Data Privacy in the IT & Software Industry
Why Data Privacy is so important in the IT and Software Industry
In the IT and software industry, vast amounts of data are collected and processed. Online shops are particularly noteworthy here. In their daily operations, a multitude of personal data is processed automatically. Negligent handling of personal data can easily lead to an incident. Reputational damage and official sanctions are often the consequence.
Data Privacy in the Digital World
In the digital realm, vast amounts of personal data are processed: names, addresses, email addresses, or account numbers are just a few examples. Therefore, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) applies here to protect this personal data. It dictates how personal data, for example, used in email marketing or processed through contact forms like the shopping cart in online shops, must be handled. Because only by ensuring that your customers' personal data is protected can you build a secure online business.
Worry-free protection for sensitive data in the IT and software industry
To ensure your data privacy compliance, we offer numerous services tailored to your company's requirements. As soon as at least 20 of your employees are involved in the automated processing of personal data, you are obliged under the GDPR to appoint a Data Protection Officer. As specialists, we would be pleased to provide an external Data Protection Officer for your company, allowing you to focus on your core business.
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We create tailor-made service packages tailored to your company size, your processes and your goals. Together, we implement data protection and information security in such a way that they are legally secure, understandable and practicable in day-to-day business.
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A GAP analysis assesses the current state of information security before initiating improvement measures. An internal audit is typically a dry run before an external certification audit.
The appointment of a Data Protection Officer (DPO) is essential for correctly implemented data protection among IT service providers. According to Section 38 of the BDSG (Federal Data Protection Act) and Article 37 of the GDPR, the appointment of a DPO is mandatory if:
- at least 20 of your employees regularly process automated data (Section 38 (1) BDSG).
- Special categories of data are processed, such as data revealing racial or ethnic origin, religious beliefs, political opinions, sexual life, or health. If this is the case, the obligation to appoint a DPO exists regardless of the number of employees (Section 38 (1) BDSG, Article 37 (1) lit. c GDPR).
- Data processing is carried out as a core activity. If systematic data processing / monitoring is a company's core activity, then the data is processed on a commercial basis. Thus, the obligation to appoint a DPO exists regardless of the number of employees (Section 38 (1) BDSG, Article 37 (1) lit. b GDPR).
If, as an IT service provider, you want to take data protection seriously but are unsure how to implement the GDPR requirements, you can, of course, voluntarily appoint a Data Protection Officer at any time.
The GDPR mandates numerous measures designed to ensure the protection of personal data, including when processed by IT service providers. From Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) to records of processing activities and documentation and accountability obligations, IT service providers must comply with many requirements in this area.
IT service providers often implement IT and software infrastructures on behalf of other companies, thereby gaining access to a lot of sensitive data, such as customer and employee data. For such external service providers, the GDPR regularly requires the conclusion of a data processing agreement (DPA) to ensure sensitive data is protected.
Do you have any further questions or would you like a personalised consultation? We are happy to help.