Information security has become a priority for accounting organizations and offices , especially with the implementation of the General Data Protection Law.
Thus, the law has redefined the collection, storage and processing of data, as well as establishing strict guidelines for the protection and confidentiality of information, fundamental for accounting offices dealing with sensitive data from customers and employees.
The law came into force in 2021, requiring adaptations. This is increasingly being used tools aimed at protecting these data, allowing companies to ensure the availability and integrity of the information. In addition, the growth of cyber attacks has driven the development of safety solutions.
After all, how does all this impact on accounting offices? For you to understand more about it, we have prepared this material with everything you need to know about LGPD in accounting offices and how to increase information security efficiently and practically.
Information Security in Accounting Offices: What is it?
Information security is crucial in accounting offices ensuring the protection of stored and processed personal and financial data . Thus, it is allowing users to be guaranteed that their information is protected.
When we refer to information security in accounting offices we need to understand that there are three essential pillars:
- Integrity: The guarantee that the information is full, complete and accurate without unauthorized changes.
- Confidentiality: It is a pillar that refers to the guarantee that only authorized users can access the information, preventing it from being viewed improperly.
- Availability: It is the guarantee that the information is accessible whenever necessary, without life interruption.
Thus, in accounting offices, information security is crucial to protecting valuable data from customers and employees . The digitization of accounting processes, as well as the use of ERP systems and the adhesion of cloud technology made it necessary to circumvent various security challenges.
Therefore, accounting offices had to adopt rigorous cyber security solutions and measures, such as the implementation of firewalls, monitoring mechanisms, and access filters, to avoid the leakage of information and undue access to unauthorized users. In addition, it is essential to implement an Internet use policy that awareness of employees about the importance of a more forned cyber security culture.
However, information security in accounting offices goes beyond the use of technologies and policies: a cultural and behavioral change among employees is crucial. This includes awareness, adoption of safe practices, regular training and preparation to deal with cybersecurity incidents.
Accounting Information System Protection
As mentioned earlier, accounting system protection involves more than the implementation of robust policies and practices to ensure data privacy. That is, the adoption of comprehensive solutions is also essential. Thus, as LGPD , accounting offices need to adopt specific measures for protecting sensitive data that are collected and stored, such as data encryption, access control, training and training, among others.
Thus, the creation of an Information Security Committee has become indispensable. That is, the Committee is responsible for the development and monitoring of office data protection policies , ensuring compliance with regulations applicable to this sector.
Information Security Committee
The Information Security Management Committee (CGSI) is essential to define guidelines for the treatment of personal information in a company. The committee, formed by key representatives, manages and directs information security activities to protect confidentiality, integrity and availability of accounting office data .
These are attributions of the Information Security Management Committee:
- Definition of security policies;
- Implementation of security measures;
- Risk Assessment;
- Management of safety incidents;
- Training and awareness;
- Monitoring and audit;
- Compliance with regulations;
- Reports and communication.
Thus, attributions are fundamental to ensure data security and protection, minimizing risks and increasing confidence. Therefore , the creation of an Information Security Committee is indispensable to supervise and implement cyber security measures within the accounting offices. In addition, the committee is responsible for developing security policies, evaluating risks and promoting employee training and awareness.
Therefore, the implementation of CGSI causes the accounting office to demonstrate a commitment to protecting the privacy of the information that is stored , ensuring a different positioning in the market.
LGPD in accounting offices
Although it has been developed for application in companies in all sectors, LGPD plays an even more important role within accounting offices. So, by establishing guidelines for the processing of sensitive data within companies, the purpose of this legislation is to protect people's individuality and privacy.
In this sense, the guidelines for collection, storage, processing and information sharing are fundamental in the accounting sector. Thus, to comply with LGPD, internal mechanisms and control systems must be implemented. In addition, it is necessary to generate documentary evidence for internal and external audits.
The accounting office must follow a data protection policy, ensuring that all LGPD principles are satisfied before processing any information. Therefore, it is essential to obtain and prove customer consent to retain, record and store your personal data.
The office is responsible for implementing technical and organizational measures to protect data from unauthorized access and misuse of this information. It is crucial to ensure that data holders have control over their personal information , in accordance with current legislation.
What are personal data for LGPD?
Therefore, personal data for LGPD is considered all information that is related to an identified or identifiable natural person. That is, they can be personal data from basic information such as address and name to the most confidential data, such as financial information.
