Vendors in the data governance sector are pushing forward yet neglecting initial stages
With the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) deadline fast approaching, many organizations are scrambling to ensure compliance. However, a significant challenge lies in identifying and managing GDPR-regulated data across all data stores.
A Multi-Step Approach to GDPR Compliance
Organizations can effectively manage and identify GDPR-regulated data by implementing a multi-step approach. This approach includes comprehensive data discovery, mapping, classification, and continuous monitoring.
1. Conduct a Comprehensive Data Audit and Inventory
The first step is to map all personal data processing activities, identifying what personal data is collected, why, where it is stored (including third-party systems), how it flows across systems, who accesses it, and how long it is retained. This inventory provides proof of compliance and helps identify GDPR-regulated data, including special categories such as health or biometric data.
2. Automate Sensitive Data Discovery and Classification
Using automated tools to scan cloud accounts, databases, data warehouses, and data lakes is crucial for locating and classifying sensitive data accurately and efficiently. These tools apply pre-built classifiers to identify personal data across diverse data formats, including structured and semi-structured data types. They also dynamically update the data inventory as new sensitive data is discovered, ensuring ongoing compliance.
3. Develop Custom Classification Taxonomies
To address data unique to specific organizations or localized data types not covered by default classifiers, organizations can define custom taxonomies. This tailored classification enhances detection and management of all GDPR-regulated data relevant to the business.
4. Implement Technical Data Protection Measures
Once sensitive data is identified, organizations should enforce strong protections such as encryption, access controls, and regular security testing. This mitigates risks of data breaches and unauthorized access, aligning with GDPR’s data protection by design and by default principles.
5. Appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO) and Provide Employee Training
A DPO oversees GDPR compliance efforts, including data protection impact assessments and communication with regulators and data subjects. Simultaneously, regular training raises employee awareness about data handling, recognizing data breaches, and compliance obligations.
6. Maintain Transparent Communication and Documentation
Clear communication with data subjects about data collection and processing activities through privacy notices, and keeping detailed records of processing activities, supports audit readiness and demonstrates compliance to supervisory authorities.
7. Conduct Regular GDPR Audits
Regular audits of control mechanisms help proactively identify gaps or weaknesses in compliance, reducing the risk of penalties and ensuring that personal data is processed lawfully and securely.
The Importance of a Strong Data Governance Program
A strong data governance program and a level of automation are required to manage the variety and volume of data. By combining thorough data mapping, automated discovery and classification tools, strong technical and organizational safeguards, and ongoing governance and training practices, organizations can effectively identify and manage GDPR-regulated data across all data stores to ensure compliance and avoid penalties.
Despite the challenges, organizations can take steps to ensure compliance with GDPR. By understanding the regulations and implementing a comprehensive data governance program, organizations can protect their data and their reputation.
- To effectively manage and identify GDPR-regulated data across all data stores, organizations should utilize technology, such as data-and-cloud-computing tools for automating sensitive data discovery and classification.
- In the context of a strong data governance program, businesses can leverage technology to automate the process of identifying and managing GDPR-regulated data, thus ensuring compliance with the General Data Protection Regulation and avoiding potential penalties.
