In recent years, digital transformation has not stopped at telephony either. More and more companies are relying on cloud telephone systems to save costs and work more flexibly . But special care is required when it comes to handling personal data. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) sets high standards for the processing and storage of personal data. In the following article, you will learn how you can ensure that your cloud telephone system is GDPR-compliant and which guidelines apply to cloud storage.
What is the GDPR?
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is an EU regulation that came into force on May 25, 2018, and governs the protection of personal data within the European Union. It specifies how personal data may be collected, processed, stored and deleted. In addition, it serves to harmonize and strengthen data protection within the EU and to ensure that personal data of EU citizens is protected within the EU and worldwide. The regulation applies to all companies that process personal data of EU citizens, regardless of whether they are based inside or outside the EU. Companies are required to obtain the consent of the data subject before processing personal data.
The GDPR provides for severe penalties for companies that violate the regulation. Companies can be fined up to 4% of their annual global turnover or €20 million, whichever is higher.
What should you pay attention to when choosing a cloud provider?
A clear recommendation for selecting a cloud telephone system provider is that the data should be hosted in Europe. In Germany in particular, it is advisable to choose a German cloud provider, as they must comply with the laws applicable in this country.
- The provider should provide a privacy policy that transparently explains how it handles personal data.
- A secure infrastructure and secure transmission paths should be guaranteed to protect the confidentiality and integrity of the data. The data should be secured by appropriate technical and organizational measures uk phone number list such as encryption of transmission and storage.
- The provider should make clear regulations regarding order processing and contractually guarantee that it will only process the data on behalf of the customer and will not pass any data on to third parties.
How to determine whether the provider of a cloud telephone system is GDPR compliant
To ensure that a cloud provider meets the requirements of the GDPR, you should first check the provider’s privacy policy for completeness and transparency. Find out about the provider’s security standards and ask about certifications, such as ISO 27001. This certification defines requirements for an information security management system. The standard for IT security published by the Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) is also an important benchmark for the security of cloud storage and should be followed by your desired cloud provider. You can also request a contract for order processing and have it reviewed by a lawyer. In addition, you should find out about the availability of the services and the provider’s backup strategy.
What must my cloud telephone system fulfill according to the GDPR?
In order for your material data to be GDPR compliant, certain requirements must be observed. This includes that personal data may only be collected and processed if there is a legal basis . The consent of the person concerned is usually the best option here. In addition, the data must be treated securely and confidentially. In particular, only data that is necessary for the operation of the telephone system should be stored. The data may only be passed on to third parties if this is required by law.
Security and data protection in the cloud
Security and data protection are of central importance in the cloud, as companies often have to hand over their data and rely on the security measures of the cloud telephone system provider. To ensure security and data protection in the cloud, companies should therefore pay attention to certain aspects. This includes choosing the right cloud provider: Before choosing a cloud provider, companies should find out in detail about its security and data protection measures and make sure that these meet the company’s requirements.
encryption
Encryption ensures that data can only be read by authorized persons and is protected from unauthorized access. There are various types of methods that can be used in the cloud, such as transport encryption . With transport , the data is using encryption algorithms before it is sent over a network. This makes the data unreadable for potential attackers. On the receiving side, the encrypted data is then decrypted to make it readable in plain text again.
Make calls in compliance with the GDPR with WIRECLOUD
WIRECLOUD enables GDPR-compliant telephony through various measures
- At the customer’s request, we are happy to provide a data processing agreement
- Our server locations are all in Germany
- The storage of data is subject to German data protection law
Conclusion
The cloud telephone system offers companies many advantages such as flexibility and high scalability , but also poses risks for the security and data protection of data. To ensure security and data protection in the cloud, companies should take a variety of measures, such as selecting the right cloud telephone system provider, concluding a contract for order processing, encrypting the data and conducting regular security audits and tests. This is the only way companies can ensure that their cloud telephone system is GDPR-compliant and that their data is treated securely.
FAQ
Are the GDPR and the TKG the same thing?
No, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the Telecommunications Act (TKG) are not the same thing. They are two separate laws with different purposes and scopes. The GDPR is a European Union data protection regulation and specifies how companies and organizations may collect, process and store personal data. The how to schedule whatsapp messages easily on android and iphone TKG, on the other hand, is a German law that regulates telecommunications and deals with various aspects of telecommunications, including the provision of telecommunications services.
Which personal data is processed when using a cloud telephone system?
When using a cloud telephone system. Contact data such as names. Telephone numbers and email addresses of employees or customers are processed.
Where is personal data stored in a cloud telephone system?
The personal data is usually stored on the cloud provider’s servers. It is important to check whether the cloud provider stores the personal data in data centers within the. EU or European Economic Area (EEA). As this should comply with the GDPR requirements.