Understanding GDPR: How It Affects Your Business

Many small businesses are unaware of the consequences that not managing data correctly poses. So, this month, as reliable IT Support providers and Consultants, the Systems Integration team give you a summary of GDPR, what it is and how it can affect your business.

Introduction

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a comprehensive data protection law that came into effect in the European Union (EU) in 2018.¹ While it may seem complex, understanding its core principles and how they impact your business is crucial.

What is GDPR?

GDPR is a regulation designed to protect the personal data of individuals within the EU. It gives individuals more control over their personal data and imposes strict obligations on organizations that process that data.

Why Should Your Business Care About GDPR?

Even if your business is not physically located in the EU, if you process the personal data of EU residents, you must comply with GDPR. Non-compliance can result in significant fines.

Key Principles of GDPR

• Lawfulness, Fairness, and Transparency: Data processing must be lawful, fair, and transparent.
• Purpose Limitation: Data must be collected for specified, explicit, and legitimate purposes.
• Data Minimization: Only the necessary personal data should be collected.
• Accuracy: Data must be accurate and kept up-to-date.
• Storage Limitation: Data should not be kept longer than necessary.
• Integrity and Confidentiality: Data must be processed in a manner that ensures appropriate security,² including protection against unauthorised processing.
• Accountability: Organizations are accountable for and must be able to demonstrate compliance with GDPR.

How GDPR Impacts Your Business

1. Data Subject Rights:
• Right of Access: Individuals can request access to their personal data.
• Right to Rectification: Individuals can request the correction of inaccurate data.
• Right to Erasure: Individuals can request the deletion of their personal data.
• Right to Restriction of Processing: Individuals can request the restriction of processing their personal data.
• Right to Data Portability: Individuals can request the transfer of their personal data to another organization.
• Right to Object: Individuals can object to the processing of their personal data.
2. Data Protection Officer (DPO):
• In certain cases, organizations must appoint a DPO.
• The DPO is responsible for monitoring compliance with GDPR.
3. Data Breaches:
• Organizations must report data breaches to the relevant supervisory authority within 72 hours.

How to Comply with GDPR

1. Data Mapping: Identify and document the personal data you process.
2. Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs): Conduct DPIAs for high-risk processing activities.
3. Consent Management: Obtain valid and informed consent from data subjects.
4. Data Security: Implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect personal data.
5. Employee Training: Train employees on GDPR and data protection best practices.
6. Incident Response Plan: Develop a plan to respond to data breaches.

Conclusion

By understanding and complying with GDPR, your business can protect itself from legal risks and build trust with your customers. If you are unsure about how GDPR affects your business, consider consulting with an IT support provider such as ourselves and let us ensure you are taking the necessary steps to comply.