Why Data Compliance Doesn't Work Without Cyber Security

One of the primary tenets of the GDPR & Data Protection Act is the need for users’ sensitive information to be handled responsibly. Handling data responsibly includes taking all necessary steps to reduce the risk of potential data breaches, including those which have occurred as a result of a cyber-attack or security incident. So why are so many compliance solutions sold without taking an organisation's online security into consideration?

This blog will take you through why data compliance doesn't work without security and why organisations must take a comprehensive approach when it comes to data compliance and cyber security. 

Naq delivers the most comprehensive data compliance and cyber security solution, including EU & UK GDPR compliance, world-class cyber security and staff training, all for one affordable monthly cost. Click here to find out more.

What the GDPR says about cyber security: 

Article 5 of the UK GDPR highlights the responsibility of organisations and/or data controllers to ensure personal data is stored securely and that appropriate safeguards are in place to prevent the likelihood of a security breach. Explicitly, this article requires organisations to prevent personal information from being compromised, either accidentally or deliberately. 

That means, that in addition to physical security, organisations must also take into account how sensitive data about their customers, clients, staff and suppliers are handled and stored. The UK GDPR does not outline exactly what measures businesses must take to keep sensitive data protected as these will be dependent on your business, its size, the type of customer information it handles and where this is stored. One thing to keep in mind, however, is that these measures must be appropriate and aligned to the types of risks your business may face.

What cyber security measures must businesses take to be GDPR compliant?

While there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to business security, there are a number of measures all businesses regardless of size and industry can implement to decrease their risk of a data breach: 

• Keep track of sensitive data: Take a minute to think about the sensitive data your business handles. From customer's names and email addresses through to payment details, make sure you're aware of when and how this information is collected.

• Secure your systems: Once you know which of your business' systems or platforms contains sensitive data, you can then start working on ensuring that these are secure. Use strong unique passwords for each of your systems, and enable two-factor authentication where possible. Additionally, limit access only to those who absolutely need to access this sensitive information.

• Don't forget your staff: Both strong cyber security and data compliance start from within your organisation. Cyber awareness training can provide employees with the tools and guidance to be the best defence against breaches and attacks. 

• Beware how you share: If the sharing of sensitive data is essential to your organisation, make sure this is shared through secure cloud platforms such as Google Drive, Microsoft Sharepoint or other solutions like Dropbox.. Doing this will avoid potentially sensitive information from being held in email conversations where it could be accidentally or deliberately shared. 

If you'd like to find out more about how to start securing your business, take a look at our in-depth business security guide which includes 7 steps you can implement across your organisation today.

GDPR or Cyber Security, Which One Should I Prioritise?

In short, the answer is both. Being fully GDPR & data compliant means ensuring the systems across your organisation are secured in a way that reduces the likelihood of a potential data breach. This requirement goes hand in hand with that of having good business cyber security measures in place, which beyond just monitoring your companies website or network, should also ensure your systems, network connections and software are all set up securely. 

Getting a first for your cyber security and data compliance posture also includes having a clear framework of what to do in case a data breach or cyberattack occurs. This is incredibly important when it comes to reviewing what went wrong and how to prevent breaches from occurring in the future and preventing a fine from the data protection authorities for breaching their strict incident response timeframes.

GDPR & Cyber Security: A Comprehensive Solution

At Naq, we believe making our customers compliant also means that we must take care of their cybersecurity. That's why we do both, all in a simple monthly or annual subscription. In addition to UK GDPR, DPA & EU GDPR compliance, Naq provides cyber awareness training, incident response and world-class cyber security tailored specifically to your business and the way it operates. All this from just £99 per month.

Discover everything you get with Naq by taking a look at our pricing page.