The Impact of GDPR on Network Security

Network security refers to security policies and tools. The main purpose of network security management is to protect networks from threats. Networks are the places that provide an environment for users, devices, and applications to connect. Companies can benefit from different security tools. Up-to-date security solutions become popular since legacy security tools can not meet the necessities of businesses. 

More and more companies started to move their network infrastructure to the cloud systems. Cloud environments are the stores that keep applications, resources, and data online. Cloud systems are more comfortable and affordable. However, they pose an enormous risk in terms of data security. It is easier to steal data from cloud-based systems compared to physical ones. That is why cloud environments are the main target for cybercriminals. 

Virtual Private Network (VPN)

On the other hand, there are several solutions to avoid cloud threats. One of them is VPN solutions. Virtual Private Networks prevent data breaches. VPN creates a virtual tunnel between the resource and the end-point. When data travel through this tunnel, VPN encrypts it. Even if a cybercriminal captures the data, he can not use it for malicious purposes. 

Identity and Access Management 

Another solution is Identity and Access Management (IAM). Today, organizations fight against both internal and external threats. External threats are usually cyber attacks. On the other hand, internal risks are the major problem for the companies’ cybersecurity. Employees can risk company data. They do not have to be malicious. They may neglect basic security rules, and any inattention can cause a data breach. IAM, as the name suggests, controls identities and access behaviors. Access management prevents unauthorized users from reaching sensitive data resources. It monitors user tendencies in terms of access to company resources. Networks stay safe if only authorized users can reach the applications and resources, 

Data Security 

You should realize that all security tools have one common purpose: data security and data breach prevention. Data security must be the first concern when it comes to managing network security because data safety is today one of the most important issues.

First of all, clients share vulnerable data with companies. Businesses store this data and use it while serving. Moreover, companies keep their employees’ data. Clients and employees can get harmed if a data breach occurs in company resources. Data is valuable. Criminals can sell personal data at high prices on the dark web. Malicious people make use of this data and create damage. Companies can lose their clients. They can lose their reputation and financial status. On the other hand, employees can put in a compensation claim. 

Secondly, several regulations contain clauses on data protection. These regulations are binding for most corporations. They should be compliant with these regulations and act according to their liabilities. In case of violation of these regulations, companies are subject to sanctions. Sanctions are high.  They can cause trouble for the company’s financials. It is another reason to manage data security in a corporation.

GDPR Explained 

As explained above, companies are subject to regulations that have provisions regarding data security. Businesses that comply with these binding regulations can upgrade their security levels because these contain essential safety provisions. On the other hand, they can avoid fines that are born due to non-compliance. General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is one of them.

GDPR consists of provisions that protect the personal data of individuals and their rights. It defines personal data. On the other hand, the regulation has some rules for data processors. Data processors can be natural or legal people.   For instance, corporations can process personal data. They have liabilities due to their processing.  However, GDPR only protects natural people’s rights. We call them data subjects in GDPR terminology. General Data Protection Regulation recommends some security solutions to ensure compliance. A company that follows these recommendations can be compliant with GDPR. Finally, GDPR regulates the conclusions of breach of the rules. 

The European Union legislated GDPR  in 2016. It came into force in 2018. GDPR provisions are for the European Union people and are contained in EU law. The purpose of GDPR is to secure and protect personal data. Names, addresses, e-mail addresses, ID numbers, social security numbers, voice, IP addresses, photographs, and other identifiers are examples of personal data. 

Some authorities consider GDPR the strictest data regulation in the world. Corporations that are subject to GDPR can not process data on a freeway. They should comply with the data processing rules. For example, GDPR mentions the consent of the person. This consent is about permitting the data processor to store, collect, share, and use data. Vulnerable data such as health information requires consent. 

GDPR on Network Security 

Data security is a part of security management. Data safety tools should be effective in successful network management. General Data Protection Regulation is an opportunity for companies. They can level up their data security management by complying with the GDPR provisions. As a business owner or IT manager, you can benefit from GDPR. First of all, you have become compliant with GDPR. You prevented sanctions as well. It is important to avoid reputational and financial loss. Furthermore, you can attract more clients and employees. The awareness of data protection has been increasing day after day. As a result of this, both clients and employees prefer reliable companies. 

In conclusion 

General Data Protection Regulation has a positive effect on network security. GDPR supports companies on their security journey. The corporation can reinforce its security walls by applying GDPR provisions. It has a positive effect also on the IT team of the company. Data security is another burden for IT employees in businesses. Several solutions such as IAM and VPN can help IT teams to protect vulnerable data resources. However, applying these solutions is not adequate alone. 

Data security is multi-layered. All layers require special attention. On the other hand, EU members or companies that have European clients or employees should consider GDPR because GDPR protects EU members’ data. Many companies are liable for complying with GDPR in the globalizing business world. Do not pass GDPR liabilities on your network security management to provide total security in your organization.