If you work with a DPO (data protection officer), how are you collaborating to improve data security or compliance?

Working in a larger international manufacturing company like mine highlights the importance of engaging a DPO in security and regulatory collaborations. This synergy between the CISO and the DPO merges cybersecurity expertise with the intricacies of data protection laws and regulations.

We start by aligning our objectives. We share a common goal: protecting the company's data from breaches and ensuring compliance with data protection laws in our operating regions, such as GDPR and CCPA. This alignment sets the stage for clear, united strategies.

Our collaboration continues with regular communication, including scheduled meetings and ad-hoc discussions to stay informed about current data security measures, potential threats, and legislative changes that could impact our operations. These discussions often lead to joint risk assessments where we evaluate our data processing activities, identify potential vulnerabilities, and consider the impacts of hypothetical data breaches.

We also co-develop and implement data protection and security policies, blending my cybersecurity background with the DPO's legal expertise. Our policies adhere to legal requirements and embody best data security practices.

Training and awareness programs for staff are another critical component. Employees need to understand the significance of data protection and their role in it, covering everything from basic data handling practices to recognizing and responding to security incidents.

Incident response planning is another key area. We work together to create robust response plans that mitigate damage from any data breaches and comply with legal incident reporting requirements.

Finally, we collaborate on technology, evaluating and implementing security and data protection solutions that protect sensitive information while maintaining compliance without hampering operational efficiency.

In summary, the collaboration between CISOs and DPOs involves strategic alignment, regular communication, policy development, staff training, incident response, and technological innovation. It's a partnership that strengthens data security and ensures effective navigation through the complex landscape of data protection laws and regulations.

Step 1 - Develop a policy to comply with local and international laws.
Step 2 - Train your resources on those laws
Step 3 - Implement in your stack and validate.
Step 4 - Validate that your external systems(integrated stack) complies with these steps.
Step 5 (If posible) - Get audits done with SMEs.