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Managing Data Privacy & GDPR for Remote and Flexible Workers

November 25, 2024
Maria Grabowska
5 minutes

The 'new workforce' craves remote work, offering opportunities for adaptability and innovation. It balances flexibility for employees with innovation for businesses- two birds, one stone.

If your company is new to this talent pool, you might wonder about the data privacy challenges it brings. GDPR rules set high data protection standards. So, ensuring compliance in a remote work setup can be tough. As remote work rises, so does the risk of data exposure and unauthorised access. Over 60% of companies report increased privacy concerns in remote settings [1].  

What are the common pitfalls when managing flexible talent?  

A key issue is failing to manage remote workers and their data responsibly. Storing personal information, like names and contacts, in unencrypted formats is risky. This could lead to data breaches and legal issues, yet it is very common, especially with Excel files.

This data could be exposed to unauthorised access and fails to meet GDPR standards. It should be stored in secure, GDPR-compliant software. Access should be restricted to authorised individuals only.

Asking contractors to email sensitive documents, like passport copies, poses a security risk. It may not comply with GDPR’s principles of data minimisation and security.

How seriously should you take GDPR compliance?

Let us answer with a story about Uber, although it might seem extreme:  

A case from 2018 can serve as a reminder of the importance of data breach prevention. Uber was fined €600,000 by Dutch and UK data agencies for a data breach. It exposed the personal data of 57 million users and drivers worldwide [2]. Hackers accessed names, emails, phone numbers, and other sensitive info in the breach. Uber made it worse by delaying the issue's notification and trying to hide it. A few  years later, in September of 2024, the same Dutch agency issued a €290 million fine on Uber for “allegedly transferring personal data from EU to US servers without adequate protections in place.” [3]

SMEs should use secure, encrypted platforms for data exchange to prevent these cases. They should only collect sensitive info after they establish the need for it and put a contract in place. At the same time, you should verify your contractors' info. It will protect your business from potential risks.

Looking to innovate with flexible talent but unsure how to manage risks? Here are a few tips.    

 

Steps to Improve Data Privacy in Remote Work
  1. Use secure, GDPR-compliant platforms.
    Using compliant platforms is crucial to meeting GDPR requirements in remote environments. Doerscircle Enterprise provides GDPR-aligned features to simplify data compliance. The platform uses a blockchain solution to secure sensitive information. So, you don't need to ask anyone to send their passport copy again. This minimizes risks associated with data breaches, even for an entirely remote team.
  1. Implement access controls and multi-factor authentication.

Controlling access to data is crucial for flexible work arrangements. Ensure you set permissions, restricting data access to only those who need it. You should have different permissions for different types of projects.

  1. Provide regular GDPR and security training.

Ongoing training reinforces data security, but the right tools can simplify it further. Make sure that your remote team has updated GDPR knowledge and training. It aligns all team members on data security practices. It builds a culture of compliance and security.

 

Future-proofing compliance for flexible workforces

Strong data privacy builds trust that lasts. With Doerscircle Enterprise, companies of all sizes can safely manage their remote workers, knowing they meet GDPR rules. The platform's secure tokenisation and credential verification help businesses stay ahead as work keeps changing.

Sources

[1] https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-03-22-gartner-survey-finds-sixty-percent-of-marketing-leaders-believe-collecting-customer-data-while-balancing-privacy-and-customer-value-will-be-more-challenging-in-2023

[2] https://cms.law/en/nld/publication/dutch-authority-fines-uber-for-violation-data-breach-regulation

[3] https://www.pinsentmasons.com/out-law/news/dpa-issues-uber-290-million-fine-gdpr-data-transfer-breach

Enterprise
5 minutes

Managing Data Privacy & GDPR for Remote and Flexible Workers

Learn how to manage data privacy and GDPR for remote and flexible workers. Discover essential steps to ensure compliance and protect sensitive data.
Published on
November 25, 2024

The 'new workforce' craves remote work, offering opportunities for adaptability and innovation. It balances flexibility for employees with innovation for businesses- two birds, one stone.

If your company is new to this talent pool, you might wonder about the data privacy challenges it brings. GDPR rules set high data protection standards. So, ensuring compliance in a remote work setup can be tough. As remote work rises, so does the risk of data exposure and unauthorised access. Over 60% of companies report increased privacy concerns in remote settings [1].  

What are the common pitfalls when managing flexible talent?  

A key issue is failing to manage remote workers and their data responsibly. Storing personal information, like names and contacts, in unencrypted formats is risky. This could lead to data breaches and legal issues, yet it is very common, especially with Excel files.

This data could be exposed to unauthorised access and fails to meet GDPR standards. It should be stored in secure, GDPR-compliant software. Access should be restricted to authorised individuals only.

Asking contractors to email sensitive documents, like passport copies, poses a security risk. It may not comply with GDPR’s principles of data minimisation and security.

How seriously should you take GDPR compliance?

