Consumers inherently trust the companies they use with sensitive data. Being reckless with consumer data can ruin a company’s reputation and can lead to them being fined for lack of compliance. Legislation like the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) passed by the European Union (EU) have changed the world of data security.
These laws were designed to change the way data is collected and protected. A recent study found that nearly 95 percent of American businesses aren’t fully GDPR or CCPA compliant. Compliance issues are more common for businesses that refuse to seek outside help from an IT services company.
In this article, we’ll discuss why it’s a smart move for organizations to allow an IT services company to handle their IT compliance needs.
What is the Primary Focus of Data Security Regulations?
Before you learn about the importance of allowing IT professionals to handle IT compliance, you need to learn more about what data security regulations are designed for. The EU adopted the GDPR in early 2018. All organizations that collect and process the data of individuals living in the EU have to adhere to this regulation.
Under GDPR, businesses and organizations serving EU residents must follow guidelines like:
- Personal data has to be gathered and managed according to strict rules
- Individuals are to be given complete control over their data
- Companies must protect a consumer’s personal data from compromise, misuse and exploitation
For the most part, this regulation focuses primarily on data processing and personal data.
IT Services can Teach You Key Principles of Data Compliance
Working with a single cybersecurity company is beneficial for many reasons. Not only will this allow you to keep IT infrastructure management under one roof, but it will also provide you with lots of helpful information. The more you know about the purpose of data compliance laws and regulations, the easier it will be to make the right changes.
Your IT services provider will break down key data compliance principles like:
- The importance of getting consent from consumers before processing their data
- Why having a legitimate and specified purpose for data processing is important
- How to collect only necessary data from consumers
- Details on how to protect data from accidental loss or unlawful processing
Once your IT services provider gives you a crash course in data compliance, they will begin the process of addressing any data processing vulnerabilities you may have.
As you can see, outsourcing your IT can save you from plenty of headaches.
Why Should You Care About Improving Data Security?
Failing to realize how common data breaches are can give business owners a false sense of security. Ignoring the need for better data security can leave your business extremely vulnerable. The methods used by cybercriminals to obtain sensitive data are becoming more sophisticated and effective.
Recently, over 5.4 million Twitter users were affected by a data breach. Hackers collected the email addresses and phone numbers of these users. While the repercussions of this attack are yet to be seen, there is no denying that Twitter has some compliance issues they need to iron out.
By improving data security, you can build trust with your clients, drive revenue projections up and provide a safe work environment for your clients. Enhanced data security will also keep your business compliant and help prevent future breaches.
Budget-conscious business owners should consider investing in IT compliance because it helps them lower cybersecurity insurance premiums.
Are you ready to keep insurance premiums low with effective network security? If so, Nutmeg Consulting is here to help.
Changes an IT Services Company Will Make to Improve Data Security
The main goal of the IT services company you hire is to provide you with the tools and knowledge needed to improve data security. Below, are just some of the changes an IT services company will make in an attempt to keep your business compliant.
Limit Employee Access to Sensitive Information
Inside data breaches are far more common than most business owners realize. While providing a work environment based on mutual respect and trust is important, you also need to reduce the chance of inside data breaches. One of the best ways to do this is by limiting the access employees have to sensitive information.
Improved Password Management
Using password protection for your IT network is imperative. However, if you and your employees aren’t changing passwords frequently, the risk of data breaches will grow. This is why the IT services provider you hire will want to change how you approach password management.
Nutmeg Consulting has a password management tool designed to improve network security. Reach out to a member of our team today to find out why you need a password management tool.
It’s Time to Improve IT Compliance with Nutmeg Consulting
Are you unsure about your data security and need help with IT compliance? If so, it is time to schedule a meeting with Nutmeg Consulting.