Here's how you can safeguard data privacy and security while using new technology.

Ignorance is no excuse. I have been appalled several times recently when working with clients by their complete lack of understanding of privacy laws and regulations. The data owner (the client) has ultimate responsibility for making sure that their customers' data is secured and respected wherever it goes. You can't just rely on a database vendor or CDP to do everything for you.

To adequately protect data, you must first know what it is being protected from. Unauthorized access, data breaches, and cyberattacks are examples of common dangers. Every new technology you use could have a unique set of weaknesses. For instance, if they are not adequately protected, Internet of Things (IoT) devices may serve as entry points for hackers. You can learn about these dangers and how they could impact your particular devices. A solid data protection plan is built on this information.

Next, you should draft a thorough data privacy and security policy. This document should contain your organization's data handling policies, including data collection, storage, and sharing procedures. Remember to discuss how new technologies will operate with this structure. The California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) are two examples of pertinent laws and regulations that your policy should abide by. Could you update this policy often to consider new developments in technology and security?

A fundamental component of data protection is safe access to technology. Employ multi-factor authentication (MFA) and other robust authentication techniques to ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive systems and data. When an employee tries to access a marketing analytics platform, for example, they may be asked to provide a password, fingerprint scan, or a cellphone prompt to confirm their identity. This layer of protection dramatically decreases the chance of unwanted access.

Data is transformed into a code through encryption to guard against unwanted access. Encrypt critical data while it's in transit and at rest. For instance, client data kept on your servers ought to be encrypted to prevent data eavesdropping and unauthorized access, even in the event of physical access. Likewise, information transmitted via the internet, like in an email marketing campaign, must be encrypted to prevent interception.

Regular audits of your security procedures and technology can help find weaknesses before attackers can exploit them. You must review your systems, apps, and data handling practices to ensure they are secure and adhere to your data privacy policy. Could you assess any new social media tool you use for targeted advertising, for example, to ensure it's not exposing your network to attacks or leaking client data?

Employee education is essential to preserving the security and privacy of data. Could you teach your employees the value of data protection and their part in the process? They ought to understand how to use new technology properly and any possible problems that may come with them. For example, please ensure all users know how to handle sensitive client information within the platform when implementing a new customer relationship management (CRM) system.

One effective way to safeguard data privacy and security while using new technology is to implement robust encryption practices. Ensure all sensitive data is encrypted both in transit and at rest. Use strong, unique passwords and enable multi-factor authentication for all accounts. Regularly update software to patch vulnerabilities, and employ firewalls and antivirus programs to protect against threats. Additionally, educate your team on data privacy best practices and the importance of maintaining security protocols. This approach helps protect sensitive information and mitigates the risk of data breaches.