This definition helps to understand what personal data are and ensure that companies can collect, store and process this information more safely.
Thus, within the specifications of the General Data Protection Law , there are also special categories of personal data, such as biometric and genetic data. This type of information requires complementary safety measures because of the great potential for damage that leakage from this data can cause.
LGPD in Accounting
As we can see throughout this material, LGPD has come as a way to protect the information and also has a significant impact on companies. When it comes to the accounting sector, companies have an additional obligation on the implementation of strict protection measures given the sensitivity of information that is stored and collected.
In this sense, the legislation is indispensable for these businesses, mainly because of the consequences that the lack of adequacy can bring. According to the National Data Protection Authority, fines that are applied by violations can reach up to 2% of the company's annual revenues, limited to $ 50 million per infraction.
Penalties aim to ensure that companies respect individual privacy rights and adopt solutions to improve information security. In addition to fines, there are other types of penalties that can be applied by LGPD. Data holders may request compensation for moral or material damage caused by carelessness or security violations, increasing the responsibility of companies.
What has changed in accounting offices with LGPD?
All these changes have made a big impact on accounting offices . With its implementation, it was necessary to perform a complete review of all privacy and information security policies that were applied by the office, causing a real transformation in the way tasks were performed.
Companies dealing with personal data have had to appoint a Data Protection Officer (DPO), a position that helps the company adapt its processes to structure a compliance program focused on greater information on information under its guardianship. Ensuring compliance with LGPD and also to implement a data protection culture within the company.
Transparency and responsibility are two basic concepts that should guide the performance of a protection officer in the professional environment. Because he is the person who understands the most about dangers and safety mechanisms, it becomes a reference on the subject within the company.
It is crucial to establish an information security committee to create and implement policies, conduct audits and offer cyber security training training This ensures compliance with the general data protection law and reinforces the reputation of accounting offices with customers.
The role of security policy in data protection
The use of technologies to perform daily tasks has become constant among most companies, especially regarding information systems. Due to the sensitivity of information stored by an accounting office, protection of the information system requires additional care.
The policy implemented for personal data protection should take into account a process to mitigate risks and protect the privacy of this information , making it essential to adopt solutions such as firewalls , data encryption, monitoring system and more.
It is essential to establish clear data retention policies to ensure system security. This involves defining the period during which information will be maintained and establish how to perform safe disposal when no longer necessary. Therefore, it is essential that the accounting office regularly reviews its data protection policies to maintain secure information.
Thus, to support accounting offices in sensitive data protection and ensure compliance with LGPD, we have developed a model of “sensitive data protection policy in compliance with LGPD” . This material aims to increase digital security in the workplace and inform customers and employees about the measures adopted by the office. Click here and download the model for free!
LGPD and ISO 27701: 2019 in data protection
ISO 27701: 2019 is an extension of ISO 27001 and ISO 27002 standards, focusing on information privacy management. It enables the development of a Privacy Information Management System (PIMS), aimed at helping organizations managing personal information responsibly and also in complying with Privacy Regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and General Data Protection Law (LGPD).
This standard is fundamental for organizations that deal with large volumes of personal data, contributing to reducing the risks of leakage and incorrect use of this information. By adopting the practices and strategies recommended by this standard, business can improve their data governance and protect privacy of individuals.
What many people do not know is that LGPD and ISO 27701: 2019 are complementary in the process of personal data protection today. Regarding accounting offices, while on the one hand LGPD brings the guidelines for proper treatment of information, ISO 27701 brings a framework to implement a privacy management system.
Developed to expand the requirements brought by ISO 27001 , ISO 27,701 brings specific additional controls to increase personal information protection, helping accounting offices in implementing robust practices and controls not only to offer more security, but also meet the requirements brought by LGPD.
Sensitive data protection in accounting
To protect sensitive data on accounting according to current legal requirements, not only appropriate security tools are required, but also additional measures to strengthen information security. Sensitive data leakage can result in major damages to the holders, including financial fraud and misuse of identity.
The growth of cyber attacks stressed that data from various types can be used to cause damage, including financial, biometric information, health records and other personal data. In 2023, a report from Trend Micro , indicated the blockade of 161 billion cyber threats. It is the responsibility of accounting offices to implement solutions to control, monitor access and authenticate users, preventing this information from falling into the wrong hand.
