Ensuring security without compromising privacy

Firas Jadalla, Regional Director – Middle East, Turkey & Africa, Genetec

In our increasingly connected world, it’s not surprising that concerns around privacy, particularly in relation to personal data, are on the rise. Questions about who has access to what information and for what purposes can’t be taken lightly. To date, 71% of countries around the world have developed legislation aimed at restricting collection, processing, and access to personal data, including video footage, to help maintain privacy and mitigate the risks of criminal cyber activities.

A recent PwC report “Global Consumer Insights Survey 2023” said that 40% of Middle East consumers are wary of providing their personal data on social media and websites. Considering the growing pressure on business leaders to protect the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of personally identifiable information, it’s essential that physical security leaders, CIOs, and other IT departments work together to conform to the requirements of these legislations. Achieving compliance usually involves labor and time-intensive tasks, including revising and implementing corporate policies, auditing procedures and systems, and re-investing in new technologies.

To complicate the issue, businesses can be held liable for costs incurred by customers and other third parties because of a cyber-attack or other IT-related incident. Regulations around the world require businesses and organizations to protect consumer data or risk incurring substantial fines should a data breach occur. According to IBM Security’s Cost of a Data Breach Report, the total cost of a data breach for organizations in the Middle East hit an all-time high of USD 8 million in 2023. Additionally, large-scale data breaches have led to class action lawsuits filed on behalf of customers whose data and privacy were compromised. This is leading to greater focus from top-level management on implementing physical security solutions that prioritize cybersecurity and privacy compliance.

To mitigate risks and keep costs under control, organizations need a single strategy built on strong cybersecurity and privacy principles that work for them today and into the future. According to a 2023 IAPP privacy risk study, 64% of organizations already have a privacy risk management program that is fully integrated into their overall enterprise risk management strategy. So, how can this be achieved?

Adopting a unified approach is key

Adopting a unified approach to cybersecurity and data protection helps simplify processes and keeps compliance costs down. It allows organizations to streamline data protection and privacy policies across their entire network and enables them to adapt to evolving threats and mandates. When various cyber defense and privacy protection measures are accessible in one platform, organizations can respect privacy while remaining compliant.

Privacy-by-design

While regulations aimed at preventing data breaches and privacy violations are a good idea, they don’t provide enough protection against cyberattacks. Organizations need a more proactive approach that includes a privacy-centric focus when designing a comprehensive data protection and privacy strategy.  

A privacy-by-design approach involves proactively embedding privacy into the design and operations of IT systems, networked infrastructure, and business practices from the first line of code to third-party vendors. Adopting this approach can have a positive impact on cybersecurity and can help organizations meet their strategic goals.

When software and hardware developers also adopt a privacy-by-design approach, it ensures higher levels of data protection without infringing on a technology’s evolution. By centering on the principle that respect for individual privacy is the foundation of responsible and innovative design, following this approach enables forward-thinking developers to build this principle into the products they create.

Choosing the right technology

When it comes to physical security technology, organizations need tools that allow security professionals to gather and manage data, including video, while supporting compliance with privacy laws around the world. They need solutions that are designed to help enhance cyber hygiene and respect privacy regulations by making data and privacy protection features accessible and configurable. That’s why there is a need for physical security solutions built with privacy in mind.  It’s important to choose solutions that are designed to help organizations ensure that their physical security data complies with industry standards and privacy legislation around the world.

Selecting a Trusted Partner for the Long Run

One of the most important steps you can take is choosing trusted vendors committed to privacy, cybersecurity, and transparency. This not only provides you with built-in defenses and privacy-minded features but also ensures you have a reliable partner as risks and regulations evolve. By aligning with trustworthy partners, you gain access to robust protection measures and a collaborative approach to managing data privacy.

Trust is essential: don’t compromise.

Ensuring security without compromising privacy isn’t only achievable but essential. Governments, businesses, and technology vendors must work collaboratively to develop and implement strategies that prioritize both cybersecurity and privacy protection. By adopting a privacy-by-design approach and selecting technologies that inherently support privacy regulations, organizations can protect sensitive data while maintaining compliance with evolving laws. Ultimately, trust is paramount, and by committing to robust privacy and security measures, organizations can safeguard personal data and build confidence among their stakeholders.