Cybersecurity and GDPR: how these 2 worlds are connected
Cybersecurity and GDPR are often seen as two separate worlds. On one side: technical firewalls, Incident Response plans and security protocols. On the other: legal rules, privacy rights and consent forms. But in reality, they fit into one story. Because both revolve around something very concrete: secure data handling.
And that really does not always have to be complicated. Discover, for instance, how to get started with cybersecurity easily.
Cybersecurity is the engine of data protection
The GDPR, or General Data Protection Regulation, sets out how an organisation is supposed to handle personal data. Think names, e-mail addresses, customer data or CVs. The rules are clear: you can only collect and process this information if you have a valid reason to do so, and you must secure it properly. You should also pay attention to the legal retention periods.
And that’s where cybersecurity comes in.
Cybersecurity is in fact the set of measures you use to protect that data effectively. It is the practical implementation of what GDPR requires. You don’t build GDPR compliance with paper statements alone. You demonstrate that you take responsibility precisely by setting up your digital environment securely.
Starting with the basics
You don’t have to build a completely new IT landscape to be in line with GDPR and cybersecurity principles. Often, it’s just about thinking well about basic measures. A good Internal Data Protection Policy (DPP) does not contain a jumble of jargon, but clear agreements that everyone understands and can easily follow.
Example: Make clear which tools are and are not suitable for sharing and storing sensitive information. This way, you avoid employees storing files on personal laptops or in cloud services such as Dropbox or Google Drive that are out of your control. Instead, opt for central, secure storage locations such as SharePoint or a company server with access control. Combine that with secure sending options such as Bitwarden Send or Microsoft Teams. This will prevent information from being scattered, and immediately satisfy the core of what GDPR demands: control of your data.
Protecting data exudes confidence
Safe data handling is more than a legal obligation. It exudes trust. Customers notice that you take their data seriously. Partners see that you work professionally. And your employees feel more secure, because they know where they stand.
Moreover, you reduce the risks of data leaks and the associated costs. A solid incident response plan, MFA on your accounts, a policy around working from home… these are all small steps that together make a big difference. As icing on the cake, this way you will also be ready to achieve NIS2 Basic.
It doesn't have to be perfect, just thoughtful
The perfect security policy does not exist. What does exist is an approach that suits your organisation. And as with NIS2, having a good foundation in place is already a big step forward. See it as an opportunity to build trust and create a secure working environment.