GDPR and cybersecurity: a close connection

GDPR and cybersecurity: synergy for your security

Companies are faced with the challenge of meeting both legal requirements and the growing threat of cyberattacks. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) provides a clear framework for handling personal data. But how can GDPR and cybersecurity be effectively combined in a strong approach?

• Why is the GDPR so important for your company?
• The interface between GDPR and cybersecurity
• Cybersecurity as a central component of the GDPR
• Conclusion: GDPR as a driver for cybersecurity

Why is the GDPR so important for your company?

The GDPR has placed the protection of personal data at the heart of corporate strategies. Companies that work with the data of EU citizens must ensure that it is stored, processed and managed securely. However, the GDPR goes far beyond simple retention policies. It requires companies to take technical and organizational measures to ensure the confidentiality, integrity and availability of this data.

What role does cybersecurity play in this?

Quite simply, without a strong cybersecurity strategy, the data protection provisions of the GDPR cannot be implemented. You can think of cybersecurity as the „backbone“ of data protection. Imagine you are building a house - the GDPR gives you the building regulations, but without a stable foundation and solid security measures (cybersecurity), the house will not be able to stand securely.

The interface between GDPR and cybersecurity

The GDPR requires companies to protect personal data from unauthorized access, loss or destruction. In practice, this means that companies must implement comprehensive security measures. Cybersecurity covers various levels here:

1. Network security: Protect your IT infrastructure from cyber threats such as malware, phishing attacks or DDoS attacks. This is where technologies such as firewalls, intrusion detection systems and encryption come into play.

2. Access controls: The GDPR requires strict controls on who can access personal data. Strong authentication and role assignment within the company prevents unauthorized persons from accessing sensitive data.

3. Data encryption: One of the most effective measures that companies can take is to encrypt personal data, both during storage and during transmission.

4. Security incidents and mandatory reporting: The GDPR obliges companies to report security incidents within 72 hours. This requires an efficient system for detecting and responding to cyber incidents. An incident response plan is indispensable here.

Cybersecurity as a central component of the GDPR

Compliance with the GDPR is hardly possible without a strong cybersecurity strategy. The most important measures include the implementation of Multi-factor authentication (MFA), regular training of employees in the secure handling of data and the use of encryption technologies. The Protection against attacks such as ransomware, phishing and DDoS is one of the focal points of data protection-compliant cybersecurity.

Conclusion: GDPR as a driver for cybersecurity

The GDPR makes companies responsible not only for data protection, but also for the underlying IT security. The provisions of the regulation act as a driver for the implementation of modern cybersecurity solutions and help to prevent data breaches. Companies that implement both the requirements of the GDPR and a solid security strategy not only protect their data, but also their reputation and business continuity.