Tools to ensure information security in accounting offices
Although cyber attacks have been presenting considerable growth, it is possible to rely on the help of technology to ensure greater information security. Among the main resources, we can mention:
Big Data
Resources such as big data , for example, allows managers to obtain advanced analyzes of a large volume of information, helping to identify anomalies and standards that indicate irregular activities.
Big Data also enables several opportunities for data protection, including an analysis for fraud detection, service customization, decision making and more. With the help of this technology, you can more efficiently evaluate the behavior and use of information within your accounting office.
Data Protection Policy in accordance with LGPD for accounting offices
It is crucial for accounting offices to implement a data protection policy in accordance with LGPD, due to constant manipulation of sensitive data. This policy must begin with the identification and classification of data collected to determine the level of protection required.
This whole process is essential for the implementation of consolidated and transparent processes , which define the purpose and duration of data storage. In addition, data protection policy should include regular training for employees on good security practices, essential to ensure information compliance and security.
Cloud storage
At the same time, cloud storage also allows the accounting office to have more flexibility and scalability during everyday tasks , ensuring controlled and secure access to information that is essential anywhere.
Cloud technology offers several essential benefits, such as global accessibility, reinforced safety through encryption, automatic synchronization, automatic backup, and more. Therefore, cloud solutions have become indispensable for companies, enabling the storage of large volumes of information with lower risk of loss.
Data governance
To increase efficiency and security, it is recommended to implement data governance in the accounting office, establishing formal processes to manage and protect confidential and sensitive data. This may involve data retention policies and procedures to respond to cyber incidents, helping to reduce damage and prevent additional problems.
In a reality moved to data in large quantities and in real time, data governance represents an indispensable aspect . Thus, it enables more informed decisions and increased risks and legal compliance, especially with LGPD.
firewall
Firewall one of the oldest security features and also one of the most used for data protection. Functioning as an additional barrier between your network and the outside world, Firewall acts as an input and output analysis filter, allowing unauthorized access to block.
When it comes to protection of information, firewall is a tool focused on protection against data attacks and violations, network traffic control and increased security of connected devices. In addition, its implementation also aims to meet legal security requirements, such as those established by the General Data Protection Law.
The future of information security in accounting offices
Due to the changes we have experienced in recent years, the future of information security in accounting offices is constantly evolving. The growing demand for sensitive data protection and maintaining the confidentiality of personal information requires constant adaptation of companies to these transformations.
According to IBM's 2023 data violation cost reports , the global average costs of a data violation by 2023 were approximately $ 4.45 million, reporting a 15% increase over the past three years.
In this context, it is important to highlight the increase in the use of artificial intelligence and automation, whose incorrect implementation can compromise the confidentiality of the data. Therefore, there is a growing need for strict regulations to protect privacy.
Therefore, it is crucial for companies to invest in continuous education and training so that their employees are prepared to deal with these threats. In addition, it is important to adopt a proactive posture against cyber attacks.
Information Security Trends
Technological advances have made strategies and information security of accounting offices constantly optimized. Therefore, it is crucial to consider popular resources in the sector to develop solutions that maintain protected data in the face of these new technologies.
Thus, the growing adoption of artificial intelligence , cloud technology and machine learning is improving cyber defense strategies, making them more efficient.
With regard to financial data, blockchain can increase the integrity of information and develop adaptive solutions for accounting offices. Thus, the future of information security in accounting requires a multifaceted approach, combining advanced resources and technologies to ensure customer regulatory compliance and safety.
Evolution of norms and regulations
In recent years, several rules and regulations have been developed in response to the growing need for safer solutions and approaches for data protection. The LGPD exemplifies how strict data protection rules impose companies by accounting for companies for implementing efficient controls to ensure compliance.
ISO 27 1701 also has a major impact on information security , followed by the development of the national cybersecurity policy.
These factors demonstrate the growing concern with data protection and the effort of laws to increase this protection based on consolidated strategies.
The importance of education and continuous training
In addition to using efficient technologies to protect confidential information, it is crucial that the company implements education and continuous training for its employees. These initiatives will foster a cyber security culture and help prevent significant damage to the organization.
Thus, these training programs should include good cyber safety practices, regulatory compliance and preparation to mitigate vulnerability and contain damage. The change in organizational culture is crucial for data protection in accounting offices, improving cyber security. Strengthening defenses involves more than adopting modern resources; It requires responsibility and a complete change of paradigms.
importance of implementing a data protection policy in accounting offices is evident Recent changes in legislation have required companies to adopt more efficient resources and strategies to ensure compliance and increase process reliability.
