The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) was first introduced in Europe on 25th May 2018. Since then, every organisation that handles E.U. citizen data has been responsible for implementing appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure that data processing is performed in accordance with the regulation.
The nature of the internet is fragile thus making cybersecurity and compliance a very important function of business strategy for any organisation in 2021. GDPR is considered to be the most important change in data privacy regulation in 20 years as it helps protect personal information of all E.U. citizens and notifies them of any data breaches.
In our previous blog we discussed the many ways in which CIS Controls can help with securing the IT infrastructure. In this blog, we highlight the range of resources CIS Controls can offer organisations to comply with GDPR. The controls outline the best practices in cybersecurity solutions that not only make your organisation compliant but can also help in dealing with cyber-threats that could emerge in the future.
BUILDING TRUST
The unprecedented ransomware attack on the HSE demonstrates just how devastating cybercrime can actually be. According to PwC’s 2020 Irish Economic Crime Survey, 51% of more than 70 organisations surveyed in Ireland said they had experienced some type of cyber fraud in the past two years.
Cybercriminals just need one chance to enter IT systems, whereas defenders must be constantly vigilant against any potential intruders. By implementing best practice CIS Controls, organisations can enhance compliance with existing security requirements and build-in a more holistic control framework within the organisation.
With the GDPR governing every piece of data from an E.U. citizen, companies worldwide have the opportunity to approach data with a more ethical, customer-first attitude, and build trust during the process.
HELPS WITH DECISION-MAKING
The 20 CIS critical security controls (CSC) ensure the application of cybersecurity practices to the most vulnerable areas in the organisation. The controls are grouped into three tiers: Basic Controls, Foundational Controls and Organisational Controls. Once the Basic Controls are implemented, you’ve met the minimum standards needed for cyber security. By using a layered approach, IT leaders can be more proactive and future-proof their organisations against increasingly powerful and complex threats.
The same protocols can also guide organisations in building a robust compliance framework that can help with GDPR regulations and data privacy. They also increase visibility across the IT infrastructure of the organisation.
By implementing CIS Controls, organisations can take control of their cybersecurity landscape, while ensuring they meet increasingly stringent compliance regulations.
UNLOCK MORE ORGANISATIONAL VALUE
So three years in, we can confidently say that GDPR has changed the way organisations look at privacy now. However, as we all know too well, threats keep escalating and it’s increasingly difficult to remain fully secure. Given the scale of remote working since the pandemic and the additional risks this can also bring the need to address cyber threats remains top priority.
That’s why CIS Controls are so effective in adding much needed layers of protection. Cyber criminality is only going to increase as hackers use increasingly sophisticated methods to make their attacks. However, they typically target areas of weakness and that’s why it’s so important to ensure your service provider implements an integrated security approach across your entire infrastructure.
With increasing volumes of online data to be securely managed in a hybrid working world, we highly recommend CIS Controls. They provide a holistic and best-practice framework to securing your business assets and resources, no matter how complex.
