PREPARING FOR GDPR – 10 THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

GDPR - General Data Protection Regulation was implemented to approach data regulation to ensure that all the data is protected which are applied to every country. It protects the citizens from the organizations who can use their personal information without permission so that they can be responsible for deciding which information should be shared and where. It generally applies to the personal data which means it can be any type of information that can itself or along with some other information detect the identification of a person, to which that particular data refers to. It also protects the citizen's genetic and biometric data including date of birth, email address and mobile number. 

10 Things to Keep in Mind 

First, use a password manager which allows storing passwords and sharing it. Then ensure that all your passwords are strong and different. You can use password generators which can create passwords for you. It is advised not to create passwords that are in any way related to your name, birthdate or personal information. Also, enable two-factor authentication wherever necessary. 

3. Backup data securely
It is very necessary to keep a backup of all your data in a secure place in case you lose your laptop or any other device that contains valuable information. It is not only a good idea to have a backup but also important to keep in mind to comply with the requirements of the GDPR if there is any time of security breach. It is said to notify anyone whose data might have been lost as a part of the loss and maybe at risk. If you do not have a backup then it is going to be very difficult in retaining lost information. It is advised to use encrypted hard drives and cloud to secure your backup. 

4. Encrypt your devices
Encryption is the best way to protect your data whether lost or stolen. Just protecting your personal data with passwords is not enough as it can be easily transferred from one device to another and read. That is why it is important to encrypt all the data on your device. 

5. Double check everything
It is important that you abide by the law to protect individuals data and privacy. There should be transparency towards every individual like IT security, Customer relationships, Data storage and transfer. 

6. Conduct a data audit
It is good to know how to handle the data that you have and how is it stored and processed. You should review your data audit regularly and update whenever required so that you have a clear overview of what type of information is stored in your business. Conducting audits will give you a clear understanding of how the data is used so that you can take necessary action in case of data breaches. 

7. Update customer-facing privacy notices
This is a very essential step that you take in your business. It ensures customers that they are informed about how their data is used by the business and what is intended to be done with it. 

8. Update your privacy policy
It is advised as well as recommended that you review your privacy policies regularly. You will have to review and update privacy policies as and when required. The ICO's Privacy Notices Code is where you should start as it contains the notices under the GDPR. The information will help you in being updated with the new privacy policies. 

9. Review all third-party supplier
It is important to check that all your third-party suppliers like IT cloud storage are abiding by the written agreement before processing any type of personal data. This consists of organizational measures to ensure that they act only on your instruction. 

10. Check your marketing lists
Ensure that all your marketing lists are complying with the new GDPR regulation. And also ensure that if an individual does not give his/her consent in sharing personal information then that person should not be contacted again. 

This is how you should prepare for the upcoming GDPR and keep in mind the above-stated points. This is how you can start preparing and stay ahead of the enforcement date. If your business does not comply with the rules and regulations then you will be forced to pay fine.