Data Protection Tips for Businesses

Data protection is not only a legal requirement under the GDPR – it's also a key factor for trust and security. Here’s how to handle personal data safely and avoid common compliance mistakes.

1. Core Principles of the GDPR

• Data Minimization: Collect only what is truly necessary.
• Purpose Limitation: Use data only for the stated purpose.
• Transparency: Users must clearly understand how their data is processed.
• Security: Data must be protected against loss, manipulation, and unauthorized access.

2. Practical Security Measures

Technical and organizational measures (TOMs) form the backbone of a strong data protection plan:

1. Use encrypted connections (HTTPS, VPN, SSL/TLS).
2. Enable two-factor authentication (2FA) for all accounts.
3. Regularly create encrypted backups of sensitive data.
4. Monitor systems and access logs with tools like Wazuh or Splunk.
5. Conduct regular security audits and employee training.

3. Handling Data Breaches

If a data breach occurs, respond swiftly in accordance with Article 33 of the GDPR:

• Report the incident to the data protection authority within 72 hours.
• Notify affected individuals promptly.
• Analyze the root cause and close security gaps.

4. Data Protection as a Competitive Advantage

Businesses that take data protection seriously benefit twice: they avoid fines and strengthen customer trust. A transparent privacy approach signals professionalism and reliability.

Tip: Maintain an up-to-date Privacy Policy and keep internal data-handling processes well documented.