Ironically, Liberty was experiencing a cyberattack while delegates were being enlightened about the impact of the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) law on South African business and how it aligns with the Protection of Personal Information Act 2013 (PoPI).
Xperien hosted an event in conjunction with Blancco Technology Group to help companies understand the importance of secure data erasure in preventing unnecessary data loss, ensuring regulatory compliance and minimising exposure to risk.
The GDPR is one of the most wide-ranging and comprehensive pieces of legislation regarding sensitive consumer data ever enacted. It will certainly change the way consumer data is protected, not just in Europe, but worldwide.
Blancco Central Europe spokesperson Jocelyn Miley warned delegates that it wasn't a question of whether their companies would be hacked, it’s a matter of when. "As a global leader in data erasure and diagnostics, we focus on aspects of data compliance and cybersecurity that companies of all sizes need to take into consideration."
"We have partnered with Xperien to help South African companies improve end-of-life data management and provide a verifiable audit trail to comply with the growing number of data protection regulations and standards," she explains.
PoPI Act expert Dr Peter Tobin warned that there were serious implications for South African companies. "Any organisation in this country that deals with the data of any European resident is impacted by the GDPR."
He says compliance is fast becoming a competitive advantage. "Customers don’t want to be put at risk, data breaches and issues related to regulatory compliance, associated costs and loss of reputation will have dire consequences for businesses that suffer data breaches."
Mr. Sizwe Snail ka Mtuze, a member of the Information Regulator, explained how European law will affect South African companies and it will also enable them assess their current state against the GDPR.
Xperien's Bridgette Vermaak says the event highlighted the challenges associated with IT Asset Disposal (ITAD) and provided solutions designed to enable organisations to become compliant. “We showcased cost effective solutions to combat the challenges associated with data loss.”
These data security laws mandate that organisations implement adequate safeguards to ensure the protection of company and personal information, especially when it comes to the disposition of redundant IT assets.
"Both laws are fantastic pieces of legislation. If followed correctly, companies could ensure less data breaches," she concludes.
For more information contact Xperien on (011) 462-8806 or email bridgette@xperien.
