In an era where data privacy is paramount, we’ve gathered nine invaluable tips from top professionals, including Privacy Experts and CEOs, to navigate the complexities of safeguarding information. From implementing VPN and encrypted messaging to empowering employees with privacy education, discover a spectrum of strategies to fortify your business against data privacy challenges.
- Implement VPN and Encrypted Messaging
- Monitor IT Infrastructure Continuously
- Adopt Zero-Trust Security Model
- Integrate Privacy by Design
- Enforce Strong Data Governance Policies
- Prioritize Transparency with Customers
- Make Data Protection Procedures Understandable
- Standardize VPN Usage and 2FA
- Empower Employees with Privacy Education
Implement VPN and Encrypted Messaging
The best defenses for your privacy to start with are a VPN and encrypted messaging. This protects the privacy of your business from other companies collecting your data, selling it, and marketing to you. In addition, since we agree to data collection to use certain apps, there is nothing to stop someone from replicating your business model from that data. If you truly want to protect your business privacy, start with a VPN and encrypted messaging. Certain email services, such as ProtonMail, are also private and encrypted. Keep your business your business.
Lastly, if you must grant a third party access to your network, their access must be greatly limited, and they should have to sign legal documents vowing to protect their credentials. Many breaches happen through third parties, often through phishing. I can’t highlight the importance of protecting an organization against third-party security failures enough. Strategize, and be very careful with this situation.
Bill Mann
Privacy Expert at Cyber Insider, Cyber Insider
Monitor IT Infrastructure Continuously
At Parachute, we ensure that our clients’ IT infrastructures are continuously monitored. Regular network assessments and security audits help us spot vulnerabilities early. This means fewer surprises and more time to fix issues before they become big problems.
Our team makes regular on-site visits, which allows us to better understand our clients’ unique needs. These face-to-face meetings foster trust and ensure everyone is on the same page.
Having a dedicated CTO for consultation and project planning is a game changer. This role is pivotal in providing strategic advice and forward-thinking solutions. Our CTO helps clients make informed decisions about their technology, ensuring it aligns with their business goals.
Elmo Taddeo
CEO, Parachute
Adopt Zero-Trust Security Model
A few years ago, we faced a security incident that exposed weaknesses in our traditional perimeter-based security model. By shifting to a zero-trust approach, we verify every access request, whether inside or outside our network, before granting permissions.
This approach significantly reduced the risk of unauthorized access and data breaches. It also involved rigorous user authentication and continuous monitoring, ensuring that our data remains secure even as our business operations become increasingly interconnected. This proactive stance has bolstered our security and reinforced client confidence in our commitment to data privacy.
Vaibhav Kakkar
CEO, Digital Web Solutions
Integrate Privacy by Design
One valuable tip is to adopt a privacy-by-design approach in all software development and business processes. This means integrating data privacy considerations into the development lifecycle of our products from the outset, rather than as an afterthought. At our company, we ensure that privacy controls are built into our products and that data minimization principles are adhered to, keeping only the data necessary to fulfill specific purposes. This approach not only helps in complying with stringent data regulations like the GDPR but also reassures our users that their information is being handled responsibly, enhancing user trust and product credibility.
Alari Aho
CEO and Founder, Toggl Inc
Enforce Strong Data Governance Policies
Enforcing strong data governance policies is a valuable tip for tackling data privacy challenges. We once faced a situation where inconsistent data-handling practices led to a near breach. To address this, we established clear data access, storage, and sharing guidelines.
We also invested in advanced Data Loss Prevention (DLP) tools to monitor and protect sensitive information. These measures ensure that data is handled uniformly across the organization, reducing the risk of privacy incidents. Consistent enforcement of data governance policies, supported by robust technology, has been essential in maintaining data integrity and security in our interconnected business environment.
Sahil Kakkar
CEO & Founder, RankWatch
Prioritize Transparency with Customers
One valuable tip is to prioritize transparency and accountability in your data-handling practices. I have seen the importance of being transparent with your customers about how their data is being collected, stored, and used. By clearly outlining your data privacy policies and practices, you can build trust with your customers and demonstrate your commitment to protecting their data. This includes providing clear information about what data you collect, how it is being used, and who has access to it. Additionally, it’s important to regularly review and update your privacy policies to ensure they align with current regulations and best practices.
Tom Molnar
Operations Manager, Fit Design
Make Data Protection Procedures Understandable
Making data protection procedures understandable to all parties involved is a crucial piece of advice that I have found to be quite helpful. Establish Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that are clear and concise, specifying how personal information should be gathered, kept, and utilized. This entails dissecting complex privacy regulations into manageable, actionable steps that anyone can undertake without being bogged down in technicalities. Next, hold frequent training sessions so that staff members can become knowledgeable about these protocols and ask questions. It is not sufficient for a small group of people to comprehend data privacy; everyone must share the same understanding. Building a strong culture of protection and accountability involves assigning shared responsibility for data privacy and ensuring that each team member understands their own part in it.
Kartik Ahuja
Digital Marketer, kartikahuja.com
Standardize VPN Usage and 2FA
From my experience, one of the most effective ways to tackle data privacy challenges in today’s interconnected business world is to make VPN usage a standard practice, coupled with widespread implementation of two-factor authentication (2FA).
We’ve made it a policy to use a reliable VPN service for all our online activities. This encrypts our internet traffic, making it much harder for hackers or other malicious actors to intercept sensitive data. For instance, when our team members work remotely or use public Wi-Fi, a VPN ensures their connection to our systems remains secure.
In our testing, we’ve found that top-tier VPN services like Surfshark or ExpressVPN can provide robust protection without significantly impacting internet speeds. In fact, in our recent speed tests, we saw only a 10-15% reduction in download speeds when using a VPN, which is a small price to pay for enhanced security.
Alongside VPN usage, we’ve mandated 2FA for all our accounts and strongly recommend it to our readers. This adds an extra layer of security, requiring not just a password but also a second form of verification, typically a code sent to a mobile device.
By combining these two practices, we’ve significantly reduced our vulnerability to data breaches. It’s a simple yet powerful approach that any business can implement to boost their data privacy posture in our increasingly connected digital landscape.
Ryan Doser
Contributing Tech Author, TROYPOINT
Empower Employees with Privacy Education
I remember a time when our company was transitioning to a new CRM system. During the implementation process, we discovered a potential security vulnerability that could have exposed sensitive customer information. It was a wake-up call for us, highlighting the importance of ongoing vigilance and education when it comes to data privacy.
We immediately took action to address the vulnerability and implemented additional security measures. But we also realized that technology alone wasn’t enough. We needed to empower our employees to become active participants in data protection.
We launched a company-wide data privacy awareness campaign. We held training sessions, created educational materials, and encouraged open dialogue about privacy concerns. We made it clear that protecting customer data was everyone’s responsibility, not just the IT department’s.
The results were remarkable. Employees became more vigilant about data security, identifying and reporting potential risks before they escalated. They also became more proactive in seeking out information and resources to stay informed about the latest privacy regulations and best practices.
Liga Rudzite
Author, The Traveler
