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GDPR and Cloud Storage: How to Keep Your Data Safe in the Cloud

Since it came into effect in May 2018, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) has changed the way companies manage personal data for EU citizens. With more and more businesses turning to cloud storage for its flexibility, scalability, and lower costs, staying compliant with GDPR in the cloud has become more important than ever. Ignoring these rules can be costly fines can reach up to €20 million or 4% of your global annual revenue, whichever is higher.

In this blog, we’ll break down what GDPR means for cloud storage and share some practical tips to help you keep data safe while making the most of cloud technology.

GDPR and Its Relevance to Cloud Storage

The GDPR, enforced by the European Union, sets strict guidelines for collecting, processing, and storing personal data. It applies to any organization handling EU residents’ data, regardless of where the business is located. Key principles include:

Lawfulness, Fairness, and Transparency: Data must be processed lawfully and transparently.

• Purpose Limitation: Data should only be collected for specified, legitimate purposes.
• Data Minimization: Only necessary data should be collected.
• Accuracy: Data must be accurate and kept up to date.
• Storage Limitation: Data should not be retained longer than necessary.
• Integrity and Confidentiality: Data must be secure against unauthorized access or loss.
• Accountability: Organizations must demonstrate compliance.

Using cloud storage comes with its own set of challenges when it comes to GDPR compliance. Since data can be spread across servers in different countries, it raises questions around where the data actually lives, how secure it is, and who can access it. For example, if a company is using a USA based cloud provider like AWS or Google Cloud, they need to make sure any data moving across borders meets GDPR’s rules for international data transfers.

Why Cloud Storage Poses GDPR Challenges

Cloud storage offers unparalleled convenience but complicates GDPR compliance due to:

1. Data Residency: Cloud providers often store data in multiple regions. GDPR requires that personal data remain within the EU or in countries with equivalent data protection laws unless adequate safeguards are in place.
2. Shared Responsibility: Cloud providers and businesses share responsibility for data security. Under GDPR, the data controller (the business) is primarily accountable, even if a third-party processor (the cloud provider) handles the data.
3. Data Breaches: Cloud environments are prime targets for cyberattacks. GDPR mandates reporting breaches within 72 hours, which requires robust monitoring and incident response.
4. Third-Party Subprocessors: Cloud providers may use subcontractors, increasing the risk of non-compliance if these parties don’t adhere to GDPR standards.

Steps to Ensure GDPR Compliance in Cloud Storage

To keep data safe in the cloud while adhering to GDPR, organizations must adopt a proactive approach. Below are actionable steps to achieve compliance.

1. Choose a GDPR-Compliant Cloud Provider

Selecting the right cloud provider is the foundation of GDPR compliance. Look for providers that:

• Offer data residency options to store data in the EU or GDPR-approved regions.
• Provide GDPR-specific certifications, such as ISO 27001 or SOC 2, and compliance with the EU’s Standard Contractual Clauses (SCCs).
• Implement robust security measures, like encryption and access controls.
• Sign a Data Processing Agreement (DPA) outlining their responsibilities as a data processor.

For example, Amazon Web Services (AWS) offers a GDPR-compliant DPA and allows customers to choose EU-based data centers. Similarly, Microsoft Azure provides tools like Azure Information Protection to help with data classification and compliance.

2. Understand the Shared Responsibility Model

Under GDPR, the data controller (your organization) and data processor (the cloud provider) share responsibilities. The cloud provider secures the infrastructure, while you must ensure proper configuration, access controls, and data handling. For instance:

• Use encryption for data at rest and in transit. Most providers, like Google Cloud, offer built-in encryption, but you must enable and configure it correctly.
• Implement access controls to restrict data access to authorized personnel only.
• Regularly audit configurations to prevent missteps, such as leaving cloud storage buckets publicly accessible.

3. Implement Strong Data Security Measures

GDPR emphasizes data security under Article 32, requiring technical and organizational measures to protect personal data. In the cloud, this includes:

• Encryption: Use end-to-end encryption for data storage and transfers. Tools like AWS Key Management Service (KMS) or Google Cloud’s Key Management can help.
• Access Management: Use Identity and Access Management (IAM) tools to enforce the principle of least privilege. Multi-factor authentication (MFA) adds an extra layer of security.
• Data Anonymization: Where possible, anonymize or pseudonymize data to reduce risks if a breach occurs.
• Regular Backups: Ensure data is backed up securely to prevent loss, with backups stored in GDPR-compliant locations.

