Once data began going digital, authorities realized a need to protect it. Thus, data privacy rules and regulations were created to address cyber threats. Many organizations have one or more data privacy policies they need to meet.

Those in the U.S. healthcare industry and their service partners need to comply with HIPAA. Anyone collecting payment card data must worry about PCI-DSS. GDPR is a wide-reaching data protection regulation. It impacts anyone selling to EU citizens.

Industry and international data privacy regulations are just the tip of the iceberg. Many state and local jurisdictions also have their own data privacy laws. Organizations must be aware of these compliance requirements. But they also need to know about updates to these rules.

By the end of 2024, about 75% of the population will have data protected by one or more privacy regulations.

Authorities enact new data privacy regulations all the time. For example, in 2023, four states will have new rules. Colorado, Utah, Connecticut, and Virginia will begin enforcing new data privacy statutes.

Businesses must stay on top of their data privacy compliance requirements. Otherwise, they can suffer. Many standards carry stiff penalties for a data breach. And if security is lacking, fines can be even higher.

The Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA) uses a sliding scale. Violators can be fined between $100 to $50,000 per breached record. The more negligent the company is, the higher the fine.

Does all that sound scary?

Don’t worry; Wahaya IT has some tips below for you. These can help you keep up with data privacy updates coming your way.

Steps for Staying On Top of Data Privacy Compliance

1. Identify the Regulations You Need to Follow

Does your organization have a list of the different data privacy rules it falls under? For example, there could be regulations for:

•  Industry
• Where you sell (e.g. if you sell to the EU)
• Statewide
• City or county
• Federal (e.g., for government contractors)

Identify all the various data privacy regulations that you may be subject to. This helps ensure you’re not caught off guard by one you didn’t know about.

2. Stay Aware of Data Privacy Regulation Updates

Don’t get blindsided by a rule change. You can stay on top of any changes by signing up for updates on the appropriate website. First, look for the official website of the compliance authority.

For example, if you are in the healthcare field, you can sign up for HIPAA updates at HIPAA.gov. It would be best to do this for each of your business’s regulations.

You should have updates sent to more than one person. Typically, your Security Officer or equal and another responsible party. This ensures they get noticed if someone is on vacation.

3. Do an Annual Review of Your Data Security Standards

Companies are always evolving their technology. This doesn’t always mean a big enterprise transition. You may add a new server or a new computer to the mix.

Any changes to your IT environment can mean falling out of compliance. For example, a new employee’s mobile device being added but not properly protected is a problem. Likewise, one new cloud tool an employee decides to use can also cause a compliance issue.

Doing at least an annual review of your data security is important. Then, match that with your compliance requirements to ensure you’re still good.

4. Audit Your Security Policies and Procedures

Something else you should audit at least annually is your policies and procedures. These written documents tell employees what’s expected from them. They also give directions regarding data privacy and how to handle a breach.

Audit your security policies annually. Additionally, audit them whenever there is a data privacy regulation update. You want to ensure you’re encompassing any new changes to your requirements.

5. Update Your Technical, Physical & Administrative Safeguards As Needed

Plan ahead when you receive a notification that a data privacy update is coming. It’s best to comply before the rule kicks in, if possible.

Look at three areas of your IT security:

• Technical safeguards – Systems, devices, software, etc.
• Administrative safeguards – Policies, manuals, training, etc.
• Physical safeguards – Doors, keypads, building security, etc.

6. Keep Employees Trained on Compliance and Data Privacy Policies

Employees should be aware of any changes to privacy policies that impact them. Add this to your ongoing training when you receive news about an upcoming update.

Good cybersecurity practice is to conduct ongoing cybersecurity training for staff. This keeps their anti-breach skills sharp and reminds them of what’s expected.

Include updates they need to know about so they can be properly prepared.

Remember always to log your training activities. For example, it’s a good idea to log the date, the educated employees, and the topic. This way, you have this documentation if you do suffer a breach at some point.

Get Help Ensuring Your Systems Meet Compliance Needs

Data privacy compliance can be complex. But you don’t have to figure it all out yourself. Our team is well-versed in compliance needs. Contact Wahaya IT today to schedule a chat.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.