What is a Virtual Data Protection Officer (vDPO)?
A Data Protection Officer (DPO) is an experienced data protection consultant who gives advice and guidance on all data privacy matters, helping your business meet and maintain data protection regulations.
How can a Virtual DPO service help?
We can help with all data protection and GDPR related matters including:
- ICO registration
- Understanding the current level of compliance
- Implementation of a Road Map
- Data breach support and response (including liaison with the ICO)
- Breach response
- Data subject access request support (SAR)
- Policy and procedure support and advice
- Data mapping support and advice
- Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)
- Assisting with customer questionnaires and due diligence
- General GDPR support
- Arranging GDPR staff training
Our vDPO service is summarised below in 3 simple steps:
Understand your business
The first step in any assessment is to get to know your business. It is important to understand the nature and sensitivity of the information assets you hold, the information systems you use, the regulatory environment in which you operate and the potential impact of a security incident on your organisation.
Conduct Data Protection & GDPR Audit
This audit helps you understand your level of compliance, identify risks and demonstrate how data protection is currently implemented the business.
The assessment of your policies and processes will determine if personal data is being handled appropriately across the business to ensure you are meeting your regulatory obligations.
vDPO Service Begins
Our Virtual DPO service begins, providing you with expert data privacy support from qualified, experienced data protection consultants when you need it – without the need to hire a full-time resource.
We can help with all data protection related matters, including monitoring internal compliance, informing on data protection obligations, and acting as a contact point for the supervisory authority and data subjects.
A vDPO can offer a number of benefits to your Organisation, including:
Cost-effectiveness
Virtual DPOs are a more budget-friendly option than hiring a full-time DPO. Organizations only pay for the time they need, and they don’t need to cover overheads or holiday leave.
Access to expertise
Virtual DPOs are specialists in data privacy and compliance, and they can provide access to a wide range of expertise.
Flexibility
Virtual DPOs can adapt to an organisation’s changing needs, and they can scale their services accordingly.
Independence
As external consultants, virtual DPOs can provide an impartial perspective and unbiased data protection oversight.
Reduced burden
By outsourcing data protection responsibilities, organisations can focus on their core business functions.
Ongoing regulatory insight
Virtual DPOs can keep organisations up to date with the latest changes in data protection regulations.
Risk management and evaluation
Virtual DPOs can proactively manage and assess data protection risks.
Regular reporting and communication
Virtual DPOs can provide regular updates on an organization’s data protection status and advice on improvements or changes.
Get in touch
Find out more
For more information on our Virtual DPO service, please contact us on 0161 706 0244 or email info@cybersecurityspecialists.co.uk to speak with a member of the team.