How to Prevent Ransomware Attacks During This Holiday
A popular internet fraud that occurs during the holiday is ransomware attacks. A ransomware attack is a type of malware that stops you from having access to your device data. The biggest ransomware attacks often happen during the holiday, thus, knowing how to reduce the risk of ransomware is important. Companies of all sizes are defrauded year in and out, especially during the holidays. Cybercriminals become more active and their growing tactic is ransomware attacks. If this attack is prevalent, then how do ransomware attacks happen? And more importantly, are there ways on how to prevent ransomware attacks? Yes! And that is what the article seeks to explain. Understanding How Ransomware Attacks Work To properly understand how to prevent ransomware attacks, you must understand how it works. For a ransomware attack to be possible, there has to be an initial point of entry for malware. How the malware enters your device can vary. It can occur through files that you download from the internet. It can also occur when you accept files from corrupted drives through a USB transfer. Other ways include phishing emails, exploiting software vulnerabilities, or using stolen credentials, often targeting weak points in the network security. Once the malware is in your device, it serves as the “inside agent” for the cybercriminal to hack in. The attacker moves through your device network, gains access to sensitive data and determines which files to encrypt. The next thing is to encrypt those files and render them inaccessible. You will need a key to decrypt the file with a key. Immediately, you will receive a note, demanding a payment, usually in cryptocurrencies, to regain access to your file. The most valuable asset, to individuals and companies, is data. Losing it could cause irreversible effects that could lead to distrust or cost an entire operation. Protection of data is therefore the best way to avoid ransomware attacks. Even if you get your data/files back, the fact that they have been exposed imposes a lasting fear. How to Prevent Ransomware Attacks During the Holiday Luckily, there are several ways on how to prevent ransomware attacks. Some of the points below can help you in preventing the rampage of ransomware attacks during the holidays, and even after the season. Keep All Systems And Software Updated As the holiday sets in and every individual and business gets ready for the busyness, updating your devices is one way to prevent ransomware attacks. Ensure that you update your operating system, web browser, antivirus and any other software before you get head-locked into activities. Ransomware is always evolving and so OS and antivirus software are always enhancing their security. Cybercriminals often target outdated versions of Microsoft Windows, which is why several security experts advise regular updating devices. This is one of the top ways to prevent ransomware. Install Antivirus Software & Firewalls Sophisticated antivirus software is the most common way you can prevent ransomware attacks. How does antivirus prevent ransomware attacks? They work by regularly scanning your device to detect any malicious files. Once this file is detected, the antivirus immediately attacks it by either deleting the file or keeping it quarantined. These antivirus are built to detect malware, including ransomware. However, it is also very important that your antivirus is updated regularly. But what about preventing ransomware from gaining access to your device? That is where firewall protection comes in. Firewall Protection Firewall protection is always the first line of defence against any incoming malicious file, including ransomware. It can protect from both software and hardware attacks. When your firewall is well protected, it can easily map and block suspicious files from entering the system. Regular Data Backups Another very easy way around ransomware is to back up your data, either on an external drive or on a cloud server. This doesn’t directly fall into the book of “how to prevent ransomware attacks” but even when your device is attacked, you can simply walk away. You can simply wipe your device, uninstall the software affected or clear your OS completely. Ideally, organizations should be backing up their most important data at least once per day. There is also a popular rule to backup your files, the 3-2-1 rule. You try to keep your data in 3 different locations, on 2 different storage types with 1 copy offline. Network Segmentation One nature of ransomware is to spread across different files and systems very quickly. Once you notice ransomware on a device, it is important to limit the spread. Implementing network segmentation divides the network into multiple smaller networks. This will enable you to isolate the ransomware and prevent it from spreading to other systems. During this holiday, other things that you can try to prevent ransomware attacks are: Collaborating with Johan Consults to Mitigate Ransomware Risks During the Holiday While internal measures like employee training and software updates can help, working with cybersecurity experts provides an added layer of protection against ransomware attacks. Cybersecurity specialists possess the expertise and tools to assess vulnerabilities, implement advanced defences, and respond effectively to potential threats. For businesses in Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania, Johan Consult stands out as a trusted partner in cybersecurity and data protection. With a deep understanding of the local business landscape and laws, Johan Consult offers solutions that address unique regional challenges. Conclusion: Take Action Today to Avoid Ransomware Attacks The holiday season brings a spike in ransomware attacks, but you don’t have to be a victim. Implementing the strategies discussed are first step for you and your business. However, partnering with experienced cybersecurity professionals ensures your business is fully protected. Johan Consult is your go-to expert for cybersecurity and data protection in Nigeria, Kenya, and Tanzania. With a proven track record and several successful partnerships, we guarantee solutions that give you peace of mind while allowing you to focus on growing your business during this season. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Safeguard your business today! Visit johanconsults.com/consultation/ to schedule a free consultation and take the first step toward a ransomware-free future. Your business deserves robust protection – Johan Consult is here to deliver it. Frequently Asked Questions Can antivirus detect ransomware? Yes, antivirus can detect ransomware, but not all. The effectiveness of an antivirus depends on the capabilities of the software and the sophistication
