
As data moved into the digital world, it became essential for its protection. Therefore, numerous cyber safety measures were put in place – from creating rules around how private information was stored to ensuring organizations maintained secure data privacy policies. Failing to do so could lead to dire consequences and make valuable assets vulnerable.
The U.S. healthcare sector faces an array of intricate regulations, such as HIPAA compliance and PCI-DSS requirements for collecting payment card data. GDPR is a more extensive piece of legislation which must be followed by any business selling goods or services to EU citizens in order to protect their personal information from misuse..
Understanding data privacy can be a daunting task for any organization. Beyond industry regulations and international standards, there are myriad local laws governing how organizations handle sensitive information -and the landscape is constantly shifting with updates to rules that could significantly impact operations if businesses fail to comply.
By 2024, the vast majority of citizens will see their data safeguarded by cutting-edge privacy regulations
Advancing technology has led to an urgent need for revised data privacy standards. By 2023, four states will have taken the lead in this initiative – Colorado, Utah, Connecticut and Virginia – each introducing updated rules designed to keep citizens’ information secure while drilling down into a digital age of accountability.
Businesses must keep their data privacy regulations updated, or face dire consequences. Failing to comply with the necessary standards can lead to hefty fines, but if security measures have been neglected even further repercussions may be unavoidable.
HIPAA has a unique enforcement system – with fines starting at $100 and skyrocketing as high as $50,000 per breached record for more serious cases of negligence. Companies must be vigilant to ensure compliance or face costly consequences!
Does all that sound scary?
Need help navigating the ever-evolving data privacy landscape? We’ve got you covered! Check out our helpful tips and stay up to date with all the latest updates.
Managing data privacy compliance can be a complex process
1. It’s essential to stay on top of regulations and know the ones you must abide by
Does your organization have the knowledge to remain in compliance
Industry
Where you sell (e.g., if you sell to the EU)
Statewide
City or county
Federal (e.g., for government contractors)
Be aware of the ever-changing data privacy regulations out there! Knowing which ones you are subject to can help prevent any unexpected issues from arising. Stay informed and up-to-date on all applicable laws so that no surprises come your way.
2. Keeping up with ever-evolving data privacy regulations?
Don’t be caught off guard by unexpected changes to data privacy rules – stay in the loop with updates from the official website of your compliance authority. Make sure that you’re getting reliable, up-to-date information so you can make informed decisions about what’s best for your company.
If you work in healthcare, ensure your business is up-to-date with all the necessary regulations by signing up for HIPAA updates at HIPAA.gov. Doing so will help protect and inform yourself on any changes made to help keep your business compliant!
To ensure that critical updates don’t slip through the cracks, be sure to send them out to both your security officer and an additional responsible party – this way you’ll have someone consistently on duty keeping a watchful eye.
3. Take the time each year to step back and review your data security standards
Every company is on a relentless mission to become more advanced and efficient. Whether that means introducing new hardware or initiating groundbreaking enterprise transitions, technological development never ceases – all in the pursuit of progress!
When new employees join your IT environment, the wrong mobile device or cloud tool can be risky business. Just one misstep and you could find yourself out of compliance – so it’s important to foster an atmosphere where all technology introduced is closely monitored for security purposes.
Staying on top of data security and privacy requirements is essential to ensuring your business remains strong. Make sure you review them regularly, at least once a year, for continued peace-of-mind that all relevant regulations are being met.
4. Ensure that your security protocols are up to date by auditing them regularly
Every year, it’s important to check in on your policies and procedures — these are the written guidelines that lay out how everyone should behave when it comes to things like data security. They keep us all up-to-date with what needs protecting and empower employees who need help dealing with breaches.
Keep your security policies up-to-date annually and whenever there are changes to data privacy regulations. Don’t get left behind – review any new requirements so you can stay ahead of the curve!
5. Keep your safeguards up to date!
Data privacy is an ever-evolving field, so it’s important to stay ahead of the curve
Look at three areas of your IT security:
Technical safeguards – Systems, devices, software, etc.
Administrative safeguards – Policies, manuals, training, etc.
Physical safeguards – Doors, keypads, building security, etc.
6. It’s essential that employees stay up-to-date on compliance and data privacy policies
As data privacy laws are subject to change, it’s important for employees to stay up-to-date with the latest developments. Be sure that when news surfaces about a policy update, you incorporate this into your training plan — and remain in the know!
To ensure optimal security, ongoing cybersecurity training for staff is essential to sharpen their defenses against potential cyber-attacks and keep everyone aware of the importance of data protection. Include updates they need to know about so they can be properly prepared.
Keeping accurate records of your training sessions is key to maximizing the security of your organization. Be sure to document the date, participants, and topics covered in each session — that way you’ll have irrefutable proof that can be used if a breach ever strikes!
Need to make sure your systems measure up?
Navigating the world of data privacy doesn’t have to be a daunting task. Let our experienced team take the wheel; Contact us today for a free consultation and guidance!
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