Adherence to regulations, cloud technology, and maintaining an edge over competitors
In less than a year, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) will come into force on 25 May 2018, significantly impacting how enterprises collect, process, use, and share data across all business units and industries. For HR departments, this means reshaping the way they approach data privacy, working closely with a vendor who will partner and demonstrate accountability and good governance.
GDPR aims to harmonize data privacy laws across Europe and protect EU citizens' data privacy. To be compliant, companies must adhere to stringent data security standards. Cloud technology and machine learning can help cultivate a modern compliance and security model for GDPR.
Cloud-based HR systems allow HR leaders to centrally govern data policies and monitor data integrity across jurisdictions, which is critical given GDPR's territorial scope. Cloud providers offer tools supporting GDPR compliance, such as data processing agreements, encryption standards, and regional data hosting options. Machine learning algorithms can continuously analyze employee behavior and transaction patterns to detect suspicious activity indicative of data breaches or fraud, which are essential for risk mitigation under GDPR.
AI-driven personalized training ensures HR staff and employees stay up to date with GDPR obligations, improving organizational data security culture and reducing compliance violations. Cloud technology provides the secure infrastructure and compliance tools necessary for GDPR adherence, while machine learning automates monitoring, training, and threat detection processes, collectively helping HR departments meet GDPR’s stringent data protection requirements effectively.
However, HR departments must address challenges like ensuring comprehensive encryption in transit and at rest, carefully vetting third-party cloud integrations, and maintaining clear data handling policies to avoid gaps that could lead to GDPR breaches. Organisations need to practice due diligence and work with trusted partners when using cloud services to become GDPR compliant.
Failure to comply with GDPR can result in heavy penalties, leading to serious financial and reputational damage. Researching cloud content management providers with a longstanding reputation for security and a clear infrastructure is essential. A clear strategy is required to address complex and varying regional and local data residency laws. Cross-country data residency laws need attention, as public cloud services may locate data in different parts of the world.
Organisations have the opportunity to address long-standing inefficiencies to increase security and build a platform for intelligent insights. The statement is sourced by David Benjamin, VP and general manager for EMEA at Box. Box, for instance, has created Box Zones that allow data to remain within countries, works closely with Europe's DPAs, and has received approval for its Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs), Privacy Shield, TCDP, and C5.
Lastly, GDPR will require the appointment of a Data Protection Officer (DPO) by companies to manage internal compliance and work closely with Data Protection Authorities (DPAs). HR departments can easily trace, map, or retrieve employee information stored in the cloud through search filters and metadata, making compliance more manageable.
In summary, as the GDPR deadline approaches, HR departments must embrace cloud technology and machine learning to ensure compliance, protect confidential employee information, and build a robust data security culture. By partnering with trusted providers, implementing robust security measures, and staying vigilant to regulatory changes, HR departments can navigate the challenges of GDPR and emerge stronger and more efficient.
Cloud technology can help HR departments cultivate a modern compliance and security model for GDPR by enabling central governance of data policies and offering tools that support GDPR compliance. Machine learning algorithms can aid in risk mitigation under GDPR by continuously analyzing employee behavior and transaction patterns to detect suspicious activity indicative of data breaches or fraud.
