GDPR Controls
Technical and organisational measures to protect personal data and ensure GDPR compliance.
Understanding GDPR Controls
Article 32 of GDPR requires organisations to implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure a level of security appropriate to the risk. These controls are fundamental to protecting personal data and demonstrating compliance.
The specific measures you need depend on factors including the nature, scope, context, and purposes of processing, as well as the risks to individuals' rights and freedoms. A thorough GDPR audit can help you identify which controls are most relevant to your organisation.
Both data processors and data controllers must implement appropriate controls. This page outlines the key categories of measures you should consider.
Technical Controls
Technical measures are the technology-based safeguards that protect personal data.
Encryption
Encrypt personal data at rest and in transit using strong, industry-standard algorithms. This renders data unreadable if accessed without authorisation.
Pseudonymisation
Process personal data so it can no longer be attributed to a specific individual without additional information kept separately.
Access Controls
Implement role-based access controls ensuring only authorised personnel can access personal data based on legitimate need.
Data Backup & Recovery
Maintain secure backups and tested recovery procedures to ensure availability and resilience of processing systems.
Network Security
Deploy firewalls, intrusion detection, and network segmentation to protect systems processing personal data.
Endpoint Protection
Secure all devices with anti-malware, patching, and device management to prevent unauthorised access.
Organisational Controls
Organisational measures are the policies, procedures, and practices that govern data protection.
Data Protection Policies
Documented policies covering data handling, retention, security, and breach response that staff must follow.
Staff Training
Regular training programmes ensuring all staff understand their data protection responsibilities and how to handle personal data safely.
Privacy by Design
Embed data protection into all new projects and processing activities from the outset, not as an afterthought.
Data Protection Impact Assessments
Conduct DPIAs for high-risk processing to identify and mitigate privacy risks before processing begins.
Vendor Management
Due diligence and contractual controls for third parties processing personal data on your behalf.
Incident Response
Documented procedures for detecting, reporting, and responding to personal data breaches within required timeframes.
Article 32 Requirements
GDPR Article 32 specifically requires that security measures ensure:
Organisations must also have processes for regularly testing, assessing, and evaluating the effectiveness of their controls. Learn how to audit your GDPR compliance to verify your controls are working.
Continue Your GDPR Journey
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