How to Protect Your Data During the Holidays
The holiday is often an important season for every business. It is a time when there is high revenue and increased customer engagement. The days are hectic with increased daily operations to meet orders and also to round up for the year. This is also the perfect time to overlook the protection of your data. In the euphoria of the season, there are certain dos and don’ts. Your personal and business data has to be secure. Internet fraud increases during the holiday and it is thus important that you protect yourself, and your business. Why Data Protection Matters During the Holidays The holiday season often sees a surge in internet scams, sometimes up to a 500% increase. Because of this, taking your data protection seriously during the holiday is crucial. Ideally, data protection should be any business’s priority all year round but special attention is needed during the holidays. This is because the chances of getting busier and overlooking your data are high. Data protection also matters during the holiday because there is often a work break. The company staff will be given some days or weeks off to stay away from work. During this time, cybercriminals can try hacking into your data. Loosely protected data with no one around can lead to data loss or data breaches. Common Data Threats During the Holiday Season To better understand why it is important to protect your data during the holiday, let’s see some common threats. These are some of the common data threats during the holiday season: These threats are just the most common ones, the list still goes on. Now that you know that a lot of darts have been thrown at you, let’s see how your data can be protected. Tips for Securing Your Personal Information During the Holiday To protect your personal data during the holiday season, there are several things that you can do. 1. Only use safe websites. Tendencies of doing a lot of things online are very high during the holiday. Booking travel tickets, shopping online and spending more time on social media. When doing all of these, be sure to use the official websites only. Also, ensure the website has “https” in the URL. If you doubt the safety of the website, you can use Norton Safe Web, a free scanning tool that helps users identify malicious websites. 2. Use PIN/Passcodes on your devices before leaving. This can be your first line of protection for your data during the holiday. It is common knowledge that theft is a high thing during the festive season. In the case where your laptop or phone is stolen or misplaced, it will be harder for the would-be criminal to gain access if there is a passcode. Do this now, it takes no time. 3. Turn off automatic Bluetooth connectivity. Having an automatic Bluetooth is a great thing for your device. But Bluetooth is also another means through which criminals can hack into your device through a simple connection. This can happen quickly and without you knowing a thing. Take a moment to avoid this threat by turning off Bluetooth during this holiday. Other things you can do to secure your personal data during the holiday are: Best Practices for Protecting Business Data In addition to the points stated above for personal security, there are a few things you can add to ensure the safety of your business. 1. Train your staff on cybersecurity. Equipping your staff with the appropriate knowledge is the first line of safety to protecting your business data during the holiday. You can start by reviewing policies like the Mobile Device Management and Incident Response Plan. You should remind your employees to separate personal devices from work usage. This is because when cyber criminals attack the personal device of a staff member, they can have access to several pieces of information on it, including business information. 2. Be Careful With Funds The holiday season is also when you have to keep some measure around your company’s money. Since your revenue will most likely go up, you must keep up-to-date invoices for suspicious activities. 3. Be aware of the law. Be conscious of any local regulations on data protection and compliance that can affect your business. You must know how GPDR affects you and the provision of the law for cases of breach in data. 4. Encrypt Information Since cybercriminals use the holiday season to gain access to the systems of companies, encrypting your information is another way to keep your business safe. It is best to encrypt all data at all times but if you haven’t done that, then now is the next ideal time to implement. You can use software like DriveStrike to manage fleet encryption across the globe. 5. Limit Access to Sensitive Information: Last but not least, limit access to sensitive information. Give certain access to certain top officials of your company. This way, you can focus security measures towards these people and also be sure of who to first call when certain things happen. This is not to say that trust is lacking, but rather it adds a layer of protection. This helps you fortify your defences, especially in this heightened period of potential security risks. How Johan Consults Can Help You Protect Your Data During the Holiday At Johan Consults, we understand the challenges businesses and individuals face in protecting their information, especially during the holiday season. The stakes are higher for small businesses and startups that may lack dedicated resources for robust data protection. That’s where we step in. We can help you run comprehensive data security audits, train your employees and also provide advanced premium tools. Don’t let cyber threats ruin your holiday season. At Johan Consults, we’re committed to helping you safeguard your data, so you can focus on growing your business and enjoying the holidays. Contact us today to help protect your data.
