LOSING CONTROL OF YOURSELF – BY JEAN-PIERRE MURRAY-KLINE (APRIL 2023)

In 2023 it is not acceptable that a business Owner still has no idea what their e-intellectual property and e-assets are. It is not okay that you do not know who has dominion over all your emails, website files, data and devices. This is bad e-behaviour.

E-behaviour is a topic I write and talk about a lot. It covers many subjects like how we use social media, emails, websites, Apps and devices. It also covers things like online bulling, e-criminals and e-regulations, which of course then by extention covers authorities, who I am sorry to say are either absent or ‘primordial’ in their readiness. This leaves each individual to educate themselves and unfortunately few have the time or interest in doing this. After all, not everyone likes tech! Unfortunately all these factors pose a major risk for a company.

The challenge for a business is that law requires any entity (individual, business, organisation, etc) processing, storing or sharing any sort of data to uphold certain standards, not limited to the data files but also the devices, and failing to do so can result in fines and even criminal charges.

Depending on where you are in the World the law can become very nasty! PoPIA is just the tip of the ‘e-ice burg’, there is a much bigger picture.

While the enforcement of e-laws gain momentum and e-regulations evolve, your business needs to have taken steps to deal with digital behaviour and e-security. Remember, even if regulators and Courts take their time reviewing a case, the negative reputational harm that can come from the public is almost immediate and often enough to cause serious damage not only to your bottom line but also puts your staff, suppliers and clients at risk. Don’t make the mistake most people do and wait to prepare. It does not cost that much to ready your business.

I offer e-assessments, recommendations, e-workshops, e-training and action plans for small to medium size businesses related to e-behaviour and e-safety. These services can help your company get up to speed and become proactive instead of responsive in situations such as a data breach, hack or e-policy.

Experience, persistence and ingenuity are often the ingredients you need to navigate this ever evolving e-world. I assure you I have lots of these and lend them to Clients, who want to help themselves keep e-control.

The End.