Data Protection Audit for Businesses
A professional data protection audit provides clarity on your company's current data privacy standing. We identify vulnerabilities and risks and highlight where improvements are needed.
- Certified data protection expertise
- Available digitally or on-site
- Concrete audit report with actionable recommendations
What is a data protection audit?
A data protection audit is a voluntary, systematic review of a company's level of data protection. It evaluates how GDPR requirements are implemented in documentation and operational processes. Depending on the scope, the audit can cover the entire company or specific business units.
When is a data protection audit useful?
A data protection audit helps companies systematically assess their current data protection status and identify potential gaps in GDPR compliance. Typical reasons for a GDPR audit include:
- A data protection audit conducted some time ago
- Reviewing existing data protection processes
- Targeted auditing of specific business units or projects
- Preparation for certification
- A general assessment of your current data protection level
Looking to conduct a data protection audit?
What is assessed during a GDPR audit?
Depending on the scope of the audit, we set different priorities. Key audit objects include, among others, the following documentation and processes.
How Proliance supports your data protection audit
We align the focus of the GDPR audit with your specific situation and the agreed scope of the assessment. The implementation follows a clearly structured process.
Structured inventory
We use a questionnaire to record the current status in your company, taking into account existing measures, documentation, and relevant processes.
Professional assessment by data protection experts
Our experienced data protection experts compare the recorded status quo with the requirements of the GDPR. In doing so, they identify and assess vulnerabilities and risks.
Individual audit report
The report documents the established status quo and measures already implemented. This ensures that the results of the GDPR audit are consolidated and easy to follow.
Concrete recommendations for action
We derive concrete recommendations for action from the results and prioritize the measures accordingly. This provides you with clear guidance for your next steps.
Conduct a data protection audit digitally or on-site
We offer data protection audits both digitally and directly on-site at your company. The two options differ primarily in the method of data collection and personal coordination.
Digital data protection audit
The assessment is conducted remotely using digital questionnaires. We clarify any questions over the phone, while Proliance 360 serves as a digital tool to support data collection and documentation during the audit.
On-site data protection audit
Alternatively, we can assess your data protection status directly at your company. We incorporate relevant documents, processes, and practical workflows. Personal interviews with the responsible contacts complement the assessment.
Why choose Proliance for your data protection audit?
With Proliance, you combine specialized data protection expertise with years of practical experience and digital support. Our team assists companies of all sizes and industries in implementing their data protection requirements.
Certified data protection expertise
Over 3,000 clients
Expertise and software from a single source
Experience from over 50 industries
Start your data protection audit with a free initial consultation
What 2,500+ Companies Value Most About Proliance
More solutions from Proliance
In addition to data protection audits, Proliance supports companies with further specialized services in data protection and compliance.
Frequently asked questions about data protection audits
The documents required for a GDPR audit depend on the specific audit framework. Typical documentation includes the record of processing activities, internal data protection policies, signed data processing agreements, training records, and documentation of technical and organizational measures. Before the audit begins, the specific documents and information relevant to the assessment are defined.
A data protection audit reviews and assesses the current state of data protection and identifies potential areas for improvement. Certification under Article 42 of the GDPR goes a step further: it provides official confirmation that established certification criteria are being met. Such certifications may only be issued through the designated procedure by appropriately accredited certification bodies.
The areas covered depend on the agreed scope of the data protection audit. Key audit subjects include, for example, the record of processing activities, technical and organizational measures, data processing agreements, as well as deletion, role, and access concepts. Processes for data protection impact assessments and the handling of data breaches can also be part of the audit.
At the start of a GDPR audit, we define the objectives and the audit framework. This is followed by an inventory and review of all relevant documentation and processes. The insights gained are then analyzed and evaluated to identify existing vulnerabilities and risks. Finally, you will receive an audit report containing the findings and concrete recommendations for your next steps.
Costs depend on the size of your company and the complexity of your processes. For this reason, it is not possible to provide a flat rate for a data protection audit. During our free initial consultation, we will determine the exact scope and provide you with a customized quote based on those requirements.
A data protection audit can be conducted by internal or external auditors. The key requirements are appropriate qualifications, experience, and the necessary independence from the processes being audited. If the audit is intended to be part of an official certification under Art. 42 GDPR, additional requirements apply to the relevant certification body.
No, a data protection audit is generally voluntary. Companies can use it to review how they are implementing GDPR requirements and identify potential vulnerabilities. For example, the audit can serve as an internal assessment, help optimize existing data protection processes, or assist in preparing for certification.