Mitigating Privacy Risks: 9 Data Handling Best Practices
To help businesses navigate the complex landscape of data protection and privacy, we’ve gathered nine insightful tips from professionals in the field, including data scientists and Chief Operating Officers. These experts share their best practices, from using hard storage and encrypted tunnels to the importance of regularly reassessing data protection. Dive into their wisdom to ensure your company’s data handling practices are both effective and compliant.
- Use Hard Storage and Encrypted Tunnels
- Delete Unnecessary PII
- Implement Strict Access Controls
- Adopt Data Encryption
- Conduct Regular DPIAs
- Implement Data Management Protocols
- Practice Data Anonymization
- Establish a Data Shredding Policy
- Reassess Data Protection Regularly
Use Hard Storage and Encrypted Tunnels
Hard storage and encrypted data tunnels are two of the most effective ways to protect data as a data scientist.
Hard storage is a physical device that stores data. It is typically more secure than other forms of storage, such as cloud storage, because it is not connected to the internet. Hard drives are also more resistant to cyber-attacks.
Encrypted data tunnels are used to send and receive data over a network securely. The data is encrypted before it is sent, so unauthorized parties can not read it. Encrypted data tunnels are often used to send sensitive data, such as financial information or medical records.
Anade Davis
Data Scientist, World Blockchain Developers
Delete Unnecessary PII
Companies accumulate data over time, and unfortunately, this also applies to personally identifiable information (PII). When they get breached, this accumulation of data can make the impacts much worse for both the companies and the individuals whose information was taken. If you no longer need specific PII, and are not legally required to keep it, then get rid of it!
Mike Ouwerkerk
Fun, Engaging Cyber Security Awareness Trainer and Cultural Transformation Consultant, Web Safe Staff
Implement Strict Access Controls
One data management practice that I’ve found effective in my experience, especially in our company, is the strict implementation of access controls and permissions.
At our organization, we emphasize the importance of carefully monitoring who can access sensitive data and tailoring their permissions based on their specific roles and responsibilities. This personalized approach significantly reduces the chances of data breaches and unauthorized use.
Furthermore, it fosters a culture of data security and privacy that aligns with both regulations and our commitment to safeguarding sensitive information.
Salim Benadel
Director, Storm Internet
Adopt Data Encryption
One highly effective data-handling practice companies can implement to mitigate privacy risks and ensure compliance with data protection regulations is data encryption. This approach has been adopted at many companies, proving instrumental. Encrypting sensitive data during both its transmission and storage provides a robust defense against unauthorized access.
This not only respects individuals’ privacy but also ensures alignment with regulatory mandates like GDPR or HIPAA. Establishing strong encryption protocols, alongside meticulous access management and regular security assessments, creates a resilient foundation for data protection and compliance.
Nilesh Rakholia
Director, Abelini
Conduct Regular DPIAs
One highly effective data-handling practice that I’ve found valuable at our company to mitigate privacy risks and ensure compliance with data protection regulations is regularly conducting data privacy impact assessments (DPIAs).
I’ve seen how DPIAs involve a systematic evaluation of our data-processing activities. This approach allows us to proactively identify and address potential privacy risks and compliance gaps. It not only helps us comply with regulations like GDPR but also fosters a culture of data protection and transparency within our organization. I can attest to the significance of DPIAs in safeguarding privacy and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Nick Edwards
Managing Director, Snowfinders
Implement Data Management Protocols
One effective data-handling practice that companies can employ to mitigate privacy risks and ensure compliance with data protection regulations is the implementation of Data Management Protocols (DMPs). DMPs provide guidelines for how organizations should handle their customers’ personal information, including how it is collected, stored, accessed, and used.
By having a set of procedures in place that outline the secure handling of data, companies can better protect customer data while also ensuring that they comply with applicable laws and regulations.
Scott Orn
Chief Operating Officer, Kruze Consulting
Practice Data Anonymization
Data anonymization, which involves removing or encrypting personally identifiable information (PII) from datasets, is an effective practice for privacy and compliance. It safeguards sensitive information, reducing the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.
Additionally, it facilitates compliance with data protection regulations like GDPR and HIPAA by ensuring that PII is not exposed, thereby mitigating privacy risks.
Brad Cummins
Founder, Insurance Geek
Establish a Data Shredding Policy
Implement a “data shredding” policy, which involves automatically and permanently deleting unnecessary data beyond retention periods. This practice goes beyond traditional data minimization by actively purging data that no longer serves a legitimate purpose.
By doing so, a company not only reduces the risk of mishandling or breaching sensitive information but also demonstrates a proactive commitment to privacy compliance. Employing automated data-shredding tools can streamline this process, ensuring that personal data isn’t needlessly retained and poses a lower risk to privacy, aligning with the principles of data protection regulations like GDPR and CCPA.
Khanh Tran
Growth Manager, Villa-Ibiza
Reassess Data Protection Regularly
One effective data-handling practice that companies can employ to mitigate privacy risks and ensure compliance with data protection regulations is to continually reassess organizational data protection.
This involves regularly reviewing and updating data protection measures to stay ahead of evolving threats and changing regulations. By regularly assessing and improving data protection practices, companies can identify vulnerabilities, implement necessary safeguards, and ensure the security of sensitive information.
This practice helps companies stay compliant with data protection regulations and reduces the risk of privacy breaches and cyber threats.
Lee Odierno
Personal Injury Lawyer, The Odierno Law Firm, P.C.
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