What’s the best privacy software solution? Pros & Cons

As a Data Privacy expert, one of the most common questions I get asked is: “What’s the best privacy software solution to use?” It’s a tricky question to answer because ‘the best’ is subjective and highly dependent on an organisation’s unique needs, existing infrastructure, and compliance requirements.

Nonetheless, we can discuss the pros and cons of various types of privacy software solutions to give you a well-rounded understanding — this is not an exhaustive list. Here, we’ll delve into three categories: Data Discovery and Classification Software, Consent Management Platforms, and Data Loss Prevention Solutions, featuring live use cases for each.

Data Discovery and Classification Software

Pros:

1. Comprehensive Data Auditing: Tools like Varonis or Spirion automatically scan your storage to identify and classify sensitive data, making it easier to manage and secure.         

2. Regulatory Compliance: Automating data discovery and classification can significantly streamline compliance with privacy regulations like GDPR, HIPAA, or CCPA.

3. Risk Mitigation: By identifying sensitive data, you can take measures to secure it appropriately, reducing the risk of data breaches.

Cons:

1.Complexity: These tools can be complicated and require training.

2. Cost: High-quality solutions often come with a steep price tag.

Live Use Case: Company A, a healthcare provider, implemented Varonis to classify patient data. They were able to identify misplaced sensitive files and secure them, thereby avoiding potential HIPAA violations.

Consent Management Platforms

Pros:

1. Consumer Trust: Platforms like OneTrust or TrustArc help manage user consent and preferences, improving the customer experience and building trust.

2. Compliance: These platforms help companies remain compliant with regulations that require explicit consumer consent, like GDPR.

3. Ease of Use: These platforms usually come with user-friendly interfaces.

Cons:

1. Integration Challenges: May not integrate seamlessly with all types of websites or applications.

Live Use Case: Company B, an e-commerce site, used OneTrust to manage customer consent for cookies. This not only helped in GDPR compliance but also enhanced customer trust as they felt more in control of their data.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Solutions

Pros:

1. Data Security: Tools like Symantec DLP or McAfee Total Protection prevent unauthorised access and sharing of sensitive data.

2. Monitoring: Real-time monitoring for any data leakage or suspicious activity.

3. Flexible Policies: You can set policies according to the classification of data.

Cons:

1. False Positives: Sometimes the software can be overly cautious, flagging non-risky behaviour.

2. Resource Intensive: These solutions often require substantial computational resources.

Live Use Case: Company C, a financial institution, used Symantec DLP to monitor the internal sharing of sensitive client financial information. The tool flagged an employee who was sharing data insecurely, averting a potential data breach.

When asked about the best privacy software, it’s imperative to consider the unique requirements and constraints of the organisation. A one-size-fits-all approach rarely works in the context of data privacy. Assess the organisation’s needs, the nature and scope of the data processed, and the relevant compliance requirements before deciding. While a Data Discovery and Classification Software is great for identifying and managing data, it may be costly and complex. Consent Management Platforms are excellent for customer-facing solutions but have a limited scope. DLP Solutions provide robust security but can be resource-intensive and may have false positives. Choose wisely, and often a combination of these tools is the most effective strategy.