The GDPR will come into force on 25 May 2018. It will mainly affect the companies which fulfil the roles of processor and controller, clearly defining their relationship in the field of personal data processing. The processor is one that acts on behalf of the controller. The controller’s task is to determine how the personal data is going to be processed and the reason why.
Penalties
If you are found not to be complying with the rules as laid down in the GDPR, you may have to pay a fine of €10 to €20 million (or 2% to 4% percent of your annual turnover if it is higher than that), depending on which law you have broken.
Your company’s task is to determine why and how personal data is processed. Make sure that your clients have information on the importance of following the rules of the GDPR and the consequences of not adhering to them. As the processor, you should also be sure to follow the rules that have been set.
Benefits of GDPR
The terms that are being put in place by the GDPR not only ensure that you can protect your client’s data, but can also be a source of benefit to your company. You can use Business Intelligence tools for data analysis that will help you offer better services to your clients. We at JCommerce have teams that provide BI support. Our teams of experts are eager to share their knowledge of business analysis to get you on the right track.
Basic rules to follow
It is crucial for the people visiting your site and providing their details to feel safe when entrusting you with the data they provide. So how can you do this? First of all, follow the rules, meaning the General Data Protection Regulation, but also remember to:
- Adhere to the clients’ right to be protected. Respecting the clients’ right to privacy is paramount. This should enable clients to control how their data is processed (including the right to erase their personal data) and protect them from the misuse of information which is stored.
- Consider a web host or choose the option of opening a private server. While you are considering a web host for your website, look for an option where security is valued. Opening a private server for your company may be a bit of a strain on the budget, but it will be a more reliable option if you want to ensure the safety of your data.
- Limit the number of employees who have access to your company’s servers. You should not allow every employee to have access to the company’s website. The lower the number of people who can access the company’s details, the higher the chances of security.
- Use firewalls and antivirus software. Don’t settle for only one method of protecting your business from hackers. Let the software you use be strong enough to ensure that your clients’ information is secure. You can seek help from a software developer in terms of creating applications which will ensure that your data is not easily accessible by hackers.
