Ensuring GDPR Compliance and Data Protection in the Cloud

As hybrid working becomes the norm and more data is stored in the cloud, organizations face complex security challenges. To ensure that customers' data is secured and compliant with EU regulations, organizations must implement additional layers of protection such as multi-factor authentication (MFA) and API security.

According to a report by Forrester Research, 87% of European companies use public cloud platforms, and commercial and productivity apps were downloaded 7.1 billion times in 2020. While these apps can boost productivity and improve communication, they also bring new security challenges.

The emergence of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies also presents concerns as employees increasingly use their own devices for work. While this can improve productivity, it also creates points of vulnerability, especially in the crucial area of security. Organizations that have a BYOD policy must accept that they cannot fully control the use of employee devices, which can access sensitive and confidential data.

Organizations must ensure GDPR compliance to protect employees and customers. Under GDPR, organizations must obtain consent from customers for collecting their data, and individuals have the right to access and delete their personal data. These obligations apply to all organizations that collect or process data from persons in the EU, regardless of where the organizations are located.

To ensure compliance and protect against cybersecurity threats, organizations need tools that verify identity, enable secure communication between apps, and provide advanced protection against threats. Identity Access Management (IAM) or Customer Identity Access Management (CIAM) is increasingly challenging due to the mobile nature of devices used for online transactions and work.

Fortunately, protocols such as 3D Secure authentication (3DS) and MFA are widely used to verify identity and provide additional layers of security. MFA requires customers to verify their identity using something they know (a password), something they have (an ID), and something they are (a fingerprint or facial scan). Its adoption is promoted by the legislation in the financial services sector.

Ensuring GDPR compliance and data protection in the cloud is crucial for organizations that interact with European citizens. While the challenges are complex, the tools and protocols available can help organizations protect their customers' data and comply with EU regulations.

In recent times, the increased popularity of MFA has resulted in a rise of attacks due to "MFA fatigue." Hackers are stealing or leaking login details or guessing credentials, bombarding users with requests to verify their identity. This avalanche of authentication requests persists until the user either makes a mistake or collapses under the pressure and fills in the information. If the user doesn't comply, the attacker will simply tell someone else. Microsoft 365 users were victims of such an attack. However, authenticating via an app is a more secure solution. Instead of text messages, users can use an authenticator app that generates a one-time access code allowing them to confirm their identity. Some apps provide organization-level security and generate one-time passcodes for employees who want to sign in to apps from the organization. Biometric solutions like fingerprint recognition are even better, and hardware-based tokens like electronic keychains can give users access to a system without entering a password.

In security systems, people are often the weakest link, and adding friction or barriers to the security journey will lead people to try to bypass them. A good authentication management system balances solid security with good user experience (UX) to control who can access information without creating too many barriers. IT departments that achieve full Trust at Work provide digital experiences that are elegant and user-friendly for both end-users and IT admins. Workers can get fast and frictionless access to the tools, apps, and resources they need, with proportional security controls applied based on risks. IT admins can make employees' lives easier through a centralized identity architecture and many automated routine tasks. To ensure that the right people have access to the right systems, whether in the office or at home, and whether they are indoors or outdoors, a Zero Trust approach to authentication is required. Accessing data from locations outside the organization may be restricted. An advanced workplace system offers all employees full flexibility and accommodates the needs of a hybrid work environment, providing a smooth user experience for employees, partners, and contractors. This approach is fully committed to 3D security, including Single Sign-On and MFA, taking into account environmental factors (less commuting is better for the environment) and applying the principle of Zero Trust.

MFA is one potential solution, but many organizations do not have the capacity to implement it. Without an integrated strategy for identity and access management, implementation priorities become fragmented, compounded by legacy technologies and teams working past each other. Budget responsible parties see a modern identity solution as an affordable luxury without immediate financial benefits, rather than a strategic tool for workplace efficiency. Organizations that lag behind in privacy and compliance risks will face trouble with the AVG. The regulation requires a proactive approach to information security. Organizations that require solid identity access management should look for a solution that are scalable, reliable, and offers end-to-end security.

Atsky offers a comprehensive recommendation on suite of tools and provides services that can help companies of all sizes achieve success in their respective industries. By providing innovative solutions for identity and access management, Atsky enables organizations to securely manage their data, streamline their workflows, and boost their productivity. With a focus on delivering a user-friendly experience, Atsky ensures that its solutions are accessible and easy to use for employees and IT admins alike. Additionally, Atsky's commitment to staying up-to-date with the latest security and compliance standards means that companies can trust that their data is protected and their operations are compliant. Overall, partnering with Atsky can provide companies with the support and tools they need to thrive in today's rapidly changing business landscape.