May 25, 2018 — Fairfield, New Jersey — Having fielded numerous questions about the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which goes in effect on May 25th, Quikteks CEO Andrew Rich has noticed that many New Jersey business owners are unsure about what they need to do, if anything.
Rich explains that while GDPR is a European Union regulation, it affects any business in the world that handles data involving EU citizens.
“This Friday, May 25th, 2018, the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation will take effect,” he said. “This will affect all businesses that collect data on European Union members, including non-EU businesses.”
For example, if a customer in Germany buys from a NYC-based online store, the store will need to have procedures in place to ensure compliance with GDPR. Failure to comply could result in hefty fines — 20M euros or “up to 4 percent of global turnover, whichever is larger.”
Rich encourages local business owners to consider how they handle customer data. “Do you have international clients?” he asked. “If so, how do you handle data removal? What policy do you have after a security breach?”
Rich said while the GDPR regulation primarily aims at large, global companies, smaller companies should think about how they handle sensitive data.
For instance, one of the provisions of GDPR is the “right to be forgotten.” European Union citizens can now request that their personal data be deleted when it’s no longer necessary or accurate.
“It’s more involved than simply receiving an email from a user,” Rich said. “Do you have a mechanism in place for these individuals to request removal? Do you have a mechanism in place to perform the removal? How is your data stored? Can you easily remove or export specific user data upon request?”
Even something as familiar as an online newsletter opt-in form will need to be evaluated for compliance as GDPR requires that consent is freely given.
“This is just the beginning,” said Rich. “You can be sure we’ll soon see stricter data regulations in the U.S. in the near future.”
With GDPR taking effect today, and the likelihood that the United States will soon strengthen its own data and privacy regulations, Rich encourages all businesses to take these matters seriously.
“Now’s a good time to review your privacy policy and harden your networks against vulnerabilities,” he said. “Your business attorney or a local GDPR compliance consultant may be able to help with regulatory compliance. Meanwhile, if you’re concerned about network and data security, Quikteks can help. We offer IT consulting services and tech support to small and medium-sized businesses in New Jersey and New York.”
Rich suggests scheduling a free network security assessment from Quikteks. Visit Quikteks.com or call 973-882-4644.
About Quikteks
Based in Fairfield, New Jersey, Quikteks delivers cutting-edge, reliable and cost-effective business technology solutions to small and medium-sized businesses in the Tri-State area. The company’s computer solutions include 24-hour tech support, help desk support, computer support, data backup, consulting, and storing valuable and confidential data in a secure cloud.