Personal data security: challenges, GDPR compliance GDPR solutions

Why has security become essential for data protection?

In a context where private and public organizations collect and use large volumes of personal data every day, personal data, data security has become a major strategic issue. This information, which is central to client relations client business processes, represents significant strategic value, but also exposes companies to numerous risks.

According to the 2024 ANSSI report, more than 50% of SMB have been victims of at least one cyberattack attempt related to data security. Globally, the average cost of a data breach is estimated at $4.45 million (source: IBM).
These figures serve as a reminder that data confidentiality,integrity, and resilience are not just technical issues: they directly affect the sustainability and competitiveness of organizations.

There are many threats: cyberattacks, data breaches, accidental theft or leaks, human error, or misuse of data by a service provider. An incident can lead to a loss of trust, damage to reputation, and potentially heavy financial penalties.

Protecting data is therefore not limited to installing a firewall: it is a comprehensive process combining technical, organizational, and human measures. This includes, in particular:

• data classification,
• access control,
• management of Data retention periods,
• or evenErasure of data at the end of the life cycle.

The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) strictly regulates these practices by imposing data confidentiality, but that's not all. The integrity and availability of personal data are also key principles of the regulatory text. Companies must integrate security from the outset, document their actions, and, in the event of an incident, notify the competent authorities such as the CNIL (National Commission for Information Technology and Civil Liberties).

Definition and scope of data security: requirements and confidentiality

Data security refers to all practices, procedures, and tools designed to protect information, particularly personal data, from unauthorized access, modification, use, or destruction.

It coversall environments: computer systems, databases, workstations, mobile devices, cloud platforms, and physical media.

Data security is based on three fundamental pillars: confidentiality, integrity, and availability.

1. Confidentiality of personal data

Only persons with legitimate authorization should have access to data. For example, HR data should not be accessible to all employees but should be limited to the HR department HR the scope of their duties.

This means that the data controller must implement strict access controls, enhanced authentication systems (such as multi-factor authentication), and data masking techniques to limit the exposure of information and the risk of data loss.

2. Data integrity and accuracy

Data must not be altered or corrupted, either intentionally or accidentally. This requires verification mechanisms, regular backups, and procedures to detect any unauthorized modifications and potential data loss.

3. Data availability and resilience

Data must be accessible and usable by authorized persons when they need it. Data resilience requires the implementation of redundant systems, continuity and disaster recovery plans, and proactive infrastructure monitoring.

Data classification and security measures

Data classification is an essential step in data governance and management. It allows protections to be tailored to the sensitivity of the information.

Examples of classification:

• Public data: information that can be freely consulted without risk, accessible without restriction.
• Internal data: reserved for internal use within the organization, requiring access restrictions but without high sensitivity.
• Sensitive data: information whose disclosure could have a major impact (e.g., health data, banking information such as a credit card number).

Each category must benefit from specific protections:

• Encryption of data in transit and at rest,
• Data masking in test environments,
• Role-based access control,
• Limitation of the duration of Data retention and Erasure of data at the endErasure of data use. In this regard,Erasure of data an often underestimated step: it is not just a matter of deleting a file, but of ensuring that the information can no longer be recovered. Secure procedures (certified erasure, physical destruction of media) must be planned from the design stage of the systems.

In all cases, the security measures put in place must always be proportionate to the level of risk and the sensitivity of the categories of data concerned.

For example, for health data, regulations require enhanced protections and compliance with Health Data Hosting (HDS) standards.

Types of security applied to application security systems and solutions

Data security has several components, covering infrastructure, software, and physical aspects:

1. System security: critical infrastructure and resources

Protecting servers, networks, databases, and operating systems against attacks, intrusions, and malfunctions. This includesregularly updating systems, segmenting networks, and installing firewalls.

2. Application security: design and vulnerability remediation

Detection and correction of software vulnerabilities, management of platform access, and integration of security from the design stage of tools to prevent data breaches.

3. Security of user workstations and devices

Protection of computers, smartphones, and tablets used by employees through disk encryption, antivirus software, update management, and access control.

4. Physical security: organization and access control

Protection of premises, equipment, and physical media containing data. This includes surveillance, alarm systems, and access restrictions to sensitive areas.

