What are the most important metrics to track for your data privacy program?

Data privacy is not only a legal obligation, but also a competitive advantage for any organization that handles personal information. However, how do you measure the effectiveness of your data privacy program and identify areas for improvement? In this article, we will discuss some of the most important metrics to track for your data privacy program and how they can help you achieve your goals.

1 Compliance status

One of the first metrics to track is your compliance status with the relevant data protection laws and regulations, such as the GDPR, the CCPA, or the LGPD. Compliance status indicates whether you have met the minimum requirements for data privacy, such as conducting a data protection impact assessment, obtaining valid consent, or providing a privacy notice. Compliance status can help you avoid fines, lawsuits, and reputational damage, as well as demonstrate your commitment to data privacy to your customers and stakeholders.

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James Keese, CIPP-US, CIPT, CIPM, FIP

Executive Director, Chief Privacy Officer
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Key Metrics Governance Structure Measured documented governance structure and company has identified the individual(s) responsible for data collection, individual rights management, effectiveness and compliance reporting. Data Inventory/Flows Number and date of completed data inventories, to include; data subject type and location, data elements, purposes of collection and use, location of personal information storage, vendors, access roles, high level data flows, defined classification and retention periods and security controls.

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2 Data breach incidents

Another metric to track is the number and severity of data breach incidents that affect your organization. Data breach incidents are events that compromise the confidentiality, integrity, or availability of personal data, such as unauthorized access, theft, or loss. Data breach incidents can have serious consequences for your organization, such as legal liability, customer churn, or brand erosion. Data breach incidents can help you assess your data security posture, identify the root causes and impacts of breaches, and implement corrective and preventive measures.

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James Keese, CIPP-US, CIPT, CIPM, FIP

Executive Director, Chief Privacy Officer
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Privacy Notices/Policies Date and changes made to the privacy statement, recruitment privacy notice, employee privacy policy, confidentiality notice to comply with legal requirements and addresses operational risks. Maintain Training and Awareness Program Recorded attendance of ongoing training and awareness to promote compliance with the data privacy policy and to mitigate operational risks. Manage Third-Party Risk Number of maintained contracts and agreements with third parties and affiliates consistent with the data privacy policy, legal requirements, and operational risk tolerance and number of acceptance by third party.

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3 Data subject requests

A third metric to track is the volume and type of data subject requests that you receive and process. Data subject requests are requests that individuals make to exercise their rights over their personal data, such as access, deletion, or portability. Data subject requests can help you measure your responsiveness and transparency to your data subjects, as well as your compliance with their preferences and expectations. Data subject requests can also help you understand your data subjects' needs and interests, and optimize your data collection and use practices.

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James Keese, CIPP-US, CIPT, CIPM, FIP

Executive Director, Chief Privacy Officer
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Notices Number of maintained notices and is consistent with the privacy policy, legal requirements, and level of risk Procedures for Complaints Number received, time period to complete and responded for complaints associated with the company's use of personal data. Data Privacy Breach Management Program Table tops completed, gaps identified and mitigated associated with your data privacy incident management program. Data Handling Practices Periodic, recorded and compliance levels related to a companies defined data privacy practices and procedures. Maintain Procedures for Individual Rights Number received, time period to complete and responded to, for interactions for managing individuals’ rights for all personal data/information

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4 Data quality and accuracy

A fourth metric to track is the quality and accuracy of the personal data that you collect and store. Data quality and accuracy refer to the extent to which your personal data is complete, consistent, relevant, and up-to-date. Data quality and accuracy can help you improve your decision making, customer service, and marketing performance, as well as reduce errors, waste, and duplication. Data quality and accuracy can also help you comply with the data minimization and accuracy principles of data protection laws.

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5 Data privacy awareness and training

A fifth metric to track is the level of data privacy awareness and training among your employees and partners. Data privacy awareness and training refer to the knowledge, skills, and attitudes that your staff and collaborators have regarding data privacy policies, procedures, and best practices. Data privacy awareness and training can help you foster a culture of data privacy within your organization, as well as prevent human errors and negligence that can lead to data breaches. Data privacy awareness and training can also help you comply with the accountability and documentation obligations of data protection laws.

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6 Data privacy maturity and performance

A sixth metric to track is your data privacy maturity and performance over time. Data privacy maturity and performance refer to the degree of integration, alignment, and effectiveness of your data privacy program across your organization. Data privacy maturity and performance can help you evaluate your progress and achievements in data privacy, as well as identify gaps and opportunities for improvement. Data privacy maturity and performance can also help you benchmark your data privacy program against industry standards and best practices.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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What are the most important metrics to track for your data privacy program?

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1 Compliance status

2 Data breach incidents

3 Data subject requests

4 Data quality and accuracy

5 Data privacy awareness and training

6 Data privacy maturity and performance

7 Here’s what else to consider

Information Systems

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What are the most important metrics to track for your data privacy program?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Compliance status

2 Data breach incidents

3 Data subject requests

4 Data quality and accuracy

5 Data privacy awareness and training

6 Data privacy maturity and performance

7 Here’s what else to consider

Information Systems

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