A Comprehensive Guide To Data Protection
The workforce is evolving rapidly with innovations coming up—remote and hybrid jobs, use of AI tools, etc.—and data is the fuel for it all. The entirety of every organization (small, medium, and large-scale) depends on data. In fact, it’s oxygen in the business world. This priceless nature of data makes it a sitting target for individuals with negative intentions. Therefore, data protection is a must. As simple as it sounds, data protection can be tricky when done in ignorance. In this article, you will find the information you need to protect your organization’s data. What is Data Protection? Data protection, often used interchangeably with the term “data security,” is the process of safeguarding sensitive information about an identified subject. This information includes names, ages, occupations, health records, financial details, etc. Since the growth of organizations depends heavily on data utilization and storage, it is paramount that the gathered data be defended against a host of problems. Problems such as data corruption and compromise, and fatal loss due to cyberattacks, human error, and system shutdown. Now its primary aim is not only to prevent loss but to ensure the data is accessible, reliable, and recoverable. Let’s see why data protection is so important. Why Data Protection is Important “In industry circles, consumer data is often compared to plutonium, which is powerful and valuable but dangerous to the handler if abused.” This is a statement by Mike Pedrick, vice president of cybersecurity consulting at managed security services provider Nuspire. Courtesy of the data quantity generated (approximately 2.5 quintillion bytes of data daily) and new work modes (remote, hybrid, etc.), safeguarding data is more advanced than a few years ago. Hence, laying some ground rules became a difficult task. The Ponemon Institute’s Cost of Data Breach Study found that, on average, the damage caused by a data breach in the USA was $8 million. The impact of the average data incident reaches 25,575 user accounts, resulting in a severe loss of customer trust and subsequently stifling the company’s growth. Also, in the first six months of 2023, ransomware extortion totaled $176 million more than the entire previous year. These statistics show the tragic financial and reputational impacts of data loss and breaches to organizations. Looking at the disadvantages of data compromise and loss. Its best organizations develop and implement a foolproof protection system. 7 Principles of Data Protection Just like every other aspect of life, safeguarding data comes with principles. And these principles are derived from the UK GDPR. Why? Most of the laws protecting data around the world, simply put, are adaptations of the UK GDPR. These are the seven principles guiding data protection under the GDPR that you should know 1. Lawfulness, Fairness, and Transparency This means that any information and communication concerning the processing of the collected data should be easy to understand and in clear, plain language. 2. Purpose limitation This principle simply means that personal data collected can only be used for legitimate purposes. And such reasons must be specified. Also, the data collected cannot be used for any other reasons incompatible with the specified purposes. 3. Data Minimization Data should be processed only if the purpose cannot be fulfilled by any other means. This limits data processing to what is adequate and necessary for the purpose. 4. Accuracy All personal data collected by controllers (individuals, private entities, public commissions, agencies, etc.) must be stored accurately and up-to-date. Any inaccurate data is to be erased or corrected without delay. 5. Storage Limitations Personal data is not to be kept longer than necessary for the purposes for which it is collected and processed. To abide by this principle, organizations are advised to place a time limit on such data, after which it is reviewed or erased. 6. Integrity and confidentiality Making use of appropriate measures, organizations should ensure personal data is well protected against unauthorized access, unlawful use, and loss, damage, or destruction. The security and confidentiality of the data are first and foremost concerns during processing. 