October 11, 2023
5 min read

Safeguarding Data: Understanding Storage & Access Policies

Where is my personal data stored & who can access it?

In today's digital age, personal data is collected and processed by a multitude of organizations, including social media platforms, online retailers, financial institutions, and healthcare providers. But where is this personal data stored, and who can access it? In this article, we'll take a closer look at the storage and accessibility of personal data.

Cloud storage

Many organisations use cloud storage to store personal data. Cloud storage is a way of storing data on remote servers that can be accessed over the internet. This allows organisations to store large amounts of data without having to invest in expensive hardware.

When personal data is stored in the cloud, it is typically stored in encrypted form to ensure its security. Access to the data is restricted to authorized personnel within the organization, who are required to authenticate their access through a secure login process.

Servers

In addition to cloud storage, personal data is often stored on servers. Servers are computers that are dedicated to storing and processing data. They are typically used by organizations to store large amounts of data, such as customer records or financial information.

When personal data is stored on servers, it is typically stored in encrypted form to ensure its security. Access to the data is restricted to authorized personnel within the organization, who are required to authenticate their access through a secure login process.

Local storage

Personal data may also be stored locally on a device, such as a laptop, desktop computer, or smartphone. This may include data such as browsing history, passwords, or contact information.

When personal data is stored locally on a device, it is important to ensure that the device is secure. This can be done by using encryption software, setting up a strong password, and regularly updating the device's software.

Who can access personal data?

Access to personal data is typically restricted to authorized personnel within an organization. These individuals are required to authenticate their access through a secure login process, and are subject to strict access controls to ensure that they can only access the data that they need to perform their job.

In addition to authorized personnel within an organization, personal data may also be accessed by third-party service providers. These service providers may be contracted by an organization to perform specific tasks, such as data processing or customer support. In these cases, access to personal data is typically governed by a data processing agreement that sets out the terms and conditions under which the service provider can access and process the data.

Data breaches

Despite the best efforts of organizations to secure personal data, data breaches can still occur. A data breach occurs when personal data is accessed, stolen, or used by an unauthorized individual or organization.

In the event of a data breach, organizations are required to notify affected individuals in a timely manner. This notification typically includes information about the type of data that was breached, the steps that the organization is taking to address the breach, and any steps that individuals can take to protect themselves.

GDPR Storage

In the European Union, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) governs the storage and accessibility of personal data. Under GDPR, individuals have the right to access, rectify, and delete their personal data. Organizations are required to take appropriate measures to secure personal data, and are required to notify individuals in the event of a data breach.

When personal data is stored in the cloud or on servers, organizations are required to ensure that appropriate security measures are in place to protect the data. This may include measures such as encryption, access controls, and regular security audits.

In conclusion, personal data is stored in a variety of locations, including cloud storage, servers, and local storage on devices. Access to personal data is typically restricted to authorized personnel within an organization, and is governed by strict access controls. In the event of a data breach, organizations are required to notify affected individuals in a timely manner. Compliance with GDPR is essential for organizations that collect and process personal data, as it sets out the requirements for the storage and accessibility of personal data.

Individuals can also take steps to protect their personal data, such as using strong passwords, regularly updating software, and being cautious about sharing personal information online. By being aware of where their personal data is stored and who can access it, individuals can take steps to protect their privacy and ensure the security of their personal data.

Share this post
Book a Demo

Contact us now to schedule a personalized demo and see how Togggle AML's platform can help your institution stay compliant, efficient, and secure.

Get Started Today!

Start securely onboarding new clients with our automated KYC verification. Get in touch with us today for a free demo.

Book a Demo
image placeholder