The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) obliges companies to ensure data security from its conception. What it calls “by design and by default”. This means integrating privacy and security measures into their processes from the initial phase of developing products, services or systems that involve the processing of personal data, also in internal management procedures. Its practical application in the business environment covers different key areas, such as internal training, supplier relations and customer service.
The basis is to minimize the information collected, integrate security measures into the processes and, finally, offer users greater control over their data. In this sense, staff training is essential to avoid security breaches. All employees must know their responsibilities in the management of personal data and have ongoing training on the GDPR. Including training programs from the incorporation of a worker and periodically reinforcing their knowledge helps prevent errors that can lead to unwanted situations. In addition, conducting incident simulations can improve the ability to respond to possible violations.
Regarding the relationship with suppliers, any company that shares data with third parties must ensure that they comply with the regulations. It is essential that service contracts include specific privacy and data protection clauses. In addition, it is recommended to regularly audit suppliers to verify compliance and clearly define responsibilities in the processing of information.
Another key aspect is customer service, an area in which companies must guarantee the privacy of the information they manage. For this reason, it is essential to use secure communication channels, inform customers about the use that will be made of their data and facilitate the exercise of their rights, such as access, rectification or opposition to the processing of their personal information.
Now that it has once again come to light that Spain is the country with the most sanctions for data protection breaches, perhaps it is worth remembering that we must start from the beginning of every activity to assess its management. Or rethink what is being done. It is always a good time to review privacy policies, update team training and audit contracts with suppliers. In the medium term, the ideal is to promote an organizational culture of privacy and periodically evaluate the effectiveness of the measures adopted.
Applying data protection by design not only helps avoid penalties, but also strengthens the trust of customers and business partners. Adopting a proactive approach to privacy management is key to ensuring the secure and responsible processing of information.
