Data Protection Impact Assessments: Why You Need One
With advancements in tech, the process of collecting, and storing data was expected to be smooth. Unfortunately, the use of the internet for data collection and transfers exposes it to more threats. The owners of the data collected are now vulnerable, as their data can suffer accidental loss or compromise. In the wrong hands, sensitive data can be destructive e.g. impersonation, targeted attacks, and the likes. What do organizations do then? They devise means of data protection, guided by data protection laws around the world. As a precautionary method, data controllers (entities that collect and determine the purpose of data processing) are required to carry out a data protection impact assessment. What is a Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA)? Data Protection Impact Assessment is the process of determining the level of risks involved with collecting personal data for a project. All projects come with risks, as long as data is involved. The main issue is how prepared data controllers are to contain the risks. Given that it is impossible to fight an unknown enemy, the purpose of a DPIA is made more obvious. A Data Protection Impact Assessment will identify the risks and also find ways to reduce the impact. The Importance of A Data Protection Impact Assessment Organizations stand to lose everything unless they perform DPIA. Think about it: no one would keep money in a bank prone to robberies. The same principle applies in this case. Clients trust organizations to keep their data safe. Regular data loss or compromise will do enough damage to shut down a company. A DPIA ensures data controllers are aware of risks to data and ready to curtail them. Threats to organizations’ reputations are thus averted. Besides that, organizations can avoid penalties of data protection laws around the world. The GDPR, for example, deems a DPIA necessary under certain circumstances. So, carrying out a Data Protection Impact Assessment is important to achieve GDPR- compliance. When is a DPIA Required? According to the Nigeria Data Protection Regulation (NDPR), it is necessary in situations where they process highly sensitive data. Sensitive data under the NDPR refers to personal data relating to an individual’s: And others, as determined by Section 30(2) of the NDPR. A DPIA is required when the data handled belongs to sensitive or differently-abled subjects. Systematic monitoring, large-scale profiling, automated decision-making with legal effects, and the application of new technological solutions are some of the situations that need a DPIA. On the flipside, data protection impact assessment is not required where data processing is not likely to result in high risk to rights and freedoms of persons. Honestly, organizations should carry out a DPIA when handling a new project. To be on the safe side. Who Should Be Included in DPIA? The controller is 100% responsible for carrying out a DPIA. Other groups are involved in the process, but the data controller is held most accountable Now, the data controller may choose to outsource the process to a third party. Especially when the organization lacks the expertise, experience, or personnel to conduct it. A project deemed risky may also warrant the use of a data protection service consultancy. Since the process is likely to affect several aspects of a project, it is necessary to involve engineers, developers, and designers. They will be able to shed more light on the DPIA process. The data protection impact assessment should be carried out with the utmost care. This requires a team of professionals well-versed in the DPIA process. Whether overseen internally by the organization or outsourced to a consultancy, the GDPR and the Data Protection Bill mandate the appointment of a Data Protection Officer (DPO). Who is a DPO? A Data Protection Officer is a person overseeing the process of a Data Protection Impact Assessment. A DPO can be outsourced by a data protection service consultancy, if an organization lacks the personnel for it. Lastly, data subjects must be involved when carrying out a DPIA. This will show transparency while taking the concerns of the subjects into consideration. How To Do a DPIA Conducting a data protection impact assessment is serious business. Doing it the wrong way can cost an organization valuable time and money. To make the process simpler, here is a DPIA template you can follow. Step 1: Identify The Need. It will be futile to carry out a Data Protection Impact Assessment where it is not important. Below are some questions to determine if it’s necessary. Step 2: Context If you answered yes to any of the above questions, then you can move on to this step. Here, you have to be clear and specific. Be as detailed as possible. Step 3: Describe the Flow of Information. For extra clarity, make use of a flow diagram. Step 4: Identify and Assess the Privacy Risks. Make a list of the identified risks, their impacts, and the likelihood of their occurrence. Step 5: Make a Risk-reduction Plan. Once the risks have been identified, the next is to create a counterplan. How do you intend to curtail the effect of each of the risks? Document your plans, leaving no stone unturned. The expected result of the counterplan should also be documented. Step 6: Delegation Assign a part of the process to several personnel for greatest effectiveness. Record who oversees what and the stipulated time frame for the activity. Step 7: Reassess the Entire System. Double-check all the identified risks, impacts, and likelihoods against the control methods. This will cut all loopholes. These 7 steps are enough to get an idea of how to conduct a Data Protection Impact Assessment. DPIA vs. PIA The Data Protection Impact Assessment and Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) are tools that organization use to estimate privacy risks to personal data in projects. While the former is a specific and mandatory requirement of the GDPR, any organization can use PIA to assess the privacy impacts of their activities. DPIA is legally necessary in certain cases within the EU, while PIA is the best data protection practice and privacy compliance globally. Conclusion In compliance with data
How to Choose the Right Data Protection Service Consultancy In Nigeria
