Do Your Business’s Security Systems have a GDPR Compliant CCTV and Identity Management Policy?

When the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) came into effect back in May 2018, it changed the landscape for how businesses handle personal data. Fast forward to today, and data protection and data security are still a critical concern - especially with increasing cyber threats and tougher regulatory scrutiny in the UK and beyond.

In 2025, GDPR compliance remains a legal requirement, but it’s also an essential part of building customer trust and protecting your business from costly breaches.

If you’re unsure where your business stands with GDPR and IT security, this guide breaks down what you need to know - and how to stay compliant.

What Is the UK GDPR?

The UK GDPR is the United Kingdom’s version of the EU’s General Data Protection Regulation. It outlines how businesses must collect, process, store, and protect the personal data of UK residents.

What Happened After Brexit?

When the UK left the EU, the EU GDPR stopped applying directly. However, the UK adopted its own version - called the UK GDPR, which works alongside the Data Protection Act 2018. While much of the legislation remains the same, it’s tailored to UK law and enforced by the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO).

If your business operates across the UK and EU, or deals with customers in both regions, you may need to comply with both UK and EU GDPR. In this case, you might also be required to appoint separate data representatives in each jurisdiction.

Why It Matters: Fines & Penalties

Failure to comply with UK GDPR can lead to severe financial penalties. As of 2025, organisations can be fined up to:

• £17.5 million or

• 4% of annual global turnover
  - whichever is higher!

But beyond fines, breaches can also lead to lost customer trust, reputational damage and even legal claims.

Key Technical & Security Controls for GDPR Compliance

Here are the IT and cybersecurity measures every business should consider to stay compliant:

1. Identity and Access Management (IAM)

Controlling who can access personal data is a foundational step. Two key principles to follow:

• Implement Least Privilege – Staff should only access the data needed for their role.

• Separation of Duties – No single person should control all stages of a process.

Top tip: Provide privacy and data handling training to anyone with access to personal information.

2. Data Loss Prevention (DLP)

DLP tools help stop sensitive data from being accidentally shared or leaked outside your organisation.

These systems monitor and block risky data transfers—such as emailing customer data to the wrong recipient or uploading it to the cloud without authorisation.

UK GDPR requires both data controllers and processors to take "appropriate technical and organisational security measures" to prevent data loss.

3. Encryption & Pseudonymisation

Encryption transforms data so it’s unreadable without the correct key. It’s vital for protecting:

• Data in transit (e.g. emails, file transfers)

• Data at rest (e.g. databases, hard drives)

• Data in use (e.g. during processing)

Pseudonymisation goes one step further by separating identifying data from other attributes, so individuals can’t be identified without extra information.

Though not mandatory, encryption and pseudonymisation are strongly encouraged—and could reduce the impact and penalties of a data breach.

4. Third-Party Risk Management

Do you use external providers for IT services, cloud storage, or payment processing? If they handle personal data on your behalf, you’re still responsible for what happens.

• You must have Data Processing Agreements (DPAs) in place.

• All processors and sub-processors must follow UK GDPR.

• If a breach occurs, both parties may be held liable.

Action step: Audit your third-party suppliers regularly to ensure compliance.

A well-structured GDPR compliant policy should also account for third-party access to footage and storage providers, especially in cases involving GDPR CCTV cameras.

5. Policy Management and Staff Training

Clear policies turn good intentions into business-wide action. Your policies should cover:

• Data protection principles

• Staff responsibilities

• Breach reporting procedures

• Regular training and awareness

Everyone in your organisation - whether full-time, part-time, or contractor should understand your data policies and receive regular updates as laws and threats evolve.

When drafting policies, especially for GDPR in the workplace, consider both privacy rights and operational needs. 

AI, Cyber Resilience & Supply Chain Security

As cyber threats grow more sophisticated, regulators are putting extra focus on:

• AI & automated decision-making – If you’re using AI for profiling or automated decisions, ensure transparency and offer human review options.

• Cyber resilience – Beyond prevention, businesses must now plan for response and recovery, in line with NCSC (National Cyber Security Centre) guidance.

• Supply chain security – A weak link in your supplier network can lead to a major breach. Shared data = shared responsibility.

GDPR and CCPA and identity access management frameworks continue to evolve, and so should your approach to risk across digital platforms. Whether you're a SME business or a large enterprise, ensuring you have the right controls, staff awareness, and secure systems in place is essential in 2025.

Need Help Aligning Your IT Security with UK GDPR?

At A-Plus Security, we help businesses review, update, and future-proof their IT systems to stay compliant and secure. Whether you’re unsure where to start or want a full data security review, our experts are here to help.

Contact us here or call us on 01702 293157 for a consultation to review and enhance your current IT systems.