Due to the rising demand from both governments and consumers for more stringent security, highly skilled privacy and data protection experts are highly sought-after. Firms that are required to comply with the GDPR must employ data protection experts full-time.
Hiring a data protection officer is among the most critical steps you can take to improve your data security compliance efforts. A DPO should have privacy domain knowledge and experience and the operational abilities to collaborate effectively with key stakeholders across the business to promote data protection policies, procedures, technological safeguards, and training programs for employees.
DPO Skills
To successfully fulfill the obligations outlined in the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), a DPO will require a wide range of expertise, including those with both “soft” and “hard” capabilities. Therefore, selecting a DPO takes work. Candidates need the following qualifications and experience in various technical and legal areas.
1. Knowledgeable in Legal Matters
If you are a DPO, this is the primary skill you need to possess. A competent DPO has a thorough acquaintance with these rules and keeps track of any law changes that may impact the business. This demands a keen eye for the finer details and the capability of quickly analyzing data to determine which category of processing the operation is in and then providing the company with advice in the right direction.
A PDPA consultant must be well informed about the law and, preferably, have some experience in law. They must be skilled in writing policies and other legal papers.
2. Good Communication Skills
A DPO’s success depends on his ability to speak to and work with individuals from all walks of life. Cultural sensitivity can go in the right direction in dealing with people from different nations that may be accustomed to different business practices. They must be able to talk to ordinary people without talking down on them or using excessive terminology. As complaint handlers, they need to maintain a balance between being friendly and professional.
A Certified Data Protection Officer is also likely to have frequent interactions with higher-ups and other experts, some of whom might not have specialized information regarding privacy issues. A DPO has to be a reputable authority as well able to train others.
3. Well-Versed in Technology
The Data Protection Officer (DPO) is expected to understand the IT systems on which processing is carried out. You must know what causes breaches and how to stop them from providing an informed opinion on how to handle them. Knowing how new technologies work and the dangers they present to data security or the standard procedure is essential.
A DPO’s risk reduction knowledge is helpful since they are often needed to provide direction when conducting privacy impact analyses. As the sensitivity of the data gets more sensitive, so should the level of security utilized. If you’re still contemplating being a DPO, you can use data protection training for staff to improve your knowledge and skills.
4. Credible
A DPO candidate must be able to show that they have no conflicts of interest. If the chief of an IT department were also the DPO, there would be a conflict of interest since the head of the IT department would assess the performance of their department. The duties of the DPO must be distinct from those of other employees.
When dealing with regulatory agencies when dealing with regulatory bodies, the DPO should appear credible. Continuously cooperation can result in substantial financial savings through reduced penalties. Maintaining good relations with authorities is essential.
5. Independent
Due to their particular role, DPOs are highly independent. The GDPR demands a DPO report to the highest management. They must have the authority and independence to handle any problems. They cannot accept direction from any other employee.
A DPO must have access to the right resources from the employer to accomplish their task efficiently. A DPO must be properly integrated into the organization by management. If DPOs must do their job effectively, they must be included in ongoing initiatives and informed of upcoming deadlines.