is a necessity for every functioning organization. While it is important, most organisations need assistance in the form of data protection service consultancy. In this article, you will learn what a data protection service consultancy is, its needs, the services, and how to choose the right consultancy. What is a Data Protection Service Consultancy? It’s a service that provides organisations with expert advice on how to protect sensitive data from loss, compromise, or unauthorised access. Data protection service consultancy includes a general assessment of the existing system. It is compliance with data protection regulations and the identification of potential data breaches. Also, data protection practices are implemented. This service may also include employee training on safeguarding data. What is the Need for Data Protection Service Consultancy? Data collection, processing, and use form the core of every organisation, small or large. In recent times, there has been a rise in ransomware and phishing attacks on companies’ databases. Hence, the need to protect data from such threats, mishandling, and loss. Due to the importance of data protection, several laws and regulations have been established. These guide businesses on how to protect the sensitive information of their clients, making the process more complex. On one hand, organisations need data protection; on the other, they do not know how. This is where data protection service consultancy comes in. At a cost, organisations can have their entire data security system appraised and updated by agencies well-versed in the area. Services Covered by Data Protection Consultancy 1. Data Protection Audits This is the process that takes a critical look at the data protection practices of an organisation to determine its effectiveness. Data Protection Audits are important for businesses to identify inadequacies in their protection systems. Are data protection audits compulsory? Yes, they are. As a matter of fact, the ICO (Information Commissioner Office) has the power to carry out compulsory audits of organisations according to S146 of the Data Protection Act, 2018. So, if you know anything about protecting data, you might want to have an audit as soon as possible. 2. Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) Data protection impact assessment is a process that helps identify and reduce the data protection risks associated with a project. DPIA is carried out when a project is large, deals with personal data, or processes the data of sensitive individuals. Resource: Why You Need A DPIA A data protection service consultant will determine the risk and provide a solid plan on how to reduce it to the smallest. Not sure if you need a DPIA? Check the ISO checklist. 3. Data Protection Training Data protection training is an important part of data protection service consultancy, where staff and stakeholders of organisations are educated on the laws and best practices in data protection. The scope of data protection training largely depends on what the business needs.For example, a company unable to follow GDPR will undergo GDPR compliance training. It is also important that data protection training be conducted at reasonable intervals. 4. GDPR Compliance The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a set of rules made to protect the data of European Union (EU) citizens. The consequences of non-compliance with these rules can be dire—up to 4% of annual global turnover, or €20 million. As part of the activities covered, a consultancy will check your organisation’s data protection system for inadequacies and offer help to ensure it becomes GDPR compliant. 5. Outsourced Data Protection Officer (DPO) Data protection consultancies also help organisations with compliance and data protection regulations like the GDPR by assigning a professional well-versed in the laws and practices of data safety. Outsourced DPO services are beneficial to small businesses, especially. Since they don’t have the internal resources to fulfil the role. Resource: Why You Need a DPO Another benefit of this service is that businesses can avoid the extra cost of hiring a full-time employee. Also, they gain full access to expert guidance at the same time. The roles of a DPO include: Monitoring Compliance: Ensures the organization adheres to data protection laws and policies. Advising on Legal Obligations: Provides guidance on compliance with data protection regulations. Risk Assessment: Identifies and mitigates data protection risks in organizational processes. Conducting Audits: Evaluates internal practices to ensure alignment with data protection standards. Liaison with Authorities: Acts as the point of contact for supervisory authorities like data protection regulators. Employee Training: Educates staff about their responsibilities regarding data protection. Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs): Oversees and advises on DPIAs to evaluate the impact of processing activities on data protection. Handling Data Breaches: Manages and reports data breaches as required by law. Fostering Data Privacy Culture: Promotes awareness of data protection principles across the organization. 6. Data Localization Data localisation is the act of keeping data in the region it originated from. For example, if an organisation gets data from Nigeria, they store the data in Nigeria. In times when data can be transferred over the internet at lightning speed, the movement of data and its use have the interest of all data protection stakeholders. Consultancies help businesses localise data by offering data centres or cloud services that have data centres in the required locations. This data protection service reduces the cost of setting up several data centres from scratch for businesses operating in many countries and offers premium data protection. 7. Data Breach Management Many enterprises fall victim to data breaches once in a while. What is more important is how it is managed. Data protection consultancies offer this service to help organisations overcome such occurrences by creating and initiating an incident response plan, assembling an incident response team, and sending public notifications. 8. Data Digitization Data digitisation is the process of converting analogue information to digital format. Organisations handling significant amounts of sensitive data must use this service. These include financial institutions, legal practices, and medical facilities. The digitisation of data makes it easier for them to protect the personal data of their clients. How to Choose the Right Data Protection Service Consultancy When it comes to data protection, one size does not fit all. For that, selecting the right consultancy is
What to Know About Data Protection and Data Protection Principles
Understand data protection and its importance, know the best practices and regulations including top trends in the world of data protection