Let us answer with a story about Uber, although it might seem extreme:  

A case from 2018 can serve as a reminder of the importance of data breach prevention. Uber was fined €600,000 by Dutch and UK data agencies for a data breach. It exposed the personal data of 57 million users and drivers worldwide [2]. Hackers accessed names, emails, phone numbers, and other sensitive info in the breach. Uber made it worse by delaying the issue's notification and trying to hide it. A few  years later, in September of 2024, the same Dutch agency issued a €290 million fine on Uber for “allegedly transferring personal data from EU to US servers without adequate protections in place.” [3]

SMEs should use secure, encrypted platforms for data exchange to prevent these cases. They should only collect sensitive info after they establish the need for it and put a contract in place. At the same time, you should verify your contractors' info. It will protect your business from potential risks.

Looking to innovate with flexible talent but unsure how to manage risks? Here are a few tips.    

 

Steps to Improve Data Privacy in Remote Work
  1. Use secure, GDPR-compliant platforms.
    Using compliant platforms is crucial to meeting GDPR requirements in remote environments. Doerscircle Enterprise provides GDPR-aligned features to simplify data compliance. The platform uses a blockchain solution to secure sensitive information. So, you don't need to ask anyone to send their passport copy again. This minimizes risks associated with data breaches, even for an entirely remote team.
  1. Implement access controls and multi-factor authentication.

Controlling access to data is crucial for flexible work arrangements. Ensure you set permissions, restricting data access to only those who need it. You should have different permissions for different types of projects.

  1. Provide regular GDPR and security training.

Ongoing training reinforces data security, but the right tools can simplify it further. Make sure that your remote team has updated GDPR knowledge and training. It aligns all team members on data security practices. It builds a culture of compliance and security.

 

Future-proofing compliance for flexible workforces

Strong data privacy builds trust that lasts. With Doerscircle Enterprise, companies of all sizes can safely manage their remote workers, knowing they meet GDPR rules. The platform's secure tokenisation and credential verification help businesses stay ahead as work keeps changing.

Sources

[1] https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-03-22-gartner-survey-finds-sixty-percent-of-marketing-leaders-believe-collecting-customer-data-while-balancing-privacy-and-customer-value-will-be-more-challenging-in-2023

[2] https://cms.law/en/nld/publication/dutch-authority-fines-uber-for-violation-data-breach-regulation

[3] https://www.pinsentmasons.com/out-law/news/dpa-issues-uber-290-million-fine-gdpr-data-transfer-breach

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Maria Grabowska
Business Development Manager
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Maria Grabowska
Digital Marketeer
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The 'new workforce' craves remote work, offering opportunities for adaptability and innovation. It balances flexibility for employees with innovation for businesses- two birds, one stone.

If your company is new to this talent pool, you might wonder about the data privacy challenges it brings. GDPR rules set high data protection standards. So, ensuring compliance in a remote work setup can be tough. As remote work rises, so does the risk of data exposure and unauthorised access. Over 60% of companies report increased privacy concerns in remote settings [1].  

What are the common pitfalls when managing flexible talent?  

A key issue is failing to manage remote workers and their data responsibly. Storing personal information, like names and contacts, in unencrypted formats is risky. This could lead to data breaches and legal issues, yet it is very common, especially with Excel files.

This data could be exposed to unauthorised access and fails to meet GDPR standards. It should be stored in secure, GDPR-compliant software. Access should be restricted to authorised individuals only.

Asking contractors to email sensitive documents, like passport copies, poses a security risk. It may not comply with GDPR’s principles of data minimisation and security.

How seriously should you take GDPR compliance?

Let us answer with a story about Uber, although it might seem extreme:  

A case from 2018 can serve as a reminder of the importance of data breach prevention. Uber was fined €600,000 by Dutch and UK data agencies for a data breach. It exposed the personal data of 57 million users and drivers worldwide [2]. Hackers accessed names, emails, phone numbers, and other sensitive info in the breach. Uber made it worse by delaying the issue's notification and trying to hide it. A few  years later, in September of 2024, the same Dutch agency issued a €290 million fine on Uber for “allegedly transferring personal data from EU to US servers without adequate protections in place.” [3]

SMEs should use secure, encrypted platforms for data exchange to prevent these cases. They should only collect sensitive info after they establish the need for it and put a contract in place. At the same time, you should verify your contractors' info. It will protect your business from potential risks.

Looking to innovate with flexible talent but unsure how to manage risks? Here are a few tips.    

 

Steps to Improve Data Privacy in Remote Work
  1. Use secure, GDPR-compliant platforms.
    Using compliant platforms is crucial to meeting GDPR requirements in remote environments. Doerscircle Enterprise provides GDPR-aligned features to simplify data compliance. The platform uses a blockchain solution to secure sensitive information. So, you don't need to ask anyone to send their passport copy again. This minimizes risks associated with data breaches, even for an entirely remote team.
  1. Implement access controls and multi-factor authentication.

Controlling access to data is crucial for flexible work arrangements. Ensure you set permissions, restricting data access to only those who need it. You should have different permissions for different types of projects.

