Data Privacy

The Link between Data Management and Cyber Security

We have become more technologically reliant than ever before and there is no sign that this trend will slow. Personal data that could result in identity theft is now posted to the public on our social media accounts. Sensitive information like social security numbers, credit card information and bank account details are now stored in the cloud.
The fact of the matter is whether you are an individual, small business or large multinational, you rely on computer systems every day. Pair this with the rise in cloud services, poor cloud service security, smartphones and the Internet of Things (IoT) and we have a myriad of cybersecurity threats that didn't exist a few decades ago. Both the Private and Public Sectors are bringing more attention to cybercrimes. PoPIA is a great example. It has increased the reputational damage of data breaches by forcing all companies that operate in the South Africa to:

Communicate data breaches
Appoint a data-protection officer
Require user consent to process information
Anonymise data for privacy

The trend towards public disclosure is not limited to South Africa. Commonalities include:

The requirement to notify those affect as soon as possible
Let the government know as soon as possible
Liable for fines and imprisonment

This has driven standards boards like the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and the International Standards Organisation (ISO) to release frameworks to help organizations understand their security risks, improve cybersecurity measures and prevent cyber attacks.

South Africa PoPI Act

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