Data protection is a necessity for every functioning organization. While it is important, most organizations need assistance in the form of data protection service consultancy.
In this article, you can expect to know 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 is a service that provides organizations (data controllers) with expert advice and help on how to protect sensitive data from loss, compromise, or unauthorized access in their possession.
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. In addition, 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 organization, small or large. In recent times, there has been a rise in ransomware and phishing attacks on companies’ databases. Hence there is a need to protect data from such threats, mishandling, and loss.
Due to the importance of data protection, several laws and regulations like the NDPA have been established. These guide businesses on how to protect the sensitive information of their clients, making the process more complex.
On one hand, organizations need data protection; on the other, they do not know how. This is where data protection service consultancy comes in. At a cost, organizations 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 organization 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 organizations 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 data belonging to sensitive individuals.
A data protection service consultant will help determine the extent of the risk and provide you with a solid plan on how to reduce it to the minimum. 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 organizations are educated on the laws, regulations, and best practices in data protection. The scope of data protection training largely depends on what the business needs.
For example, a company finding it difficult to follow GDPR will undergo GDPR compliance training. It is also important that data protection training should 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 citizens of the European Union (EU). The consequences of non-compliance to 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 organization’s data protection system for inadequacies and offer assistance to ensure it becomes or stays GDPR compliant.
5. Outsourced Data Protection Officer (DPO)
Data protection consultancies also help organizations 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 do not have the internal resources to fulfill the role. Another benefit of this service is that businesses can avoid the extra cost of hiring a full-time employee and gain full access to expert guidance at the same time.
Asides the mentioned benefits, many data protection laws like the Data Protection Bill of Nigeria, mandate organizations to appoint a DPO.
6. Data Localization
Data localization is the act of keeping data in the region it originated from. For example, if an organization 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 localize data by offering data centers or cloud services that have data centers in the required locations. This data protection service reduces the cost of setting up several data centers from scratch for businesses operating in many countries and offers premium data protection.
7. Data Breach Management
Even enterprises with the strictest data protection systems 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 organizations overcome such occurrences by creating and initiating an incident-response plan, assembling an incident-response team, and sending public notifications.
8. Data Digitization
Data digitization is the process of converting analog information to digital format. Organizations handling significant amounts of sensitive data must use this service.
These include financial institutions, legal practices, and medical facilities. The digitization 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 of utmost importance. Considering the rise of data breaches and threats, you should check the following factors to ensure you choose the right data protection consultancy:
One factor to consider is the level of expertise and experience of the consultancy. How long have they been in the business? What is the success rate of their projects so far? How fatal were the instances of failure? Review the client’s testimonials to learn about their reputation.
What else to consider when choosing a data protection service consultancy is the collaborative skills of the consultant. It takes a team to successfully implement data protection, and the consultant must possess good communication skills.
Lastly, the right data protection service consultancy must have an in-depth understanding of data protection regulations. As a business with operations in Nigeria, it’s best to use a consultancy specialized in the NDPA (Nigerian Data Protection Act) and NDPR-licensed.
What is the Cost of Data Protection Consultancy Services?
The costs of data protection consulting services vary depending on several factors. Factors like the differences in the level of expertise, area of specialization, and location affect the cost.
By all means, cost is an important factor to consider when choosing a data protection service consultancy. Although this shouldn’t be the core criteria, the value you are getting should be.
In Conclusion
Data protection service consultancy is necessary for enterprises trying to protect their data. It assists organizations in navigating the complex nature of protecting data.
It can help you in avoiding high fines, and loss of customer trust and interest in your company. You can help your company’s PR by taking your data protection seriously. This is why you need to choose the right data protection service. Don’t settle for a one-size-fits-all approach.
Johan Consults can help you with a customized plan that safeguards your sensitive information, you can focus on what you do best – running your business. Johan Consult is a consultancy that boasts a proven track record and a deep understanding of data protection regulations in Nigeria, Kenya, and the United Kingdom.
Take action today and safeguard your future with Johan consults Data Protection Consultancy.
