How can you ensure your network security system complies with GDPR?

1 Understand the scope and principles of GDPR

The first step to ensure your network security system complies with GDPR is to understand what it covers and what it requires. GDPR applies to any organization that processes personal data of individuals in the EU, regardless of where the organization is based or where the data is stored. Personal data is any information that can identify or relate to a natural person, such as name, email, location, IP address, health records, biometric data, etc. GDPR is based on six principles that you must follow when processing personal data: lawfulness, fairness, and transparency; purpose limitation; data minimization; accuracy; storage limitation; and integrity and confidentiality.

2 Conduct a data protection impact assessment

The second step to ensure your network security system complies with GDPR is to conduct a data protection impact assessment (DPIA). This is a process that helps you identify and evaluate the risks and impacts of your data processing activities on the rights and freedoms of individuals. A DPIA is mandatory when your processing is likely to result in a high risk to the data subjects, such as when you use new technologies, process sensitive data, or monitor behavior. A DPIA should include a description of the processing, the purpose and legal basis, the necessity and proportionality, the risks and mitigations, and the safeguards and measures to ensure compliance.

3 Implement appropriate technical and organizational measures

The third step to ensure your network security system complies with GDPR is to implement appropriate technical and organizational measures to protect the personal data you process. This means that you must apply the principles of data protection by design and by default, and ensure that your network security system is built and operated with data protection in mind. Some of the technical measures you should consider are encryption, pseudonymization, anonymization, firewalls, antivirus, backups, access control, logging, auditing, etc. Some of the organizational measures you should consider are policies, procedures, training, awareness, contracts, agreements, etc.

4 Respect the rights of data subjects

The fourth step to ensure your network security system complies with GDPR is to respect the rights of data subjects. Data subjects are the individuals whose personal data you process, and they have certain rights under GDPR that you must honor. These rights include the right to be informed, the right to access, the right to rectification, the right to erasure, the right to restrict processing, the right to data portability, the right to object, and the right to not be subject to automated decision-making. You must provide clear and easy ways for data subjects to exercise their rights, and respond to their requests within a reasonable time frame.

5 Report and respond to data breaches

The fifth step to ensure your network security system complies with GDPR is to report and respond to data breaches. A data breach is any incident that compromises the security, confidentiality, or availability of personal data. You must notify the relevant data protection authority (DPA) within 72 hours of becoming aware of a data breach, unless the breach is unlikely to result in a risk to the data subjects. You must also inform the affected data subjects without undue delay, if the breach is likely to result in a high risk to their rights and freedoms. You must document the facts, effects, and actions taken regarding the breach, and take measures to prevent or mitigate further damage.

6 Monitor and review your compliance

The sixth and final step to ensure your network security system complies with GDPR is to monitor and review your compliance. GDPR is not a one-time project, but an ongoing process that requires constant attention and improvement. You should regularly check and update your network security system, your data protection policies and procedures, your DPIAs, your contracts and agreements, your staff training and awareness, etc. You should also be prepared for audits and inspections by the DPAs, and cooperate with them in case of inquiries or complaints. You should also keep an eye on the changes and developments in the data protection landscape, and adapt accordingly.

7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?