How you can ensure client confidentiality
The world is highly connected. Few places in the world do not have access to the internet and the copious amounts of information held there. Text messages, social media and even the humble telephone can pose a risk to client confidentiality.
Let’s start with common sense
Some things should go unsaid, but we should voice them anyway. When guaranteeing client confidentiality, you cannot make mention of your work on social media. This is no matter how proud of your work you might be. More simply, do not talk on the phone where you may be overheard, and any text message that comes in should be deleted immediately from your phone. Some apps offer end-to-end encryption. With this encryption, you enjoy ultimate protection from prying eyes.
Data and the internet
Confidentiality is challenging online and ensuring your system is secure is essential. You need to be particularly mindful when sending files over the internet. You should use packages that provide the secure transmission of relevant documents. These packages will require a link to request the materials only known by the sender, as well as a password required for the receiver.
A fundamental principle of GDPR is data security. Here client confidentiality is not just about protecting the integrity of your practice or this case, but a matter of law. The regulation requires that you are confident of your due diligence when guaranteeing the information is adequately protected. GDPR suggests the following measures: encrypting data, systems for restoring data and developing a means of evaluating system security.
You may wish to contact Serval Solutions and explore SSL/ TLS certificates that can encrypt web traffic.
Storing files on a local device
Your head might tell you lies about local devices. Your instincts might suggest that if the data is only stored locally, then client confidentiality is more secure. Most local devices are only secured by a single password. They are also open to user errors, such as leaving the machine unattended or disclosing the password. Having a single individual with one password also endangers the information because if they go, so does this information.
It may be counter-intuitive, but data in the cloud is safer than storing on local machines. If you store data on the cloud, you take professional accountability for this decision. However, those offering cloud storage are bound by legislation that demands that data stored should be protected – if you choose the right country for the housing of the servers. Cloud servers in the EU are more secure from interference due to the regulation offered by GDPR.
Due Diligence
As with all issues of regulation and security, the answer is due diligence. Even though you are responsible for maintaining client confidentiality, this extends to those areas of security that you could have reasonably protected against. In short, check the background of any individual or organisation tasked with securing your data. You should complete criminal background checks, checks for radical views and precise knowledge of any potential weakness, such as poor credit or other vices.
Find out more about how to ensure client confidentiality with your IT systems. Get in touch with the experts at Serval Systems to ensure your IT system works for you: contact us today on 01342 895180 or email info@servalsystems.co.uk.