Law 25 compliance: IT considerations for SMBs
Law 25 compliance also depends on your systems
Law 25 compliance is not based solely on policies and documentation. It also depends on your ability to know where personal information is stored, who has access to it, how it is protected and what to do when an incident occurs.
Groupe SL supports the IT component of your compliance efforts. We help you clarify the technical priorities related to your data, access controls, Microsoft 365 environment and cybersecurity practices.
The IT component is an essential part of your compliance efforts
Personal information can be found in emails, shared folders, management software, mobile devices, backups and cloud services. To reduce risk, an SMB should be able to answer practical questions:
- What personal information do we hold and in which systems?
- Who can access it?
- Are those access permissions still appropriate?
- How do we protect emails, devices and files?
- How would we respond to a privacy incident or cyberattack?
- Do we have the technical information needed to document our compliance efforts?
An IT assessment helps turn these concerns into concrete, prioritized actions. Every business should have an incident response plan for security incidents involving personal information. Having a clear understanding of your technology environment and vulnerabilities is the first step toward developing a plan tailored to your situation.
Technical priorities to review
An organization needs to be able to detect, document and manage an incident in a structured manner. The IT component can include backup mechanisms, escalation procedures, the retention of useful information and clear coordination with the individuals responsible.
Map data and access
It is difficult to protect what you do not know exists. We help you identify the main environments where personal information is stored and exchanged and then review the associated access permissions. See also our Data Security page.
Protect accounts and identities
Inappropriate access and compromised accounts can expose sensitive data. Identity management, administrative privileges and authentication methods are among the areas that should be prioritized. See also our Identity Security page.
Secure emails and files
Emails, attachments and sharing links are often targeted through phishing and fraud or can be exposed through handling errors. We assess the protections and practices that can help reduce these risks. See also our Email Security page.
Manage devices and hybrid work
Employees sometimes work from different devices and locations. You need to understand how these devices access company data and which measures are required to reduce exposure.
A practical technical approach
Groupe SL can help you establish a clear starting point.
- Define the systems and data to review.
- Review access permissions, sharing practices and existing protections.
- Identify the most significant technical gaps.
- Prioritize improvements based on risk and the realities of your SMB.
- Produce technical information that can support your internal process and discussions with your advisors.
The goal is to improve your security and give you a clearer picture of your environment. Responsibility for legal interpretation and compliance decisions, however, remains with your organization. An IT security assessment and cybersecurity awareness training can complement this process.
Law 25 and Microsoft 365
For many SMBs, Microsoft 365 is one of the most important environments to review. Emails, files, Teams, SharePoint sites and user accounts can contain or provide access to personal information.
A review of your Microsoft 365 security can help identify technical areas that require particular attention:
- Account access and administrative privileges
- Internal and external file sharing
- Email protection and phishing risks
- Management of devices that access data
- Data backup and recovery
- Collaboration settings and practices.
Want to better understand the technical risks associated with personal information in your business? Groupe SL can help you establish your priorities and plan the next steps.
Frequently asked questions about Law 25 compliance
Is cybersecurity enough to make an SMB compliant with Law 25?
No. Cybersecurity is an important part of protecting personal information but it does not replace the legal obligations, policies, processes and governance required for a comprehensive compliance approach.
Can Groupe SL certify our compliance?
Groupe SL can support you with the technology and cybersecurity aspects of your compliance efforts. We do not provide legal compliance certification.
Where should we start?
Start by understanding where personal information is stored, how it moves through your organization and who has access to it. This foundation will help you prioritize the technical measures that need to be implemented.
Do we need to involve legal counsel?
Yes, when you need to interpret your obligations, prepare policies or make legal decisions. IT and legal expertise complement each other.