here is everything you need to know about GDPR services.
What Is GDPR?
General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a set of directives that ensure companies keep their users’ data safe, preserving the privacy rights of anyone using the company’s services. This European Union law was brought into effect on May 25, 2018, setting rules for the protection and processing of the personal data of EU citizens.
To keep sensitive data safe, organisations can use third-party vendors to store, manage and protect data on their behalf.
What Are GDPR Services?
GDPR services are provided by companies or professionals to help organisations comply with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).Such companies are called “data processors” and must be compliant with the regulations set by GDPR to protect customer data.
On the other hand, the organisation hiring the service is the “data controller.” Both the processors and data controllers are responsible for ensuring there are no data breaches by putting up robust security measures.
A GDPR service provider can allow organisations to manage their own data, access, permissions, users, encryption keys and more. Furthermore, such companies allow users to choose where the data can be stored and the type of storage.
When there is a need to transfer data outside the European economic area, GDPR service providers make the transition smoother in compliance with all the laws.
Things to Expect When Hiring GDPR Services
What should you expect from GDPR service providers? Depending on your specific organisational needs and requirements, here are the most common GDPR services you can expect:
1) GDPR Compliance Assessment
GDPR assessment involves reviewing your current organisational measures and practices when handling data and identifying areas of non-compliance with GDPR. This assessment includes a review of your data processing methods, data inventory and mapping, data protection policies and procedures, and data subject rights compliance.
2) Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA)
This involves assessing and identifying the potential risks to individuals’ privacy in your data processing activities. PIAs come in handy when assessing the impact of new or complex data processing methods to avoid a data breach. Furthermore, PIA identifies measures to mitigate privacy risks by providingcyber threat intelligence.
3) Data Mapping and Inventory
This is the creation of an inventory for all data processing activities. The inventory identifies data controllers and processors, data sources, data categories, and data recipients. Data mapping and inventory are key for identifying any potential GDPR compliance risks and mitigating them in a timely manner.
4) GDPR Training
This service involves providing professional cyber security awareness training to employees on GDPR compliance requirements, including data subject rights, data protection laws, cloud security, the principles of data protection and privacy, international data transfers and GDPR compliance responsibilities.
GDPR training further increases the organisation’s exposure to the regulatory landscape of data protection.
5) Data Protection Officer (DPO) Services
A Data Protection Officer is a mandatory role under GDPR for most organisations. DPOs ensure GDPR compliance within organisations.
DPO services may include;
- Data protection policies and procedures
- Connection point between organisations and the relevant supervisory authority
- Ensuring data security to avoid data loss
- Providing advice on GDPR-specific requirements compliance
- Monitoring data processing methods to ensure compliance with the set GDPR and prevent unlawful processing of data subjects
6) GDPR Consultancy Services
This involves providing professional advice on GDPR compliance to organisations. The services further include developing procedures and policies that align with data privacy laws, GDPR compliance audits, security analytics and GDPR risk assessments.
GDPR services can help you understand your obligations under GDPR, assess your compliance status, and implement measures to ensure best practices and compliance with GDPR requirements.
You will further receive advice on the best data protection approaches, like using encryption keys, cloud privacy, and more, to prevent cyber attacks.
Things to Consider When Looking for GDPR Services
i) Location
If you are in the UK or EU member states, you are bound by GDPR. However, if you are in a different part of the world, different rules might apply. Still, if you are handling EU residents outside the EU, you must comply with GDPR.
ii) Budget
Your budget will determine the quality of services you get.
iii) Reviews
Doing research on whether clients are satisfied with the services of a given company might save you a lot of money in the long run.
iv) Services Outside EU
Can the company you are about to hire provide services when your clients are outside the EU?
v) Compliance
The company you are hiring needs to be GDPR compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions About GDPR Services
a) Who do the GDPR compliance laws apply to?
Any organisation in the EU that processes or collects personal data has to be compliant with the GDPR requirements. A company, also known as the “data processor”, that stores data on behalf of other companies should also be compliant with the GDPR regulations.
b) What is an example of personal data?
Personal data is any data relating to an identifiable natural person. Such data include credit card information, biometric data, passwords, number plates, addresses, phone numbers, IP addresses, and other identifying information. Additionally, since AI technology and pretty much anyone can recognise you based on your photos, your image is your personal data.
Personally identifiable information does not have to be in the form of numbers only, which is an assumption most people would make when referring to data.
c) What is an example of a GDPR company?
Amazon’s AWS, PWC, and Ernst & Young are some examples of GDPR service providers.
d) What is the GDPR non-compliance fine?
Companies can be charged up to 4% of their global turnover if they fail to meet the GDPR compliance standards. However, there are cases where the fine can go up to EUR 20 million. Simple things like failing to inform your clients that a third party accessed information can lead to fines.
e) Does GDPR compliance apply outside the European Union?
Yes. The main point of GDPR is to protect information belonging to citizens of the EU. Therefore, whether the client is within or outside the EU, the guidelines apply as long as a company is handling its information. Also, a company does not have to be based in the EU to follow the GDPR.
Final Thoughts
GDPR is one of the most important regulations in this new age of technology. There are major scandals and damages caused by a lack of integrity when handling information. To keep your company and clients from falling victim to such instances, get GDPR services for data protection.
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