Why backup: part 2

Furthermore, if you have sensitive data according to the GDPR, it is necessary to have a backup system:

  • better if the data is encrypted with secure algorithms before being saved;
  • always active in order to have all the updates available;
  • easy to restore quickly and therefore necessarily the availability of data even in the event of a physical or technical accident;
  • a procedure (better if written and detailed) of how to restore the system. This procedure should be tested regularly;

All this is present in section 2 (Security of personal data) in article 32 of the GDPR:

Security of processing
1.   Taking into account the state of the art, the costs of implementation and the nature, scope, context and purposes of processing as well as the risk of varying likelihood and severity for the rights and freedoms of natural persons, the controller and the processor shall implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure a level of security appropriate to the risk, including inter alia as appropriate:
a) the pseudonymisation and encryption of personal data;
b) the ability to ensure the ongoing confidentiality, integrity, availability and resilience of processing systems and services;
c) the ability to restore the availability and access to personal data in a timely manner in the event of a physical or technical incident;
d) a process for regularly testing, assessing and evaluating the effectiveness of technical and organisational measures for ensuring the security of the processing.
2.   In assessing the appropriate level of security account shall be taken in particular of the risks that are presented by processing, in particular from accidental or unlawful destruction, loss, alteration, unauthorised disclosure of, or access to personal data transmitted, stored or otherwise processed.