Ready for AI? Protect Your Data and Integrate AI into Your Operations
The challenge of finding the time and resources to keep up with the rapid developments in data protection is something many of us can relate to. Parts of the AI Act will enter into force as soon as February 2025, and we need to ensure we are prepared. As you plan your data protection work for next year, a methodological support can help focus and prioritise resources on the right activities. For many organisations, the to-do list regarding data protection issues is long, and developed annual plans are not always fully up to date. A well-conducted maturity analysis is a powerful tool to elevate data protection work to the next level and create an organisation ready to utilise the efficiencies that AI offers.
We have chosen to create a comprehensive model that includes all areas of an organisation’s data protection work. The idea is that by being comprehensive, it is also scalable. You can choose to start with one area and then build on additional areas or remain focused on one or a few areas.
What a maturity assessment of data protection could include
- A holistic assessment of the organisation’s compliance with GDPR and other data protection legislation.
- Identifying challenging aspects of data protection work that need addressing, such as managing the RoPa (Register of Processing Activities) and the level of control over personal data processing within the organisation.
- How the organisation works with data protection issues—roles, responsibilities, etc.
- How the organisation’s efforts in implementing privacy by design as we begin using new technologies like AI.
Our maturity assessment also has structural links to a comprehensive risk analysis of the organisation. The transition from one framework to another is smooth and efficient, which gives you a head start if and when, you wish to advance your efforts.
Which approach is best depends on several parameters, such as the size of the organisation, how much personal data is processed, and not least, the reason you chose to conduct a maturity analysis. Factors such as the type of personal data and categories of registered individuals can also significantly affect the relevance of different areas when conducting a maturity analysis.
Before you get started, we recommend considering how the maturity assessment will be used once completed. The purpose will guide the choice of scope and approach.
Objectives of a maturity assessment often include
- Mapping the maturity of the organisation in selected areas.
- Identifying objective shortcomings in relation to current practices and regulations (as opposed to a full risk analysis).
- Ensuring that the organisation adequately protects personal data and other sensitive information, especially when starting to use new technologies like AI.
Conducting a maturity assessment is therefore a worthwhile investment to protect your organisation, and you can choose the scope based on conditions and needs. Whichever approach you choose, whether overarching or focused, you will receive a base that can be used to strengthen and develop data protection capabilities. The maturity analysis itself is a solid foundational product and a pedagogical tool to raise awareness around data protection issues for management and boards, as well as within the organisation. The analysis also helps you create concrete action plans or activities for the annual plan, as well as support decision-making regarding the need for resources and expertise in data protection. By mapping the current state, you gain a well-grounded starting point for the future and an increased opportunity to follow up on progress made in the organisation.
How we conduct a maturity assessment in four steps
- An initial discussion regarding scope, needs, and purpose.
- Gathering existing documentation and doing interviews with relevant personnel.
- Analyse where the organisation stands in relation to the legislator’s requirements.
- Based on the analysis, we develop a concrete action plan with prioritised measures.
Read more about our Data Privacy Maturity Assessment offering.
If you would like to know more or need concrete support in your data protection efforts, feel free to contact us at Advisense.
