At RLS Computer Services, we understand that data protection is not just a legal obligation – it’s also a matter of trust between your organisation and the people you serve. Whether you are a local authority, a parish council, or a small business, compliance with the UK GDPR is essential. Two of the most important areas we support our clients with are Article 25 – Data Protection by Design and by Default and Article 32 – Security of Processing.
Article 25: Data Protection by Design and by Default
This article requires organisations to embed data protection into the way they design and use systems. At RLS, we ensure that every deployment – whether it’s a new computer for a single user, a Microsoft 365 setup for remote working, or a full network infrastructure upgrade – has security built in from the outset.
For example:
- When we configure Microsoft 365, we enable multi-factor authentication (MFA) as a default setting, so users have a higher level of protection against unauthorised access.
- When setting up new computers, we configure them with BitLocker encryption to ensure data is secure even if a device is lost or stolen.
- For councils and public bodies handling sensitive citizen data, we implement role-based access controls, ensuring that staff only have access to the data necessary for their role.
This approach ensures compliance with Article 25 by designing systems with privacy and security at their core, rather than as an afterthought.
Article 32: Security of Processing
Article 32 focuses on the technical and organisational measures organisations must take to secure personal data. At RLS, we take a “security from the ground up” approach for all our clients, ensuring that risks are minimised and systems are resilient.
Examples include:
- Regular patching and updates to keep software protected against known vulnerabilities.
- Endpoint protection and firewall management to safeguard against malware and external threats.
- Secure backup solutions, ensuring that even in the event of a ransomware attack, critical data can be recovered quickly and safely.
- Staff training and awareness sessions, as human error is often the weakest link in data security. By raising awareness, we help organisations maintain compliance in day-to-day operations.
For UK organisations, particularly local authorities and small businesses, these measures provide assurance that personal data is handled securely, meeting both GDPR requirements and the expectations of the public.
How RLS Supports You
Compliance doesn’t have to be complex. With RLS Computer Services, you have a partner who makes sure GDPR principles are built into your IT systems by default and reinforced through strong security practices. From one-off device setups to fully managed IT support contracts, we ensure that your organisation remains compliant, secure, and trusted.
If you would like to discuss how we can help strengthen your GDPR compliance, get in touch with us today.