What Are Common Data Protection Methods?

The GDPR requires both technical and organisational data protection methods, which should be proportionate to the risk of your data processing activities. On the technical side, this includes encryption and pseudonymisation of personal data, access controls, multi-factor authentication (MFA), firewalls, regular security testing and systems capable of detecting and recovering from incidents. Organisationally, it means maintaining a Record of Processing Activities, implementing Privacy by Design and by Default, conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments for high-risk processing, having a clear data breach response procedure (including 72-hour supervisory authority notification), and appointing a Data Protection Officer, where required. The UK regulator, The ICO, emphasises building a security culture through policies, staff training, and backups for resilience against incidents.

Underpinning all of this is the accountability principle in which regulators expect demonstrable, embedded compliance, which requires organisations to go beyond complying with data protection law but to be able to demonstrate compliance through appropriate documentation and processes.