Compliance with the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) has become a critical issue for all businesses, regardless of their size. While we often think about customer database management or software solutions, one aspect remains too often overlooked: IT hardware management. Computers, smartphones, servers, external hard drives, and even professional tablets store and transport sensitive data on a daily basis.
Ignoring this hardware aspect exposes businesses to major risks: data leaks, loss of unsecured equipment, lack of traceability, and more. These flaws can lead not only to severe financial penalties but also to a loss of trust among employees and customers.
In this article, we will examine why the GDPR applies directly to IT hardware management, what companies’ legal obligations are, the risks incurred in the event of negligence, and, above all, the best practices to implement to effectively protect data.
1. Why the GDPR also applies to IT equipment
The GDPR regulates the collection, processing, and storage of personal data. However, the majority of this data transits or is stored on IT equipment.
- Laptops: Used by employees, they often contain customer files, HR documents, or financial information.
- Professional smartphones: A simple theft can expose confidential emails, access to business applications, or even sensitive conversations.
- Servers and external drives: These contain massive volumes of strategic data.
- Forgotten peripherals (USB flash drives, tablets, connected printers): Often overlooked, they are real gateways for information leaks.
GDPR compliance is not limited to software and databases: it must include a clear IT equipment management policy.