7. Accountability Lastly, controllers must be able to take responsibility for the processing of data and be able to show their compliance (through appropriate records and measures) with the previously mentioned principles. In addition to the above principles, the laws governing the protection of data have other requirements. For instance, organizations have to conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA) under certain conditions. Why are the Data Protection Principles important? These principles act as a solid foundation for building an efficient data protection system and ensuring compliance with the GDPR. Failure to comply with these principles is punishable with sizable fines, which can be 4% of the global annual turnover of the defaulting organization or up to €20 million, whichever is higher at the time. How to Protect Data in Your Organization While it is best to consult a data protection service, here are 10 simple steps to achieve maximum protection. If you wonder how to ensure your organization’s data is well protected, these are some of the best practices you can use. The four main methods of protecting data are: Encryption data: Stops unauthorized parties from reading data. Data masking: Cloaks high-value data by replacing sensitive information with random characters. Erasure: Cleaning inactive or unused data from the repository. Data resilience: use of full, differential, and incremental backups of sensitive data. Current Data Protection Trends The increasing use of data security and privacy solutions is driven largely by stricter data privacy laws. With the death of third-party cookies, etc., a new system of data collation rises, bringing along a new and harsher breed of threats against data integrity. To avoid getting caught in the crossfire, brands must be aware of the latest trends in data protection. Some current trends are: Increasing Data Localization Laws Data localization laws are rules by governments that mandate companies to store data about their users within specific countries’ borders instead of storing it just anywhere. This is to protect users’ data and ensure it stays safe from unauthorized
Data Protection Bill: Know It Guidelines, Objectives and Penalties
In recent times, Nigerian businesses have engaged in a losing battle against data threats of all kinds: phishing attacks, malware, ransomware, etc. As proof, statistics reveal that in 2021, 71% of Nigerian firms were hit by ransomware, and small and medium businesses have it even worse. Additionally, phishing attacks on SMEs grew by 87% in 2022, compared to 37% in 2021. These attacks had terrible consequences as scams, impersonations, and loss of privacy became the norm. This situation discouraged foreign organisations from investing seriously in the country. The Director of Research and Development, Mr. John Dumesi, said, “Part of the findings and key threat trends we discovered are that data protection policies, enforcement, and disclosure practices are grossly lagging; there is a surge in corporate phishing attacks.” It became obvious that Nigeria needed a strong data protection policy, and in 2023, a data protection bill was passed by the Nigerian government. In this article, you’ll learn what the Data Protection Bill means for Nigerians. What is the Data Protection Bill in Nigeria? The data protection bill in Nigeria was passed into law as the Nigeria Data Protection Act (NDPA) on June 12, 2023, by President Bola Hammed Tinubu to protect Nigerian data from loss, compromise, and theft. The Objectives of Data Protection Bill, 2023 The data protection bill for 2023 came on the heels of the NDPR (Nigerian Data Protection Regulation). which was replaced due to insufficient policies and weak enforcement. The primary objective of the Data Protection Bill is to protect the fundamental rights and freedoms of data subjects by regulating the processing of personal data. The following objectives are as stated in the document:. “Protecting data subjects’ rights as well as providing means of recourse and remedies in the event of breaches; ensuring that data controllers and data processors fulfill their obligations to data subjects.” “Promoting data processing practices that safeguard the security of personal data and the privacy of data subjects; ensuring that personal data is processed in a fair, lawful, and accountable manner.” “Strengthen the legal foundations of the national digital economy and guarantee the participation of Nigeria in the regional and global economies through the beneficial, trusted use of personal data.” And finally, Establishing an impartial, independent, and effective regulatory commission to superintend over data protection and privacy issues and supervise data controllers and data processors.” Data Protection Bill Highlights The bill encompasses a broad range of laws, but here are the data protection bill highlights—the most important ones. Establishment of the Nigerian Data Protection Commission (NDPC) A law is only as effective as its enforcement. This statement is a known fact all over the world. As a matter of fact, lack of proper enforcement led to the NDPR cancellation. The Data Protection Bill made the necessary provisions for its own enforcement. According to Section 7 of the bill, the NDPC was established to: Promote awareness of risks to personal data and data protection measures. Including the rights and obligations granted under the Act. Ensure