Data protection laws and regulations have become more stringent around the world; how businesses, individuals, and government bodies handle sensitive data is strictly monitored.
This increase in security should come as no surprise, as countries across the globe are faced with the unique new-age challenge of protecting their citizens from data mismanagement and nefarious activity.
There is so much data flowing around the web because users and customers in all industries sharing their sensitive information with companies, organizations, and third-party apps.
The need to create more stringent data protection laws becomes paramount. For example, healthcare institutions need to mitigate patient data risks for telehealth purposes and digitization.
Meanwhile, financial institutions must invest in innovative solutions to protect sensitive financial data.
5 Key Principles For Data Protection
Regardless of the industry or niche, you’re in, ensuring compliance with data protection laws in the areas you operate in is of the utmost importance. Here are the key principles to help you handle data the right way in 2023.
Ensuring Complete Website Security
If you have a website that handles sensitive customer information such as patient data, credit cards, and other financial information, one of your top priorities should be securing your website from potential threats.
Aside from the data protection laws and regulations you must adhere to in your region. You also need to think of data protection as a way to keep your brand’s reputation safe.
Make sure to monitor the activity on your website and run an unauthorized content change check along with regular pen testing to ensure the protection of your servers and your website as a whole.
Turn on multi-factor authentication for all admin accounts and minimize access to non-essential personnel.
Ensure that the portals or third-party tools you use for payment processing or data storage are safe and secure with the latest software and hardware firewalls.
Enhancing Data Processing Security
Businesses process vast amounts of user, customer, and consumer data on a daily basis, which they must process and store on secured servers and applications to avoid data breaches.
Ensure your hosting provider also invests in cybersecurity and that your cloud provider has a proactive approach to data security to keep your servers safe all year round.
If you are processing sensitive data on your website through proprietary or third-party providers, you can conduct regular penetration and cybersecurity testing to make sure your firewalls stay resilient.
Additionally, make data processing security a priority by conducting data security training in your organization.
Ensuring KYC Compliance
KYC means “know your customer” or “know your client,” and it means identifying and verifying a user’s identity.
Ensuring KYC compliance means identifying potential risks and malicious user behavior and maximizing the security of your network through thorough user screening and evaluation.
This step is essential when protecting your business and customers from illegal and fraudulent activity.
Companies can ensure KYC compliance through automated tools rather than spend resources on manual user evaluation, which is a good way to minimize costs while maximizing efficiency.
Data Security In Healthcare Software Development
Proprietary applications are built in every industry in the world, but the healthcare sector is seeing widespread adoption of new software solutions to support the ever-rising need for telehealth and digitized services.
The need for digitization brings healthcare into the 21st century, but it also poses numerous data concerns and challenges that business leaders need to address.
In the current state of healthcare software development and Medtech, the emphasis is put on the data processing security and how new applications keep individual patient information safe.
These applications not only provide encrypted communication tools but also allow for safe data transfer and even integrate secure payment platforms so that patients can safely pay for telehealth services.
Monitoring Regional Laws And Regulations
Last but not least, you must stay on top of the latest regulations and data protection laws in individual countries and regions.
Keep in mind that these regulations can vary between states and especially between countries, so if you’re operating in the US as well as in Europe, you have to make sure that your legal and data departments are up to the task.
If you’re operating in Europe, abiding by GDPR equipped with these tips will guarantee your protection online and the protection of your European customers.
Keep your data protection policies up to date throughout the year, and revise and update your security systems as new regulations appear.
Wrapping Up
Data protection laws are becoming more stringent by the year, with Europe and the Americas going to great lengths to ensure the protection of sensitive data for individuals and organizations.
Whether you are in healthcare, finance, or any other industry that deals with sensitive customer information. You should make every effort to follow these principles to ensure compliance with data protection regulations in your country and abroad.