Data is a vital asset for any business. When a loss or breach occurs, it can stop operations and ruin your reputation. This can also result in legal liability since the majority of companies are now governed by various data privacy standards and regulations.

Organizing your data protection program begins by establishing a strategy that is in line with your company’s overall security policy. This will let you define clear expectations and guidelines for your employees when it comes to handling sensitive information, from its creation until its archiving or deletion.

It is important to know the kinds of data you have and how they should be classified. This lets you set up data governance policies such as access for users, automatic masking, and tracing data lineage.

Also, you should create an appropriate procedure to respond to government requests for data. Idealy one of your lawyers will handle the matter to ensure that the response is correct and in accordance with relevant data protection laws.

Make why VDRs used for document storage sure that all employees are aware of the company’s policies and procedures around protecting data. Particularly those working from home or in other locations offsite. For instance, inform employees that it’s against the company policy to share passwords or post them in their workplaces and beware of identity thieves who may contact them claiming to be from IT to steal their information. Make sure they verify any emails that appear to come from a person they know at the office and ask for confidential information.