the use of technological and organisational data protection measures. Foster the development of personal data protection technologies in accordance with recognised international good practices and applicable international law. Promote awareness of data controllers and processors’ obligations under the Act. Data Processing Guidelines The guidelines are very straightforward. Data controllers and processors are not allowed to process sensitive personal data themselves or by a third party unless: The processing is necessary for exercising or performing the rights or obligations of the data controller or the data subject to underemployment, social security laws, or any other similar laws. The data subject has given and not revoked consent to the processing for the specific purpose or purposes for which it will be processed. It is necessary to protect the vital interests of the data subject or of another individual where the data subject is physically or legally incapable of giving consent. In the situations above, the Data Protection Bill has the following principles: Data can only be processed for lawful purposes, which must be stated clearly beforehand. The consent of data subjects must be obtained. Data subjects also have the right to withhold or withdraw consent at any point. The data collected must not be used for any other purpose other than the stated one. For no reason should personal data be stored beyond the necessary timeframe. Also, data subjects can request deletion or destruction of their data by data controllers. All data must be accurate, with inaccuracies corrected immediately. Lastly, the integrity of personal data must be kept with the utmost priority. The NDPC is tasked with enforcing compliance with the rules. Child Consent The bill caters to the data of all Nigerian citizens, children included. In the Bill, a child is an individual under the age of 18. Section 33 of the bill states that: The data controller must obtain the child’s parent or legal guardian before processing personal data. It also emphasises the use of government-approved identification documents to prove the child’s age and consent. Although this does not apply when: Processing is necessary to protect the interests of the child. The processing is carried out for medical or social care purposes by a professional or similar service provider with a duty of confidentiality. Data Breach Management Data breaches, as a constant threat, have gained the attention of the Nigerian government. So, the bill laid out a proper guide for its management. The Data Protection Bill mandates data controllers and processors to keep a record of all personal data breaches. In addition, data controllers are to report every data breach that occurs to the NDPC within 72 hours. However, this timeframe can be extended due to the legal needs of law enforcement. Data Protection Officer and Compliance Services Section 33 of the bill mandates data controllers and processors of “major importance” to have a data protection officer well-versed in the data protection laws and practices. The DPO can be an employee or outsourced from a data protection service consultancy. Also, the Data Protection Bill 2023 outlines the tasks of a DPO as follows: Advising the data controller, processor,
An Overview of The Nigeria Data Protection Act
On June 12, 2023, the Nigerian government took a bold step towards achieving maximum data protection. The country enacted the Nigeria Data Protection Act to provide a comprehensive legal framework for data protection. While the European Union (EU) was miles ahead, this decision placed Nigeria on the same journey towards the protection of data. Prior to this, the Nigerian government made several attempts to protect personal data, one of which is the NDPR The NDPR, which stands for Nigerian Data Protection Regulation, was issued in February 2019 and established by the NITDA (Nigerian Information Technology Development Agency). But there wasn’t much regard for it. Why? A major shortcoming of the NDPR is that it’s subsidiary legislation and lacks vital provisions expected of a comprehensive law. For example, NITDA lacked the statutory authority to establish a commission with wide powers to deal with data privacy issues in Nigeria. This created a problem between foreign organisations and the Nigerian market, as the former could not trust the latter. So, the NDPA came into play as the principal data legislation in Nigeria. This article will provide an overview of the NDPA, its objectives, basic terminology, scope of application, principles, and penalties. Objectives of the Nigerian Data Protection Act (NDPA) There’s something about data that’s invaluable. A look at the estimated amount of data generated worldwide—2.5 quintillion bytes—proves how much the world uses data. While individuals can pretend to not need data, companies dare not say