The main threats to data security

Data security is challenged by a multitude of threats, which can originate both inside and outside the organization. Their diversity and increasing sophistication make them an ongoing challenge for businesses.

Internal threats: human error, access rights, and lack of awareness

Often underestimated, internal threats nevertheless account for a significant proportion of security incidents. They can be accidental or intentional, and are all the more dangerous because they come from people who already have access to the systems.

• Human error: a simple click on the wrong link, an email sent to Data recipient wrong Data recipient forgetting to delete sensitive data before reassigning a device can be enough to cause a leak. According to numerous studies, human error is involved in more than half of data breaches.
• Misuse of access rights: when an employee has overly broad permissions, they can access information that is not relevant to their job. In some cases, this leads to deliberate data exfiltration (theft of clients files, transfer to a competitor) or unintentional data exfiltration (copying to an unsecured medium).
• Lack of awareness: The absence of security training encourages risky behavior, such as using weak passwords, not locking sessions, or sharing documents via unsecured channels. An untrained employee can unwittingly become the gateway for a cyberattack.

External threats: cyberattacks, ransomware, and phishing

External threats comefrom malicious actors —cybercriminals, hackers, organized groups—who exploit technical or human vulnerabilities to break into information systems. They are often more visible but also more sophisticated.

• Targeted cyberattacks: exploiting software vulnerabilities, brute force attacks on passwords, or SQL injections into a database. These methods aim to gain direct access to sensitive information.
• Malware and ransomware: this type of malicious software encrypts a company's files and demands a ransom to restore access. In addition to the financial risk, ransomware blocks activity and jeopardizes business continuity.
• Phishing and social engineering: these attacks involve deceiving employees via fake emails or messages (impersonating a bank, supplier, or colleague) to extract their login details or sensitive information. This is one of the most widely used techniques because it exploits human weakness rather than technical vulnerability.
• processor compromise: the supply chain is now a prime target. A service provider with privileged access to data (e.g., hosting provider, SaaS provider, IT manager) can be hacked, opening the door to indirect intrusion into the company's systems.

In addition, threats are evolving rapidly: ransomware is becoming more sophisticated, using artificial intelligence to bypass security filters; phishing is no longer limited to emails but now extends to text messages (smishing) and phone calls (vishing).

Furthermore, the rise of the IoT (Internet of Things) and connected devices is multiplying the potential entry points for cybercriminals. A single poorly secured sensor can open the door to a massive intrusion.

Finally, attacks on the supply chain are growing rapidly: rather than targeting a company directly, cybercriminals attack a supplier or processor privileged access.

Concrete examples of incidents related to confidentiality andErasure of data

Common incidents that businesses may face include:

• Data breach through intrusion or hacking: illegal access to information contained in a client database.
• Theft of confidential data: exfiltration of sensitive information by a third party or a malicious employee.
• Disclosure of information through negligence: sending a file containing personal data to the wrong Data recipient.
• Loss or alteration of data: during migration, failure, or Erasure of data executed Erasure of data .

The consequences for a company

A security incident related to these threats can have significant repercussions:

• Regulatory sanctions: in the event of a personal data breach, the CNIL (National Commission for Information Technology and Civil Liberties) impose fines of up to €20 million or 4% of global annual turnover.
• Damage to reputation: loss of trust among clients, partners, and investors, which can have a lasting impact on brand image.
• High operational costs: business interruptions, system restoration costs, emergency infrastructure reinforcement, and victim compensation.

In other words, data security threats are not limited to technical risks: they represent a strategic and financial danger for any organization.

Data security and GDPR requirements and regulatory compliance

Since GDPR came into force GDPR May 2018, all organizations that collect or process the personal data of European citizens must comply with strict security requirements . Article 32 of the regulation sets out the fundamental principles:

• Privacy by design: integrating personal data protection into the design phase of systems, tools, or services in order to limit risks upstream.
• Privacy by default: apply the most protective settings possible by default, without any additional action required by the user.
• The implementation of appropriate technical and organizational measures: encryption, anonymization, strict access management, backup procedures, clear internal policies.
• Documentation and proof of compliance: keep records, conduct regular audits, and be able to demonstrate compliance at any time.

These requirements are not only legal: they are based on international standards such as ISO 27001, the NIST Cybersecurity Framework, and ANSSI best practices. Companies can use these frameworks to structure their approach.

