The development of digital technology has changed the way we interact and share information. Personal data has become highly valuable, both for individuals, companies, and governments. However, amidst these advancements, personal data protection faces various challenges and threats.
This article will help you understand how to protect personal data effectively for your business and how to address the risks of personal data breaches in the digital era with several advanced solutions that can be considered.
Understanding What Personal Data Is
Personal data includes any information that can identify an individual, such as name, address, phone number, email, and sensitive data like financial and medical information. In today’s digital world, personal data is an asset that must be safeguarded to protect privacy and prevent misuse.
Why Do Companies Need to Protect Personal Data?
Protecting personal data is not just a matter of legal compliance but also an important step in maintaining consumer trust. Data breaches like the Facebook and Equifax incidents demonstrate the significant impact that can result from mishandling data. In addition to hefty fines, companies risk losing their reputation and customer trust.
Moreover, companies are required to protect personal data to comply with applicable regulations and maintain consumer trust. Various laws such as GDPR in Europe and the Personal Data Protection Law (UU PDP) in Indonesia require companies to manage data securely. Violations of these regulations can lead to heavy fines, legal sanctions, and operational restrictions that may hinder business continuity.
What Are the Types of Personal Data Protection Worldwide?
With the rapid digital transformation, many countries have tightened their personal data protection regulations. The European Union, for example, leads with the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which has become a global standard. In Asia, Singapore has the Personal Data Protection Act (PDPA), while Indonesia has recently enacted the Personal Data Protection Law (UU PDP). Here’s a brief overview of GDPR and UU PDP:
GDPR: Global Standard for Data Protection
The GDPR is a data protection regulation that applies within the European Union, but its impact is felt globally as many international companies must comply.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Data Protection Officer (DPO): Oversees the company’s compliance with the GDPR.
- Data Controller: Determines how data is collected and used.
Enforcement and Sanctions:
- Fines: Up to 4% of global company revenue or approximately €20 million.
- Legal Responsibility: Serious violations can lead to lawsuits.
UU PDP in Indonesia
The Personal Data Protection Law (UU PDP) establishes a strict legal framework for data protection in Indonesia.
Roles and Responsibilities:
- Data Controller: Responsible for managing data securely.
- Data Processor: Processes data according to the data controller’s instructions.
Enforcement and Sanctions:
- Administrative Fines: Up to billions of rupiah.
- Criminal Penalties: Prison sentences for serious violations.
How to Implement Personal Data Protection in Your Company?
Personal data protection requires a comprehensive approach to address cyber threats, infrastructure limitations, and low security awareness. Below are the key elements in a strategic framework for personal data protection:
1. Internal Policies
Internal policies include rules, guidelines, and procedures that must be followed by all employees in handling personal data.
Key Components:
- Data Collection Procedures: Standards for collecting data with user consent.
- Storage Protocols: Guidelines for secure data storage in accordance with regulations.
- Access Management: Control over who can access sensitive data.
- Security Incident Response: Procedures for mitigating and reporting data breaches.
2. Advanced Technology
Data security technology is a key foundation for preventing cyberattacks and protecting personal data from both external and internal threats.
Key Solutions:
- Data Encryption: Protecting data in storage and transit with strong encryption algorithms.
- Firewalls and Intrusion Detection Systems: Monitoring and preventing unauthorized access to company networks.
- Automated Data Backups: Ensuring data availability even during security incidents.
3. Employee Training
Building a data security culture within the company through regular training to enhance employee awareness and skills in protecting personal data.
Key Methods:
- Cybersecurity Training: Workshops and attack simulations to raise awareness.
- Awareness Campaigns: Internal communication about the importance of data protection.
- Periodic Evaluations: Tests and simulations to measure the effectiveness of training.
Read More: Practical Strategies for Safeguarding Personal Data and Cybersecurity in the Public Sector
Advanced Data Protection Solutions for Your Business from CDT
To help your business optimally protect personal data, Central Data Technology (CDT) offers several reliable solutions:
1. Hitachi Data Protection Suite (HDPS)
Hitachi Data Protection Suite (HDPS) from Hitachi Vantara is a comprehensive solution to protect your business’s critical data by providing backup, recovery, and automatic data protection. Using advanced technology, HDPS supports various storage systems and applications, ensuring business continuity even in the face of data loss risks due to incidents or cyberattacks.
Key Features:
- Automated data backup and recovery to maintain operational continuity.
- Layered data protection with high-level encryption.
- Centralized data management for easier monitoring.
Benefits:
- Reduces the risk of data loss due to security incidents.
- Ensures quick data recovery in emergency situations.
- Increases operational efficiency with integrated data management.
2. F5 Distributed Cloud Services
F5 Distributed Cloud Services is a cloud-based security solution that provides strong protection for web applications and APIs against various cyber threats. This solution is designed to handle the challenges faced by modern applications and APIs, focusing on securing and enhancing performance.
In addition, F5 offers WAAP (Web Application and API Protection) for comprehensive protection against threats such as DDoS attacks, API exploits, and bot hacking attempts.
Key Features:
- Robust API protection with real-time threat detection.
- Flexible and scalable cloud-based application security.
- Mitigation of DDoS attacks and bot prevention.
Benefits:
- Prevents data leakage from critical applications.
- Minimizes downtime of digital services.
- Maintains data integrity and business operations.
3. Zscaler’s Unified Data Protection Platform
Zscaler‘s Unified Data Protection Platform is an integrated data protection solution designed to provide end-to-end security for company data across networks. Using a cloud-based approach, Zscaler ensures that data is protected throughout its journey, from endpoint devices to central servers. The platform offers real-time data monitoring and detects potential breaches before they become larger threats.
Key Features:
- End-to-end data protection for the entire company network.
- Real-time data monitoring for early breach detection.
- Integration with Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) for maximum security.
Benefits:
- Improves visibility and control over company data.
- Prevents unauthorized access and security breaches.
- Ensures compliance with global data regulations.
Time to Build a Secure and Resilient Future with CDT
Central Data Technology (CDT) offers a range of solutions designed to protect your company’s data in an integrated, effective, and efficient way. Some of the standout solutions we provide include the Hitachi Data Protection Suite (HDPS), F5 Distributed Cloud Services, and Zscaler’s Unified Data Protection Platform. Each solution is designed to provide comprehensive protection, from data backup and recovery to web application and API protection, as well as network security.
As part of CTI Group, CDT not only provides leading data protection products but also supports every step of implementation, maintenance, and after-sales services. We work alongside your team to ensure that the solutions applied are optimized according to your business needs and challenges. Click this link to contact us.
Author: Ary Adianto
Content Writer, CTI Group