so. They need data to run promotions, for market expansions, product diversification and most importantly, digital marketing Now, companies are not the only users of data; cybercriminals obsess over it too. And they don’t care about who/what gets hurt. So, Organizations have to implement data protection systems against unauthorized access, loss, or compromise of data. So, how does the NDPA help out? The primary objective of the NDPA is to safeguard the fundamental rights and freedom of privacy as guaranteed under the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The objectives of the NDPA in detail are: To protect the rights of data subjects by making sure personal data is processed in a lawful, fair, and transparent manner. This aligns with the basic principles of data protection. To provide a legal framework for the regulation and protection of personal data. Also a means of rectifying the rights of data subjects breached. To ensure data controllers and processors comply with their obligations to data subjects To promote data security and privacy in data processing activities in Nigeria. To ensure the inclusion of Nigeria in the regional and global economies through trusted use of personal data. Basic terminologies in NDPA. The Nigerian Data Protection Act has unique terminology. Here are some definitions to help you get started. Data controller Is an individual, private entity, public commission, agency, or any other body that, alone or jointly with others, determines the purpose and means of processing data. Data Processor The act describes a data processor as an individual, private entity, public authority, or any other body who processes data on behalf of a data controller or another data processor. Personal data Any information that relates directly or indirectly to an identified or identifiable individual by reference to an identifier, e.g., name, age, identity number, location ID, factors specific to the physical, psychological, cultural, social, or economic state of the individual. Sensitive personal data The act defined sensitive data as personal data relating to an individual’s Genetic and biometric data Ethnic origin Religious or similar beliefs, such as philosophy or conscience,. Sex life Health status Political opinion Trade union membership And other information deemed sensitive by the commission. Scope and Application of the Nigerian Data Protection Act The NDPA applies to the processing of personal data by data controllers and processors belonging to data subjects in Nigeria. The NDPA mandatorily applies in the following instances: Where the data processing takes place is Nigeria. The organisation processing data is not located in the country but processes data belonging to a Nigerian citizen. The data controller or processor is resident, domiciled, or operating in Nigeria. It’s important to note that the location of the controller or processor doesn’t matter as long as the data subject is in Nigeria; the NDPA applies. However, the Nigeria Data Protection Act has limitations. The Nigerian Data Protection Act does not apply to the processing of personal data carried out by one or more persons solely for personal or household purposes. Also, it’s important to know that this exemption applies when such processing doesn’t violate the fundamental rights of a data subject. Additionally, the NDPA will not apply if the processing of personal data is carried out by a competent authority for any of the following purposes: the prevention, investigation, detection, prosecution, or adjudication of a criminal offense or to execute a criminal penalty in accordance with any applicable law; to prevent or control a national public health emergency; for national security; in respect of publication in the public interest for journalism, educational, artistic and literary purposes to the extent that such obligations and rights are incompatible with such purposes; or necessary to establish, exercise, or defend legal claims, whether in court proceedings or in an administrative or out-of-court procedure Basic Principles of the Nigerian Data Protection Act (NDPA) Just like most data protection regulations around the world, the NDPA has principles guiding organisations to compliance. Consent Organisations must get the full consent of the data subjects before collecting, processing, and storing data. The subjects must give consent freely with no trace of foul play. The data subjects also have the right to withdraw their consent. Now, data processing is lawful without consent when carried out: To protect the interests of the data subject or another person, where the subject is physically or legally incapable of giving consent. To establish, defend a legal claim, get legal advice, or carry out a legal proceeding. To carry out a contract to which the data subject is a third party. To conduct a task of public interest.