Thus, beyond legal requirements, GDPR compliance GDPR a real competitive advantage. It demonstrates to clients, partners, and investors that the company takes data protection seriously and adopts a proactive approach based on trust and transparency.

The challenges faced by companies in organizing security

Implementing robust, compliant data security is not without its challenges. Many organizations face recurring obstacles:

• The complexity of systems and the multiplicity of data sources: information is often scattered across different software programs, cloud applications, and infrastructures, which complicates its management and security.
• working remotely mobility: the widespread adoption of remote working has increased the number of access points to information systems, often from less secure home networks or personal devices.
• The supply chain: processors external partners sometimes have access to personal data and sometimes even sensitive data. Accountability shared, a breach at one service provider can impact the entire organization.
• The human factor: handling errors, lack of vigilance, or lack of training can compromise data security, even with the best technical solutions.
• Budget constraints: SMB ISE rarely ISE the same financial and human resources as large corporations to implement advanced cybersecurity measures.
• Regulatory and technological developments: compliance is an ongoing process. Legislation evolves, as do threats, forcing companies to stay constantly up to date.

Another major challenge is the shortage of cybersecurity skills. Many companies, particularly SMB, do not have the qualified human resources in-house to manage data security and comply with GDPR requirements. Recruiting experts is expensive, and competition between organizations to attract these profiles is fierce. Outsourcing certain functions (such as the DPO or security supervision) is therefore becoming a strategic solution to fill this gap.

Towards enhanced data security and resilience

Faced with compliance threats and challenges, companies must adopt a comprehensive approach to data protection. This approach is based on a combination of technical, organizational, and human security measures tailored to the classification of the data and the level of security required.

The goal is not only to prevent incidents, but also to ensure data resilience: its ability to remain available, intact, and usable even in the event of a failure, attack, or human error.

• Technical measures: encryption of sensitive data, masking and anonymization of information, network segmentation to limit intrusions, penetration testing, and regular audits to identify vulnerabilities.
• Organization and governance: classification of data according to its criticality, implementation of a clear security policy, rigorous management of the data lifecycle (from collection to deletion), and respect for data sovereignty.
• Backups and business continuity: planning of encrypted and regularly tested backups, development of disaster recovery plans (DRPs) to ensure continuity in the event of an incident.
• Team awareness: regular training on threats (phishing, ransomware, social engineering) and adoption of good daily practices (strong passwords, vigilance regarding suspicious emails).
• Continuous monitoring: real-time monitoring of systems, implementation of compliance dashboards, and periodic audits to ensure that measures remain effective and appropriate.

Some examples:

• A company in the banking sector can deploy end-to-end encryption for all internal and external communications to protect the confidentiality of financial data.
• In the healthcare sector, the use of HDS (Health Data Hosting) certified servers is essential to comply with regulatory requirements.
• An ISE can implement a disaster recovery plan (DRP) that allows it to restart its critical systems in less than 4 hours after a major incident.

In summary: Data resilience depends on a balance between technology, organization, and internal security culture. Security measures must constantly evolve to respond to both emerging threats and regulatory requirements.

How Dipeeo supports data security and GDPR compliance

For businesses, ensuring compliance and securing data can be a complex undertaking. That's where Dipeeo comes in as a trusted partner. Our mission is to help organizations combine data security with GDPR compliance through a personalized and pragmatic approach.

Our services include:

• Outsourcing the DPO function: a dedicated data protection officer, responsible for ensuring compliance and acting as a direct liaison with the CNIL (National Commission for Information Technology and Civil Liberties).
• Data audit and classification: accurate mapping of data flows and processing to identify risks and prioritize actions.
• The implementation of tailored security solutions: from encryption to access management, including customized monitoring and governance tools.
• Training and raising awareness among teams: GDPR quizzes and educational sessions to reduce human risk, the primary cause of incidents.
• Monitoring, reporting, and continuous improvement: long-term support to adapt to technological and regulatory changes.

In summary, data protection and GDPR compliance are GDPR just obligations, but drivers of trust and performance. Companies that invest in robust security and clear governance gain a sustainable competitive advantage, while significantly reducing their legal, financial, and reputational risks.