4. Manage Data Transfers Across Borders

GDPR restricts transferring personal data outside the EU unless the destination country has an adequacy decision or appropriate safeguards, like SCCs or Binding Corporate Rules (BCRs). To comply:

• Verify your cloud provider’s data transfer mechanisms. For instance, after the 2020 Schrems II ruling invalidated the EU-USA Privacy Shield, many providers adopted SCCs.
• Use providers with EU-based data centers or those certified under frameworks like the EU-USA Data Privacy Framework (DPF).

5. Conduct Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs)

Under GDPR Article 35, a DPIA is required for high-risk data processing activities, such as large-scale cloud storage of sensitive data (e.g., health or financial information). A DPIA helps identify risks and mitigation strategies. Steps include:

• Mapping data flows to understand where data is stored and processed.
• Assessing risks like unauthorized access or data breaches.
• Documenting mitigation measures, such as encryption or access controls.

The European Data Protection Board (EDPB) provides DPIA guidelines (EDPB DPIA Guidance).

6. Monitor and Respond to Data Breaches

GDPR mandates notifying supervisory authorities within 72 hours of discovering a data breach. To prepare:

• Use cloud provider tools like AWS CloudTrail or Google Cloud’s Security Command Center to monitor suspicious activity.
• Develop an incident response plan to quickly identify, contain, and report breaches.
• Train employees to recognize phishing or other threats that could compromise cloud data.

7. Ensure Data Subject Rights

GDPR grants individuals rights like access, rectification, erasure, and data portability. Cloud storage must support these rights:

• Right to Access: Ensure you can retrieve and provide individuals’ data stored in the cloud.
• Right to Erasure: Implement processes to delete data from all cloud storage locations, including backups.
• Data Portability: Use interoperable formats (e.g., JSON or CSV) to transfer data if requested.

Cloud providers like Dropbox Business offer tools to manage data subject requests efficiently (Dropbox GDPR).

8. Regularly Audit and Update Compliance Measures

GDPR compliance is not a one-time task. Regular audits ensure ongoing adherence:

• Conduct vendor audits to verify your cloud provider’s compliance.
• Review access logs and security configurations quarterly.
• Stay updated on GDPR guidance from authorities like the EDPB (edpb.europa.eu).

Best Practices for GDPR-Compliant Cloud Storage

To streamline compliance, adopt these best practices:

• Classify Data: Identify personal data and categorize it based on sensitivity to apply appropriate protections.
• Minimize Data: Store only what’s necessary to reduce risk and simplify compliance.
• Train Staff: Educate employees on GDPR principles and secure cloud usage.
• Document Everything: Maintain records of processing activities, DPAs, and DPIAs to demonstrate accountability.
• Leverage Automation: Use cloud-native tools for data discovery, classification, and monitoring to reduce manual errors.

Case Study: GDPR Compliance in Action

Consider a European e-commerce company using Google Cloud for customer data storage. To comply with GDPR:

1. They select EU-based data centers to ensure data residency.
2. They sign a DPA with Google Cloud, outlining shared responsibilities.
3. They implement encryption and IAM to secure customer data.
4. They conduct a DPIA to assess risks associated with storing payment information.
5. They use Google’s Security Command Center to monitor for breaches and set up automated alerts.
6. They maintain a process to handle data subject requests, such as deleting customer profiles.

This approach minimizes risks and ensures compliance while leveraging cloud benefits.

End Note

Balancing GDPR compliance with cloud storage requires careful planning and execution. By choosing a compliant provider, implementing robust security measures, and regularly auditing processes, organizations can protect personal data and avoid penalties. As cloud adoption grows, staying proactive about GDPR ensures both data safety and customer trust.

For more resources, visit NewEvol’s blog for updates on data security and compliance. Stay informed with trusted sources like the European Commission’s GDPR page and ensure your cloud strategy aligns with the General Data Protection Regulation for a secure digital future.

FAQs

1. How do I keep my data secure under GDPR?

Use encryption, strong access controls, regular audits, and ensure your data processors follow GDPR requirements.

2. How can you protect data that is stored in the cloud?

Choose GDPR-compliant cloud providers, enable encryption (at rest and in transit), and limit access based on user roles.

3. How does GDPR protect your data?

GDPR gives individuals control over their personal data and requires organizations to handle it transparently, securely, and lawfully.

4. How should GDPR data be stored?

Store data securely using encryption, ensure it’s only accessible to authorized users, and keep it within approved geographic regions.

Krunal Medapara

Krunal Mendapara is the Chief Technology Officer, responsible for creating product roadmaps from conception to launch, driving the product vision, defining go-to-market strategy, and leading design discussions.

June 12, 2025