Data Security Tips for self-employed entrepreneurs and businesses

Adverit AntwerpAntwerp, Belgium

As part of the implementation of the General Data Protection Regulation, abbreviated GDPR, self-employed entrepreneurs and businesses must take the necessary measures to ensure that the processing of personal data is carried out in a structured, documented and secure manner.

Below are a number of key points to consider in order to achieve efficient data security.

1. Establish an internal privacy/security policy:

  • a so-called “data protection policy”, including a clear action plan for data breaches and access requests
  • organize an annual “disaster” drill and update your policy document

Alis Advocaten advises you on drafting the data protection policy, as well as on drawing up a privacy or cookie policy and compiling your processing register.

2. Manage your “administrator” rights consistently:

  • limit the number of administrators
  • limit access rights wherever possible

3. Ensure timely and smart backups:

  • daily
  • store the backups outside the network, for example by using cloud solutions
  • make sure that a smooth restore is possible
  • set a retention period and adhere to it

4. Make use of “two-factor authentication” (2FA):

  • only grant users access after they have proven their identity in two different ways

5. Encrypt your data:

  • convert your data into an incomprehensible string of characters that is unusable to third parties

Alis Advocaten is happy to assist you with the legal framework for these points of attention; for this purpose, we work together with your network administrator.

Related practice areas

Commercial law Corporate law

Other insights from this firm

View all legal insightsView all
Clear agreements, a worry-free transfer. Commercial lawCorporate law This article discusses the risks of unclear agreements when transferring a client portfolio. Using an example, it shows how disputes can arise after the transfer and how clear contractual agreements can prevent this. Will banks or investment groups deny you capital because your ecological footprint is too large? Corporate lawCommercial law This article discusses whether banks and investment groups can refuse companies capital based on their ecological footprint, focusing on the EU climate agenda, ECB stress tests and the emergence of ESG scores.
Penalties for failing to comply with UBO registration. Corporate lawCommercial law The article discusses the obligation for companies, non-profit organizations (vzw's) and foundations to register their ultimate beneficial owners (UBOs) under the Anti-Money Laundering Act. It explains who is considered a UBO and what fines (ranging from 250 to 50,000 euros) companies risk for failing to comply with this registration obligation… General Terms and Conditions, fine print of great importance … Commercial lawCorporate law This article discusses the usefulness and advantages of general terms and conditions in agreements and explains under what conditions they are enforceable against a contracting party.
Who holds the reins? The government wants to know by 30 September 2019 at the latest. Corporate lawCommercial law The article discusses the Belgian Anti-Money Laundering Act and the introduction of the UBO register, which collects information on the ultimate beneficiaries of companies, foundations, non-profit organisations and trusts. Attachment of trading goods: can a sale proceed while the ownership dispute is still pending? Commercial law An attachment of trading goods can place a company in considerable practical and financial difficulties. Goods remain stored, costs keep rising, and commercial opportunities risk being lost. But must a company wait until a court has definitively decided who owns the goods? Not necessarily.
Obligation to withhold payment on invoices in the event of social security and tax debts Construction lawFiscal law Since 1 January 2026, businesses in the construction and cleaning sectors must verify whether their clients or (sub)contractors have social security or tax debts before paying invoices, and withhold a prescribed percentage if so. Failure to comply can trigger joint and several liability for the unpaid debts. Goodwill at the end of a franchise agreement: is there a right to compensation? Commercial lawCivil law This article examines whether a franchisee is entitled to goodwill compensation upon termination of the franchise agreement. It discusses the absence of statutory regulation in Belgium, relevant European trends, and the importance of a clear contractual arrangement.

Learn more about Adverit Antwerp

This article was contributed by Adverit Antwerp. Visit their website to learn more or discuss your situation with their legal team.

Visit local website (opens in a new tab)