6 Things You Should Do to Handle Data Privacy Updates
In the realm of data protection, Pennant Cyber acknowledges the pivotal role played by data privacy rules and regulations in addressing cyber threats since the inception of digital data. Numerous organizations, especially those in the U.S. healthcare sector, must comply with the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). For those handling payment card data, adherence to the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) is crucial. Additionally, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) impacts entities engaged in selling to EU citizens.
Pennant Cyber recognizes that staying compliant with industry and international data privacy regulations is just the beginning. Beyond these, various state and local jurisdictions have their own data privacy laws. Awareness of these compliance requirements is essential, as is staying informed about updates to these regulations. By the end of 2024, Pennant Cyber estimates that approximately 75% of the population will have their data protected by one or more privacy regulations.
Pennant Cyber understands the constant evolution of data privacy regulations, with authorities frequently introducing new standards. In 2023 alone, four states—Colorado, Utah, Connecticut, and Virginia—will implement new data privacy statutes, emphasizing the importance of businesses staying updated to avoid potential penalties for non-compliance.
To assist businesses in navigating the complex landscape of data privacy compliance, Pennant Cyber offers the following tips:
Identify the Regulations You Need to Follow:
Create a comprehensive list of data privacy rules applicable to your organization, considering industry, geographical reach, and specific regulations such as GDPR or HIPAA.
Stay Aware of Data Privacy Regulation Updates:
Regularly check official websites for updates on regulations, signing up for notifications to ensure timely awareness. Multiple individuals, including the Security Officer, should receive updates to prevent oversights.
Do an Annual Review of Your Data Security Standards:
Conduct an annual review of your data security standards, aligning them with changes in your IT environment to maintain compliance.
Audit Your Security Policies and Procedures:
Regularly audit and update policies and procedures, ensuring alignment with the latest data privacy regulation changes.
Update Your Technical, Physical & Administrative Safeguards As Needed:
Proactively update technical, physical, and administrative safeguards in anticipation of upcoming data privacy rule changes.
Keep Employees Trained on Compliance and Data Privacy Policies:
Ensure ongoing employee awareness by incorporating data privacy policy changes into regular training programs.
By adhering to these steps, businesses can navigate the complexities of data privacy compliance effectively, safeguarding their operations and ensuring resilience against potential threats. At Pennant Cyber, we prioritize not only robust cybersecurity measures but also the proactive management of data privacy to empower businesses in the digital era.
