Preventative measures for service providers in relation to data security

A service provider can seek to prevent or minimise data security breaches from occurring by implementing an effective organisational data security compliance framework.

An effective organisational data security compliance framework can avoid or minimise the risk of an organisation and individuals within it breaching data security obligations.

The specific details of what comprises an effective organisational data security compliance framework will vary between organisations, and will depend on a range of factors including a service provider’s level of compliance with data security obligations, the types of data it has access to, its structure, size, resources, industry sector, regulatory environment and the compliance issues facing the organisation.

A service provider should conduct regular audits of its IT security systems, processes, practices and policies.

The audits should be undertaken by the service provider’s IT security staff with appropriate skills and experience or by an external IT security specialist.

The findings of such audits will enable the service provider to determine what actions are required to remediate any adverse audit findings, including in relation to its IT security policies, systems, controls, processes and practices.

A service provider’s employees and contractors should receive regular training on compliance with data security requirements.

Service providers should develop and maintain a positive and strong compliance culture in relation to data security obligations.

Service providers should also implement effective internal governance processes and oversight of data security issues.

See Preventative measures for service providers in relation to data security.