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GDPR compliance. The scene shows a professional office environment with a diverse team of

GDPR Compliance

GDPR, or the General Data Protection Regulation, is a comprehensive set of data protection rules that governs how organisations handle personal data within the EU and UK.

 

For small to medium-sized businesses without in-house expertise, navigating GDPR compliance can be challenging but is crucial. Compliance with GDPR regulations not only ensures that your business adheres to legal data protection standards but also builds trust with your customers by demonstrating a commitment to safeguarding their personal information.

 

By implementing robust data protection actions, your organisation can reduce the risk of data breaches, avoid costly fines, and enhance its reputation in the market. Don’t let the complexity of GDPR rules overwhelm you—contact us today for a free consultation, and let our experts guide you through the process of achieving full data protection compliance.

The scene shows a professional office where a data protection officer is actively securing data on a computer screen. The screen displays security features such as padlock icons and encrypted data symbols. Around the desk, there are documents marked with checkmarks for compliance, secure servers, and a lock symbol. The atmosphere is focused and secure, illustrating the process of protecting personal data and ensuring adherence to GDPR regulations.

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The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a regulation in EU law on data protection and privacy in the European Union (EU) and the European Economic Area (EEA). If you operate inside the UK, you need to comply with the Data Protection Act 2018 (DPA 2018).

 GDPR data being hidden on a computer screen. The scene is set in a professional office, with a desk featuring a laptop displaying blurred or obscured personal data to symbolize data protection. The screen shows a padlock icon and security measures being applied to the data. The background includes office elements such as a coffee cup, documents, and secure servers. The atmosphere is serious and secure, emphasizing the importance of protecting personal data under GDPR regulations.

The GDPR aims primarily to give control back to citizens and residents over their personal data and to simplify the regulatory environment for international business by unifying the regulation within the EU.

 

The GDPR applies to all organisations that process the personal data of individuals located in the European Economic Area (EEA), regardless of the organisation's location. The GDPR also applies to organisations that process the personal data of individuals who are not located in the EEA, if the organisation offers goods or services to individuals located in the EEA or monitors their behaviour as far as their behaviour takes place within the EEA.

The provisions of the EU GDPR have been incorporated directly into UK law as the UK GDPR.

a GDPR compliance breach. The scene is a chaotic office environment with a data protection officer looking worried, holding documents stamped with "breach." Computer screens display warning signs and red alert icons. Papers are scattered, and a padlock icon with a broken chain is visible. The atmosphere is tense, emphasizing the seriousness of the situation, with elements like exposed files and unsecured data highlighting the breach.

Our Solutions

The GDPR sets out a number of requirements for organisations that process personal data, including:

Lawfulness, fairness, and transparency: Processing data with a valid legal basis, being open about its use, and not processing it for unrelated purposes.

Purpose limitation: Collecting data for specific, legitimate purposes only.

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Data minimisation: Collecting only the necessary data.

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Accuracy: Keeping personal data up-to-date.

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Storage limitation: Retaining data for only as long as necessary.

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Security (Integrity and confidentiality): Implementing appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data.

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Accountability: Being able to demonstrate your compliance.

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Providing individuals with access to their personal data

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Deleting personal data upon request from individuals

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Reporting data breaches to data protection authorities

Organisations that fail to comply with the GDPR may face a number of penalties, including:

Fines of up to €20 million or 4% of global turnover, whichever is greater

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Injunctions to stop processing personal data

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Imprisonment of up to two years​

What Does GDPR Compliance Involve?

Assessment: Understanding what personal data you handle and how.

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Data subject rights: Implementing mechanisms to address requests like subject access, erasure ("right to be forgotten"), rectification, and others.

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Policies and Procedures: Creating clear privacy policies, data breach notification plans, and internal procedures for handling data responsibly.

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Consent (when necessary): Obtaining valid, informed consent for data processing if you don't have another legal basis.

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Data Processing Agreements: Having contracts in place with third parties that process data on your behalf.

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Data Protection Officers: Appointing a DPO in certain cases.

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Privacy by Design & by Default: Building privacy considerations into new projects and settings.

 

If you are an organisation that processes personal data of individuals located in the EEA and UK, OCM Communications can help you to comply with the GDPR by:

GDPR Audit: A comprehensive review of current data handling practices, identifying where the company stands against GDPR requirements.

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Data Mapping: Understanding the types of personal data collected, where it's stored, how it flows through the organisation, and who has access to it.

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Risk Assessment: Identifying potential privacy risks, including  vulnerabilities in systems, processes, and third-party relationships.

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Technical Controls: Implementing security measures like encryption, access controls, firewalls, and data loss prevention (DLP) solutions.

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Vulnerability Scans and Patch Management: Regularly scanning systems for vulnerabilities and ensuring timely software updates to maintain security.

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Training and Awareness: Providing employee training programs on GDPR principles, data handling procedures, and breach recognition.

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Compliance Reviews: Conducting periodic reviews to ensure continued GDPR adherence and adapting to any regulatory changes.

Achieve GDPR peace of mind. Schedule your free initial consultation now.

Frequently Asked Questions About Our GDPR Services – Ensure Your Business is Compliant. Contact OCM Communications Today for Expert Guidance!
  • Firewalls
    Create a security filter between the internet and your network. Firewalls are essential for protecting your internet connection. They act as a barrier between your internal network and external networks (such as the internet), preventing unauthorised access to your systems and data. Organisations must ensure that all devices that connect to the internet are protected by a properly configured firewall.
  • Secure Configuration
    Secure configuration involves setting up computers and network devices to reduce vulnerabilities. This includes changing default settings, disabling unnecessary features, and ensuring that only essential software is installed and running. Organisations need to ensure that devices and software are configured securely from the outset to minimise security risks.
  • User Access Control
    User access control ensures that only authorised individuals have access to systems and data. This involves implementing user accounts with appropriate privileges and using strong, unique passwords. It also includes restricting administrative privileges to only those who need them for their role.
  • Malware Protection
    Malware protection involves deploying anti-malware solutions to detect and prevent malicious software from infecting systems. This includes using antivirus software and other security tools to scan and protect against malware. Organisations must ensure that their anti-malware software is up-to-date and configured to scan for malware regularly
  • Software Security Updates
    Security update management, or patch management, ensures that software and devices are kept up-to-date with the latest security patches and updates. This reduces vulnerabilities that could be exploited by attackers. Organisations need to implement a process to regularly update and patch systems to protect against known threats.
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