A data protection audit consists of several steps that are systematically performed to review and evaluate a company’s data protection measures. Each step is important to ensure that the audit is thorough and comprehensive.
- Preparation: In this phase, the audit plan is drawn up. This includes defining the objectives, scope and method of the audit. The areas to be audited and the audit criteria are determined. The resources required and the time frame are also determined (Article 24 GDPR).
- Data collection: In this step, relevant information and documents are collected. These include data protection policies, processing records (Article 30 GDPR), technical and organizational measures (TOMs), as well as training materials and reports on previous audits or data protection incidents.
- Review and analysis: The data collected is reviewed for compliance with data protection regulations. This includes the analysis of the legal, technical and organizational measures for data protection. The review also includes interviews with employees to understand the practical implementation of the data protection measures.
The results of the review and analysis are documented in a detailed report. This report contains an assessment of the data protection measures, identifies vulnerabilities and risk areas and provides recommendations for improvement.
- Reporting: Preparation of an audit report with the results of the review and analysis. The report includes an assessment of the data protection measures, identified weaknesses and recommendations for improvement.
- Follow-up: Monitoring the implementation of recommended measures and reassessing them to ensure continued compliance with data protection requirements. Regular reviews help to evaluate the effectiveness of the measures implemented and ensure continuous improvements.
