How to Balance Technological Innovation and Data Protection 25 Sep 2021
Implementing, upgrading or even updating the IT infrastructure of a business is extremely important. But it is a significant challenge for most organisations to handle in-house. Businesses should know that keeping this all in check allows for IT solutions and services to be delivered to employees, partners, and customers. It is usually deployed within owned facilities.
The exact same importance can be said for data protection. Many organisations out there may not truly understand how at-risk they really are. Just last month, T-Mobile was hacked. This exposed the private information of more than 50 million current, former and prospective customers. So, as can be seen, businesses must do more to protect their own interests.
Apple’s announcement of the App Tracking Transparency (ATT) feature puts consumers more in charge of their data privacy, allowing them to opt-in or out of sharing. Lots of businesses, however, are worried that giving up control of their data will stifle innovation. There is a way to strike the right balance between technological innovation and data protection, though, but how can it be done? Should businesses be worrying? And how can Global EMEA help out?
Balance can be found.
Firstly, businesses should be familiar with the current data protection laws which are in place. Everyone responsible for using personal data has to follow strict guidelines, making sure the gathered information is used:
- fairly, lawfully and transparently
- for specified, explicit purposes
- in a way that is adequate, relevant and limited to only what is necessary
- accurate and, where necessary, kept up to date
- kept for no longer than is necessary
- handled in a way that ensures appropriate security, including protection against unlawful or unauthorised processing, access, loss, destruction or damage
Then it is up to the business in order to put these rules into practice. Through updating policies and being fully transparent with the consumer, this can be achieved if planned accordingly.
Keeping it simple is, therefore, the way to go. If a business communicates to consumers through complex and confusing language, then they may be misled into sharing their data when, in reality, they want to keep it private. So instead, present it through large, eye-catching fonts and short words.
Following that, once they understand clearly, implement a red light/green light system to give them the choice of consent. Perhaps make this mandatory, although it does not have to be.
If they agree, then perfect. If they don’t, then do not worry, as this is where innovation comes into play! Businesses may worry that less access to data will negatively affect their bottom line. But look instead to rethink the digital ad strategy and reevaluate how to connect with customers in a privacy-centric way, otherwise risk losing them altogether.
Once this is all established, then keep vigilant and pick up on any obstacles that may occur.
We are here to help.
Global EMEA is a trusted and highly experienced partner when it comes to IT infrastructure and data protection. We have helped businesses to create self-managing dynamic systems, delivered service-oriented architecture and collaborated on ambitious strategies to enhance business performance ten-fold.
We believe that the best business relationships are those that last, and our responsibilities go way beyond design or consultancy. We handle projects from start to finish, ensuring the anticipated results are delivered and that everyone within our client’s organisation has the right training and support required. As such, Global EMEA offers the ideal balance of experience, expertise, vision, hands-on practicality and customer care that clients need to see them safely through a transformation project.
Fundamental to the sourcing and maintenance of a cost-effective IT infrastructure is understanding existing assets owned, current needs, global trends, and your organisation’s future direction. Global EMEA’s specialism is in tying all these threads together, developing coherent plans, and delivering adaptable, practical hardware and software, minimising waste while maximising returns.
Data protection, on the other hand, is another specialism of ours. Many businesses may think that data has been removed from a device, but it has been shown time and time again that data can still be retrieved. This means that redeploying assets can be risky and that it’s more difficult to maintain the highest standards of security that are demanded and necessary.
We use WhiteCanyon software – the best on the market to achieve this feat – as well as deliver IT redeployment and recycling initiatives to ensure the complete protection of data. These methods are certified to erase data when needed, ensuring it is not stolen or tampered with at any point.
To find out more, visit our website today! Alternatively, give us a call on 0345 340 3105 to speak directly to our team or fill out an enquiry form. We look forward to hearing from you and welcome any potential questions you may possibly have.