What is GDPR?

The General Data Protection Regulation, commonly known as "GDPR," is a landmark security regulation that originated in the European Union (EU). Established in May 2018, GDPR has since set the global standard for data protection and privacy law. Its purpose is to reshape how organizations across all sectors approach data privacy by advocating a more stringent set of rules.

GDPR's primary objective is to grant individuals enhanced control over their personal data, especially from organizations, regardless of their location. It offers a comprehensive ocean of all-encompassing rights to EU citizens. This includes the right to be informed about what data is being collected, how it is being used, for how long than it will be held, who is getting access to it, and for what precise purpose. It also includes the right to access, rectify, and erase their data when they see fit. Not only that, under the GDPR, individuals have the right to data portability, allowing them to obtain and reuse their personal data across differing services according to their whims and choices.

Due to the presence of GDPR, organizations have found themselves grappling with hefty compliance requirements. If any organizations mishandle data or neglect their obligations, they face stringent penalties that amount to either €20 million or 4% of their global turnover, whichever tends to be higher. Therefore, organizations cannot afford to take GDPR lightly.

Cybersecurity and antivirus are highly critical when it comes to GDPR. Cybersecurity is the practice of protecting computers, servers, mobile devices, digital systems, networks, electronic systems, and data from abuse, theft or damage. It combats the unauthorized intrusion, divulgement, disruption, eradication, modification, inspection, recording, or utilization of any information stored in a computer system or a network by a hacker. GDPR and cybersecurity are inextricably interwoven since protecting data from potential breaches and ensuring data privacy form the very core of GDPR.

Antivirus software, on the other hand, is designed to curtail, detect, and eradicate any malware, including viruses, acting as the first line of defense to protect computer systems and networks. It provides an extra layer of security that reduces vulnerabilities, thwarts endless forms of malicious activities, and safeguards user data.

Organizations managing large amounts of personal data must invest in robust cybersecurity and antivirus systems to ensure GDPR compliance. As per GDPR, organizations must protect EU citizens' data using "appropriate technical and organizational measures," which often includes a reliable antivirus solution to prevent common cyber threats. This is more than just a best-practice cybersecurity recommendation – it's mandatory for compliance with GDPR in light of the regulation's emphasis on safeguarding users' data.

GDPR has brought a real stir up to the way cybersecurity is approached, primarily forcing organizations to reconsider the way they protect their user's data. Under GDPR, for instance, any data breach must be reported to the relevant regulatory body within 72 hours, with significant obligations put on companies to notify users about data breaches that could have a damaging effect on the afflicted individuals.

GDPR redefines the concept of data protection and privacy, ensuring that right to privacy is no longer a mere afterthought but a fundamental human right. GDPR necessitates the need for strong cybersecurity measures and stringent antivirus protocols to provide a safer experience and empowered control to the user over its personal data.

GDPR FAQs