6 places to get definitive answers to your lingering GDPR questions

We’re on the home run with GDPR now, but many businesses still have uncertainties and questions. Here’s our list of the best places to get answers. 

GDPR was a hot topic in 2017 to say the least. It’s a great thing for businesses and consumers alike. But it’s also an ongoing source of stress for those preparing – especially you’re a small business with limited resources.

Just check out the real-time results of this survey we found in this guide for small businesses:

You’ve got to laugh, or you’ll cry.

With less than 3 months to go until 25^th May 2018, if you’re not fully compliant, you may be thinking ‘now what?‘ The first step is to fill your boots with knowledge. Then, act.

That said, it can be hard to find reputable information with all the scaremongering and myths around. So, here’s six simple, trustworthy sources to help you navigate the journey to GDPR compliance. Check them out – they should help you clarify things and get answers to those niggling questions. But, if you still have worries, let us know or pop up in the chat!

1. The GDPR home page

The GDPR home page is designed to be a go-to, need-to-know, official resource. Its purpose is to educate the public about the main elements of the regulation. You’ll find a helpful FAQs page, and a summary of the key changes in GDPR compared with the Data Protection Act.

2.  Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)

The Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO)  is a UK independent authority that gives a full overview of GDPR in public and business interest. GDPR is about clarity, and authority websites tend to reflect this. ICO’s website is well organised; you can dip in and out of sections easily – they recently added one specifically for small businesses. ICO also put out lots of easy-to-follow initiatives to help business get ready – like this prepare in 12 steps PDF, and the what’s new section to keep you up to date.

3.  Official GDPR document

The ICO website is like a condensed version of the official GDPR document, but this website is handy if you need to dig a little deeper into the legal recitals. There’s a ‘Quick Access’ section, and simple terminology definitions. Again, it stays true to project values; it’s open, transparent and not as bureaucratic as you’d expect.

 4.  TechTarget

This isn’t a GDPR-specific website, although it does have some great articles on the topic. TechTarget is on this list because it is your bible. In the new era of compliance comes new tech, new data management, and new security. Use TechTarget’s searchsecurity domain for straight information on IT security, and their whatis domain for definitions when you get attacked by acronyms or buzzword brain-fog.

5.  National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC)

The UK government’s 2015 digital initiative to transform their websites into user-friendly masterpieces is still going strong. The NCSC is a simple, clear government website dedicated to IT security. They run CyberEssentials training which will support businesses in GDPR prep. You need to start building recognisable, accredited marks to stand out and gain competitive advantage.

6.  Microsoft’s ‘Trust, Privacy and GDPR’ webinar

To those not yet compliant, the ICO have said ‘don’t panic’ but seize the chance to build trust. This is what Microsoft’s on-demand webinar is all about. GDPR is a fundamental change in culture, and in business-stakeholder relationships. It will affect internal collaboration, marketing and sales strategies. This webinar gives a great overview of the bigger picture, how to adjust to GDPR, and what’s possible for businesses.

Bonus: Pensar

At Pensar, we work with SMBs to help you make the most of the cloud, improve your security and achieve compliance. We stay ahead of the curve with trends, but we don’t do hype or sensationalise. Instead, we give you practical, honest advice to prepare your business for what’s happening now, and in the future.

Check out the rest of our blog for more information on GDPR.

Next step: action

Hopefully we’ve given you some good sources to help you prepare without the panic button. The GDPR deadline is now less than 100 days away, so think like you’re on the home run.

Once you’ve done your research, go try our user-friendly quiz to self-assess your GDPR readiness. Based on your results, we’ll send you a list of personalised recommendations to help you get ready for the GDPR.