Data Protection Officer: Why You Need One As a SME in Nigeria
As a small to medium-sized enterprise (SME) in Nigeria, running a business in this economy is tough. Every naira counts, and every decision feels like a tightrope walk. Between managing staff and staying ahead of the competition, there’s so much to juggle. But here’s the thing: a hidden threat beneath the surface is a data breach waiting to happen. Data breaches are real, and small businesses are easy to target. So what can you do? That’s where a data protection officer comes in. A DPO helps your business follow the regulations stated in the data protection bill. What is a Data Protection officer? A data protection officer ensures an organization follows data protection laws and regulations. An example of this regulation is the NDPR or GDPR. These regulations help protect customers’ personal information from data breaches. What is The Role of a Data Protection Officer in Business? Below are a few things a data protection officer does: DPOs provide advice on how to complete data protection impact assessments. Data protection is a process that helps identify and manage risks They help to carry out assessments to ensure that all workers stick to NDPC DPOs ensure that they take a risk-based approach whenever a suspected breach occurs. Benefits of Having A DPO As A SME in Nigeria A report by Techcabal shows that Nigeria experienced a 64% increase in data breach in 2023. This is higher compared to 2022. With this increase, it’s clearly obvious that Nigerian businesses need a DPO to help protect individuals’ data. Here are some benefits of having a data protection officer in your organization: Data Breaches Can Wreck Your Business If hackers steal your customer info, it’s a big problem. Your company could face fines, and you could lose customers. When this occurs, it might take ages to fix your reputation. Furthermore, data breaches can spread like wildfire online. At the end, your business will be hurt badly. DPOs Make Data Security Easy A DPO helps you build a shield around your customer information. They create clear rules on handling data, train your staff on what to do, and check for weaknesses in your system. This keeps your data safe and saves you time and money in the long run. DPOs Help You Work Smarter Having a lot of customer information can be both helpful and confusing. A DPO helps you organize it all, making it easier to find what you need. This saves time and reduces the chance of mistakes that could lead to a data breach. DPOs Make You More Trustworthy Statistics show that 62% of people are more likely to do business with someone they trust. These days, people worry about who has their information. Having a DPO shows customers you take their privacy seriously. That can give you a leg up on the competition. Does My Business Need A Data Protection Officer Under NDPC? Knowing if you need a DPO as a business under NDPC depends on the nature of your data processing activity. Below is a breakdown of the key factors to consider: 1. Mandatory DPO Appointment The NDPC states that any organization that falls under any of these categories needs to have a DPO: If you’re a public authority, for example, a government body. This doesn’t include courts Your business regularly tracks a large amount of customer data If your business handles special data like health information or religious beliefs 2. Voluntary DPO Appointment Even if not mandatory, appointing a DPO is good practice if: Your business processes a significant amount of personal data. Especially for marketing or profiling purposes. Your business deals with a high volume of data subject requests e.g., access requests. You operate in an industry with a high risk of data breaches (e.g., finance, healthcare). Requirements For Appointing a Data Protection Officer Under NDPC If you’re an organization in Nigeria under NDPC , you aren’t allowed to just appoint anyone as your DPO. There are some requirements to be met before choosing a DPO. Here are some of them: For the registration of your DPO, you’ll have to submit the individual’s name and data privacy requirements. This is in line with section 32(1) of the Nigerian Data Protection Act. This section states, “Data controllers handling significant amounts of data must appoint a DPO with expertise in data protection law.” The DPO must have expertise in Nigerian data protection laws and practices. The DPO must have an in-depth understanding of applicable data protection laws. Why Do SMEs Need A Data Protection Officer? As a Small and Medium-sized Enterprise (SME) in Nigeria, you may think that data protection is only a concern for large corporations. However, as businesses increasingly rely on digital tools, SMEs face growing risks of cyberattacks. Here are some reasons why SMEs in Nigeria need a Data Protection Officer: 1. Protection of Sensitive Customer Data As an SME, you likely collect personal data from your customers, such as names, addresses, phone numbers, and financial information. A Data Protection Officer can ensure that this data is properly secured and protected from unauthorized access, theft, or loss. 2. Compliance With Data Protection Regulations Nigeria’s data protection regulations require businesses to appoint a DPO. This is to help oversee data protection practices. A DPO can help your business follow these regulations, avoiding costly fines and reputational damage. 3. Building Trust With Customers and Stakeholders You demonstrate your commitment to data protection and privacy by appointing a Data Protection Officer. This can help build trust with your customers, stakeholders, and business partners. With this, your reputation and competitiveness are enhanced. 4. Mitigating Cyber Security Risks A Data protection officer can help identify and mitigate cyber security risks. This helps to reduce the likelihood of data breaches and cyber-attacks. This is particularly important for SMEs, which may not have the resources to recover from a major data breach. 5. Staying Ahead of The Competition You can differentiate your business from competitors by prioritizing data protection and appointing a Data
