Short answer: To build privacy awareness within a company, data protection needs to be made concrete and relevant for all employees – not just those in IT or compliance. This requires clear communication, practical examples, and a culture where data security becomes a natural part of everyday work. With engaging training, clear guidelines, and cross-departmental involvement, awareness can become a real strength rather than just a tick-box exercise.
Awareness is essential for data protection
As a privacy company, we are involved in guiding companies around their obligations for GDPR compliance. While the technical and legal aspects of compliance are crucial, there is an essential component that is often overlooked: privacy awareness.
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What is privacy awareness?
Privacy awareness is about ensuring that everyone in your organisation understands the importance of protecting personal data and complying with privacy requirements. This involves not only knowing the legislation but also understanding its purpose, the benefits of compliance; and the consequences of privacy lapses for both individuals and the company itself.
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Why is privacy awareness important?
Privacy awareness is important for several reasons:
- Data breach prevention: When employees are aware of their responsibilities and the potential risks of poor data protection, they are more likely to avoid actions that could lead to data breaches.
- Building Trust: An organisation that demonstrates a high level of awareness sends a strong signal of its commitment to data protection, which can strengthen the trust of customers, partners and stakeholders.
- Reduced fines: Privacy requires companies to implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to protect personal data. Failure to comply can lead to fines. By investing in training, companies can reduce the risk of breaches and thus avoid financial penalties.
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How to build awareness in our organisation?
- Education: Conduct regular awareness training sessions on privacy requirements so employees know e.g. how to process personal data and what to do during a data breach.
- Internal communication: Share information and updates about privacy and the importance of data protection through internal channels such as intranets, newsletters and meetings, to remind employees to comply with privacy.
- Culture change: Integrate data protection into your company’s privacy culture by promoting values such as respect for personal data and responsible behaviour.
- New employees: Start training new employees in privacy awareness as soon as they enter your organisation.
FAQ on awareness
1. Is GDPR awareness only relevant for IT and management?
No – all employees handle personal data and should understand the basic principles of GDPR.
2. How can we make GDPR less boring?
Use practical examples, quizzes, visual case studies, and make it relevant to each employee’s role.
3. How often should we train employees on GDPR?
At least once a year – and more frequently when there are major changes to systems, processes, or legislation.
4. How can we measure the impact of our awareness efforts?
Use surveys, test results, and possibly data mapping tools to assess data maturity and identify knowledge gaps.
Need help?
Privacy awareness is not only a legal obligation, but a crucial part of an organisation’s data protection strategy. By investing in training and creating a culture that prioritises data protection, companies can protect personal data. At Safe Online, we develop help tools that can support your awareness efforts. These tools are:
DataMapper – Find your sensitive data
ShareSimple – Send and receive data securely in Outlook
RequestManager – Process data subject requests easily
Sebastian Allerelli
Founder & COO at Safe Online
Sebastian is the co-founder and COO of Safe Online, where he focuses on automating processes and developing innovative solutions within data protection and compliance. With a background from Copenhagen Business Academy and experience within identity and access management, he has a keen understanding of GDPR and data security. As a writer on Safe Online's Knowledge Hub, Sebastian shares his expertise through practical advice and in-depth analysis that help companies navigate the complex GDPR landscape. His posts combine technical insight with business understanding and provide concrete solutions for effective compliance.
