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Changes in the Legal Landscape Will Have Implications for Data Privacy

2022 has been the ‘year of change’ and I don’t anticipate this slowing over the next several months. Privacy has become top of mind for consumers and a priority for government. As such, organizations that handle personal data are having to take action to affirm their commitment to data security and comply with a growing set of regulations.  Given the current global threat environment, it’s important for organizations to take a proactive approach to their cybersecurity to ensure privacy standards are being met. 

Privacy is Top of Mind 

Data privacy continues to drive conversations and even the actions of consumers, and governments are responding to calls for regulating how personal data is collected and used.    

After a string of landmark decisions from the Supreme Court, privacy is more important than ever for consumers and businesses alike. Organizations that handle personal data are having to take a closer look at individual privacy laws on a state-by-state level, as they take action to affirm their commitment to data security and comply with a growing set of regulations. Giant tech companies are facing a different challenge in trying to understand if they will be required to disclose private information in response to data subpoenas by the government and if they will push back.  

Compliance with data protection laws is mandatory, and failure to adhere to the evolving, state-by-state patchwork of legislation will lead to lawsuits and fines. In 2021, 27 privacy bills were proposed protecting personally identifiable information (PII). It will require constant vigilance to stay compliant with all the news laws that emerge.  Investing in data protection analysis to determine whether your organization complies with government sand state regulations, such as GDPR, CCPA/CPRA and HIPAA, will help you understand and identify the applicable information security and privacy standards and controls necessary to protect your customers’ and employees’ personal data. 

In an effort to streamline the numerous compliance certification standards, the International Organization for Standardization will be releasing a new accredited standard, ISO 37301, that will be based on ISO 17021.  The new standard will hover over all of the compliance management systems to help make the certification process easier.  ISO 37301 will be one management system that can pull all policies and procedure controls into one framework- consolidating the compliance process and supporting privacy law.  

Technology Aids in Continuous Compliance  

Working in the data privacy industry equates to numerous compliance certifications, continuous monitoring and strictly adhering to regulations.  There’s now a more efficient way to conduct multiple audits and better your data security.  A-SCEND, A-LIGNs compliance management and audit automation software, reduces the time spent preparing for various audits and assessment, deduplicates efforts and improves efficiency.  This SaaS platform allows users to upload evidence and reuse across multiple efforts, transforming the audit process into a well-planned initiative.  

For more information on how A-LIGN can help your organization achieve compliance, contact us today.