Microsoft 365

Get help with regulatory compliance

Understanding GDPR: A Global Standard For Privacy And Data Protection

In May 2018, the European Union (EU) set a new privacy and data protection benchmark with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This landmark regulation has far-reaching effects, not only in the EU but across the globe, impacting law firms, businesses, government agencies, non-profits, and any organization engaged with EU residents.

Key Aspects of the GDPR

The GDPR revolutionizes how personal data is handled, emphasizing enhanced privacy rights for individuals. It imposes stringent requirements on organizations regarding data protection, security, and compliance. Here are some of the critical elements of GDPR:

  • Enhanced Personal Privacy Rights: GDPR grants EU residents greater control over their personal data, including the right to access, correct, and even erase their data.
  • Increased Duty for Protecting Data: Organizations must implement stringent measures to protect personal data from breaches and unauthorized access.
  • Mandatory Breach Reporting: GDPR requires immediate notification of data breaches, ensuring transparency and prompt response to potential data compromises.
  • Significant Penalties for Non-Compliance: Organizations failing to comply with GDPR can face severe fines, emphasizing the importance of adherence to these regulations.

GDPR: Not Just Europe

Despite being an EU regulation, the scope of GDPR extends well beyond European borders. Any organization, regardless of its location that offers goods or services to EU residents or processes data related to EU residents falls under its jurisdiction. This global applicability means GDPR is relevant to law firms of all sizes and practice areas worldwide.

Implications for Law Firms and Businesses Worldwide

Law firms, in particular, need to be acutely aware of GDPR’s requirements, as they often handle sensitive client data. The regulation mandates reevaluating how personal data is collected, stored, processed, and protected. It's not just about legal compliance; it's about building trust and demonstrating a commitment to data privacy and security.

For organizations outside the EU, GDPR presents both a challenge and an opportunity. Adapting to these regulations requires a thorough understanding of the legislation, reassessing data handling practices, and potentially significant changes in operational protocols. However, aligning with GDPR standards also positions these organizations as trustworthy and responsible in the eyes of clients and partners, which can be a significant competitive advantage in the global market.

Navigating GDPR Compliance

Navigating the complexities of GDPR compliance can be daunting, especially for organizations without a presence in the EU. It involves understanding the legal nuances, implementing robust data protection measures, and ensuring ongoing compliance. This is where expert guidance and specialized services become invaluable. By seeking professional assistance, organizations can adapt to GDPR requirements, maintain compliance, and even enhance their data security and privacy reputation.

Steps to get started with GDPR compliance:

img-Steps-to-get-started-GDPR

Contact Us for your GDPR Assessment

Important! We hate spam as much (or more!) than you and promise to NEVER rent, share, or abuse your e-mail address and contact information in any way.

As a Microsoft partner, we can help!

GDPR enforcement begans May 25, 2018. Has your firm taken any steps to comply?

We have the skilled personnel, process knowledge, legal background and Microsoft technology expertise to evaluate your GDPR readiness and help you on your path to become, and stay, compliant.

We not only understand GDPR technical requirements, one of our owners
is a Data Privacy, Compliance & Technology attorney.

Key changes required by the GDPR.

Personal privacy

Individuals have the right to:

  • Access their personal data
  • Correct errors in their personal data
  • Erase their personal data
  • Object to processing of their personal data
  • Export personal data

Controls & Notifications

Law Firms will need to:

  • Protect personal data using appropriate security
  • Notify authorities of personal data breaches
  • Obtain appropriate consents for processing data
  • Keep records detailing data processing

Transparent policies

Law Firms are required to:

  • Provide clear notice of data collection
  • Outline processing purposes and use cases
  • Define data retention and deletion policies

IT & Training

Law Firms will need to:

  • Train privacy personnel & employee
  • Audit and update data policies
  • Employ a Data
  • Protection Officer (if required)
  • Create & manage compliant vendor contracts

Microsoft technology forms the basis of our GDPR solution

ic-Process-all-in-one-place-r1

Process all in one place

Centralize processing in a single system, simplifying data management, governance, classification, and oversight.

ic-Maximize-your-protections-r1

Maximize your protections

Protect data with industry leading encryption and security technology that’s always up-to-date and assessed by experts.

ic-Streamline-your-compliance-r1

Streamline your compliance

Utilize services that already comply with complex, internationally-recognized standards to more easily meet new requirements, such as facilitating the requests of data subjects.

We'll work with you to uncover risk, and take action

ic-Discover-data-across-systems-r1

Discover data across systems

  • Discover and catalog data sources
  • Increase visibility with auditing capabilities
  • Identify where personal info resides across devices, apps, and platforms
ic-Govern-access-and-processing-r1

Govern access and processing

  • Enforce use policies and access controls across your systems
  • Classify data for simplified compliance
  • Respond to data requests and transparency requirements
ic-Protect-through-the-entire-lifecycle-r1

Protect through the entire lifecycle

  • Protect user credentials with risk-based conditional access
  • Safeguard data with built-in encryption technologies
  • Rapidly respond to intrusions with built-in controls to detect and respond to data breaches
img-About-our-GDPR-solution
SpliceNet Consulting

About our GDPR solution:

  • Uses Microsoft Technology & Best Practices
  • Performed by Law Firm Experts
  • Reviewed by a Data Privacy Attorney

Contact SpliceNet IT Support Today For Responsive, Professional IT Support And Consulting Services To Stay Competitive In Your Industry! You Don’t Want To Be Left Behind!

Contact Us