  1. Provide regular GDPR and security training.

Ongoing training reinforces data security, but the right tools can simplify it further. Make sure that your remote team has updated GDPR knowledge and training. It aligns all team members on data security practices. It builds a culture of compliance and security.

 

Future-proofing compliance for flexible workforces

Strong data privacy builds trust that lasts. With Doerscircle Enterprise, companies of all sizes can safely manage their remote workers, knowing they meet GDPR rules. The platform's secure tokenisation and credential verification help businesses stay ahead as work keeps changing.

Sources

[1] https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-03-22-gartner-survey-finds-sixty-percent-of-marketing-leaders-believe-collecting-customer-data-while-balancing-privacy-and-customer-value-will-be-more-challenging-in-2023

[2] https://cms.law/en/nld/publication/dutch-authority-fines-uber-for-violation-data-breach-regulation

[3] https://www.pinsentmasons.com/out-law/news/dpa-issues-uber-290-million-fine-gdpr-data-transfer-breach

The 'new workforce' craves remote work, offering opportunities for adaptability and innovation. It balances flexibility for employees with innovation for businesses- two birds, one stone.

If your company is new to this talent pool, you might wonder about the data privacy challenges it brings. GDPR rules set high data protection standards. So, ensuring compliance in a remote work setup can be tough. As remote work rises, so does the risk of data exposure and unauthorised access. Over 60% of companies report increased privacy concerns in remote settings [1].  

What are the common pitfalls when managing flexible talent?  

A key issue is failing to manage remote workers and their data responsibly. Storing personal information, like names and contacts, in unencrypted formats is risky. This could lead to data breaches and legal issues, yet it is very common, especially with Excel files.

This data could be exposed to unauthorised access and fails to meet GDPR standards. It should be stored in secure, GDPR-compliant software. Access should be restricted to authorised individuals only.

Asking contractors to email sensitive documents, like passport copies, poses a security risk. It may not comply with GDPR’s principles of data minimisation and security.

How seriously should you take GDPR compliance?

Let us answer with a story about Uber, although it might seem extreme:  

A case from 2018 can serve as a reminder of the importance of data breach prevention. Uber was fined €600,000 by Dutch and UK data agencies for a data breach. It exposed the personal data of 57 million users and drivers worldwide [2]. Hackers accessed names, emails, phone numbers, and other sensitive info in the breach. Uber made it worse by delaying the issue's notification and trying to hide it. A few  years later, in September of 2024, the same Dutch agency issued a €290 million fine on Uber for “allegedly transferring personal data from EU to US servers without adequate protections in place.” [3]

SMEs should use secure, encrypted platforms for data exchange to prevent these cases. They should only collect sensitive info after they establish the need for it and put a contract in place. At the same time, you should verify your contractors' info. It will protect your business from potential risks.

Looking to innovate with flexible talent but unsure how to manage risks? Here are a few tips.    

 

Steps to Improve Data Privacy in Remote Work
  1. Use secure, GDPR-compliant platforms.
    Using compliant platforms is crucial to meeting GDPR requirements in remote environments. Doerscircle Enterprise provides GDPR-aligned features to simplify data compliance. The platform uses a blockchain solution to secure sensitive information. So, you don't need to ask anyone to send their passport copy again. This minimizes risks associated with data breaches, even for an entirely remote team.
  1. Implement access controls and multi-factor authentication.

Controlling access to data is crucial for flexible work arrangements. Ensure you set permissions, restricting data access to only those who need it. You should have different permissions for different types of projects.

  1. Provide regular GDPR and security training.

Ongoing training reinforces data security, but the right tools can simplify it further. Make sure that your remote team has updated GDPR knowledge and training. It aligns all team members on data security practices. It builds a culture of compliance and security.

 

Future-proofing compliance for flexible workforces

Strong data privacy builds trust that lasts. With Doerscircle Enterprise, companies of all sizes can safely manage their remote workers, knowing they meet GDPR rules. The platform's secure tokenisation and credential verification help businesses stay ahead as work keeps changing.

Sources

[1] https://www.gartner.com/en/newsroom/press-releases/2023-03-22-gartner-survey-finds-sixty-percent-of-marketing-leaders-believe-collecting-customer-data-while-balancing-privacy-and-customer-value-will-be-more-challenging-in-2023

[2] https://cms.law/en/nld/publication/dutch-authority-fines-uber-for-violation-data-breach-regulation

[3] https://www.pinsentmasons.com/out-law/news/dpa-issues-uber-290-million-fine-gdpr-data-transfer-breach

Unlock a wealth of exclusive content

Join us and get unlimited access to a wealth of subscriber-only articles that cover a diverse range of topics, from industry trends and insights to expert tips and advice.

Sign up now and gain access!
Once subscribed, you're also unlocking these benefits!
Leverage 18,000+ entrepreneurs for support and advice
Save time and effort with over 50 solutions for your business
Spotlight your business by getting featured on our platform
Contributors
Maria Grabowska
Digital Marketeer
Subscribe to our newsletter
No spam. Just the latest news and tips, interesting articles, and exclusive interviews in your inbox every month.
Read about our privacy policy.
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.
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