In order to comply with the regulatory requirements and safeguard confidentiality, the privacy of data, sometimes also referred to as privacy of data, involves proper handling of sensitive data including, among others, personal data, but also other confidential data, such as some financial data and intellectual property data.
In general, the protection of data covers three main categories: conventional data (such as backup and restoration), data security and data privacy, as illustrated in the following Figure ??. The protection of the privacy of sensitive and personal data may be viewed as a result of best practices in data protection and protection, with the ultimate aim of making important business data continuously accessible and immutable.
Thanks to the digital revolution, internet access and social sharing, today’s highly knowledgeable consumers are waiting for and even demanding digital privacy.
“Theoretically, several interactions between a company and customers are needed to build confidence, but only one perceived interaction can lose confidence,” Thorpe says. “Trust plays an even more integral role in this digital age, where many companies interact with customers online, because the protection of digital data is essential for a business’ success.”
Data privacy with SaaS (service-based software) platforms is more important today, notes Khaled ali, Tuangru VP of product management, an infrastructure management provider for the next generation data centre.
“An important media platform has just recently been sued for a data scandal and the repercussions have cost the company thousands of dollars,” says Assali. “Without any measures to safeguard personal data, we’re not far from the day when firms failing to protect their information or data can go bankrupt very quickly.”
Data Protection Steps
Given how crucial your company is to data protection, it is important to take steps to protect customer information. These 7 guidelines can assist you in protecting sensitive information.
1. Limit and safeguard your customer information.
“As the ‘judge’ your systems have information, the higher the target is behind your company,” says Colbert. “With that in mind, opt for providing a login username and unique password, as opposed to using social security numbers, phone numbers, addresses, email, driver’s licence numbers and so on,” he says. “If information isn’t needed, don’t collect it for the sake of collecting it.”
2. Use state-of-the-art encryption methods.
“Employ sophisticated encryption methods for all sensitive data,” says Vladislav Ginzburg, vice president and head of business development at Blockparty, a ticketing company focusing on data privacy.
“Avoid using low-encryption cloud software,” says Ginzburg. “Instead, use a decentralised database with SHA 256-bit encryption.”
3. Focus on building trust for the long-term.
“Protecting customer data comes down to trust,” says Thorpe. “A company’s actions build that feeling of trust, which can only be developed over time. Longer term relationships are built on multiple successful transactions.
“Trust is also reciprocal,” she continues. “For instance, a company extends its trust to customers by offering something, such as credit or friendly warranties and extended service programs. Invest in customers and show that your company is in it for the long haul.”
4. Be transparent regarding data privacy.
During the various touch points along a customer’s journey, ensure that your company is upfront and clear about the data you require and why, advises Thorpe.
“Whatever the required privacy disclosure for your industry, make sure that it’s up front and centre for your customers,” she says. “Also ensure that the policy is clear, and that it takes into consideration the diversity of your customer base.”
When publicising your privacy policy, make it clear that you don’t share customer information, advises Colbert.
“Most privacy policies are full of legalese, so it’s nice to also reassure customers with a simple statement.”
5. Make it convenient for your customers.
Focus on omnichannel when it comes to informing your customers of your company’s data privacy policies, advises Thorpe.
“Provide the full privacy policy on initial contact and then in easy-to-access summarised versions during various touch points,” she says. “For instance, have telephone customer service personnel share a brief summary and include a FAQs section on your website.”
6. Train employees regarding data privacy.
While privacy is an important part of all businesses, it’s vital in the healthcare field, according to Andre Saad, a physician with The Woman’s Health Pavilion.
“Health information is intimate and personal, which is why HIPAA (Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act) violations can trigger severe civil or criminal penalties,” he says. “Because of that, we train all new employees regarding HIPAA and data privacy. This includes the need to inventory and account for all portable technology devices at the start and end of shifts.”
For some companies, portable devices include cell phones, notes Colbert.
7. Update data protection programmes as instructed
“Always update your data protection programmes when they say they have an update that’s ready to install,” says Colbert. “If they’re saying to update the product, it’s for a good reason.”
