Confidentiality of personal data is an obligatory requirement for the organization that has access to its clients’ personalized information and performs the act of personal data processing. This process implies collecting, systematizing, preserving, utilizing, distributing, blocking, and destructing personal data. Therefore, the organization is responsible for creating a plan of action and precautions that will prevent its customers’ privacy violations (The United States Federal Trade Commission). First, proper keeping track of personal information is required. That is, what kind of information it is, how the company obtained it, where it is stored, and who has access to it. Then, the value of the gathered data for this particular organization is determined – the company identifies whether the data is necessary for the business operation. If it does not correspond with the legitimate business demand any longer, it needs to get erased. The next step would be ensuring proper storage of the information. It involves making sure that the physical and electronic security measures are recruited and operate sufficiently. In addition to that, each worker must have access only to those resources they need to fulfill their direct duties; it means providing high-scale employee training and security practices such as encryption and access controls. Finally, thorough personal data disposal is as critical as safe storage. This process implies ensuring that the discarded information cannot be accessed or reconstructed, and it is done by shredding, burning, or using other ways of physical destruction. This will prevent risks of identity theft leading to fraud or other schemes that result in the client’s disadvantage or loss. Thus, the discussed functional measures will guarantee securing personal data from unauthorized access of third parties, without the customers’ consent.
Work Cited
The United States Federal Trade Commission. Protecting Personal Information: A Guide for Business. Bureau of Consumer Protection, 2016.