What is Data Protection Consultancy?

Data protection consultancy involves expert guidance and support from professionals to ensure compliance with data protection laws and regulations. Consultants help organisations implement effective data protection measures to safeguard sensitive information.

What Services Do Data Protection Consultants Offer?

Data protection consultants offer a range of services including GDPR compliance audits, data protection impact assessments (DPIAs), policy development, staff training, breach response planning, and ongoing compliance monitoring.

How Can Data Protection Consultants Help My Business?

Data protection consultants provide tailored solutions to address your organisation's specific needs. They offer expert advice, implement best practices, conduct risk assessments, and ensure continuous compliance to protect your business from legal and reputational risks.

What Are the Benefits of Hiring a Data Protection Consultant?

Hiring a data protection consultant brings specialised expertise, saves time and resources, ensures regulatory compliance, enhances data security, boosts customer trust, and mitigates the risk of data breaches.

How Do I Choose the Right Data Protection Consultant?

When selecting a data protection consultant, consider factors like their experience, track record, industry knowledge, compliance expertise, customised services, and client testimonials to ensure they meet your specific needs.

What Industries Can Benefit from Data ProtectionConsultancy Services?

Data protection consultancy services are beneficial for organisations across various sectors including healthcare finance, ecommerce, IT, legal, and more, ensuring compliance with industry-specific regulations.

What Steps Are Involved in the Data Protection Consultancy Process?

The data protection consultancy process typically involves assessment, planning, implementation, training, monitoring, and continuous improvement to establish and maintain robust data protection practices.

How Can I Get Started with Data Protection Consultancy Services?

Getting started is easy! Simply reach out to a reputable data protection consultancy firm, schedule a consultation to discuss your requirements, and they'll guide you through the process tailored to your organisation's needs.

What Sets IG-Smart Ltd Apart in Data Protection Consultancy?

IG-Smart Ltd stands out in data protection consultancy with a team of experienced consultants, proven track record, industry recognition, client satisfaction, and customised solutions tailored to your business needs.

What is CREST Accreditation?

CREST accreditation is a globally recognised certification that validates the competence and professionalism of cybersecurity service providers. It ensures that organisations adhere to rigorous standards and best practices in conducting penetration testing and other security assessments.

Why is CREST Accreditation Important for Penetration Testing?

CREST accreditation demonstrates that our penetration testing services meet the highest industry standards for quality, reliability,and integrity. It provides assurance to clients that our testing methodologies are thorough, rigorous, and effective in identifying and mitigating security vulnerabilities.

What are the Benefits of Choosing a CREST Accredited Penetration Testing Provider?

By choosing a CREST accredited penetration testing provider like us, clients can have confidence in the credibility and competence of our testing services. They can trust that our assessments are conducted by experienced professionals using industry-leading methodologies,resulting in accurate and actionable findings to improve their cybersecurity posture.

What Types of Penetration Testing Does CREST Accreditation Cover?

CREST accreditation covers various types of penetration testing, including network penetration testing, web application penetration testing, mobile application penetration testing, and more. Our accredited team is capable of conducting comprehensive assessments tailored to the specific needs of our clients.

How Does CREST Accreditation Ensure Confidentiality and Data Protection?

CREST accreditation includes stringent requirements for confidentiality and data protection to safeguard sensitive information obtained during penetration testing. Our accredited team adheres to strict protocols and ethical guidelines to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and privacy of client data throughout the testing process.

Can CREST Accredited Penetration Testing Help Meet Compliance Requirements?

Yes, CREST accredited penetration testing can help organisations meet regulatory and compliance requirements, such as those outlined in standards like PCI DSS, HIPAA, GDPR, and more. Our testing services provide valuable insights and evidence to demonstrate compliance with security standards and regulations.

How Often Should Penetration Testing Be Conducted?

The frequency of penetration testing depends on various factors, including the organisation's risk profile, industry regulations, and changes to the IT environment. Generally, it is recommended to conduct penetration testing on a regular basis, such as annually or after significant changes to systems or applications.

How Can I Get Started with CREST Accredited Penetration Testing Services?

Getting started with our CREST accredited penetration testing services is simple. Contact us to discuss your requirements and schedule a consultation with our team. We'll work with you to understand your needs, tailor our testing approach, and provide a proposal outlining the scope, timeline, and cost of the engagement.

ISO 27001 is an international standard for information security management systems (ISMS). It provides a framework for organisations to establish, implement, maintain, and continually improve their information security management processes and controls.

Why is ISO 27001 Penetration Testing Important?

ISO 27001 penetration testing helps organisations assess the effectiveness of their information security controls and identify vulnerabilities that could compromise the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their sensitive information. It is a critical component of maintaining ISO 27001 compliance and ensuring the security of organisational assets.

How Does ISO 27001 Penetration Testing Differ from Regular Penetration Testing?

ISO 27001 penetration testing is specifically tailored to assess the effectiveness of information security controls implemented as part of an organisation's ISMS. It focuses on evaluating compliance with ISO 27001 requirements and identifying gaps in security controls that could impact the organisation's ability to achieve ISO 27001 certification.

What Types of Penetration Testing Does ISO 27001 Cover?

ISO 27001 penetration testing covers various types of security assessments, including network penetration testing, web application penetration testing, mobile application penetration testing, and more. It evaluates the security of information assets, processes, and systems to ensure compliance with ISO 27001 requirements.

How Often Should ISO 27001 Penetration Testing Be Conducted?

The frequency of ISO 27001 penetration testing depends on factors such as changes to the organisation's IT environment, updates to security controls, and the results of previous assessments. It is recommended to conduct penetration testing regularly, such as annually or after significant changes to the ISMS.

Can ISO 27001 Penetration Testing Help Achieve ISO 27001 Certification?

Yes, ISO 27001 penetration testing is an essential component of achieving ISO 27001 certification. It helps organisations identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses in their information security controls, allowing them to address issues and demonstrate compliance with ISO 27001 requirements during the certification process.

How Does ISO 27001 Penetration Testing Ensure Confidentiality and Data Protection?

ISO 27001 penetration testing includes measures to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of sensitive information throughout the testing process. This includes strict controls for handling and protecting confidential data obtained during penetration testing to prevent unauthorized disclosure or misuse.

What Are the Benefits of Choosing an ISO 27001 Penetration Testing Provider?

Choosing an ISO 27001 penetration testing provider ensures that assessments are conducted by experienced professionals with expertise in information security and ISO 27001 requirements. It provides assurance that testing methodologies align with ISO 27001 standards and deliver accurate and actionable results to strengthen information security controls.

What is the NHS DSP Toolkit?

The NHS DSP (Data Security and Protection) Toolkit is an online self-assessment tool designed to help NHS organisations measure their performance against the National Data Guardian's 10 data security standards.

Why is NHS DSP Toolkit compliance important?

Compliance with the NHS DSP Toolkit is essential for NHS organisations to demonstrate their commitment to protecting patient data and ensuring compliance with data protection regulations. It helps build trust with patients and stakeholders and reduces the risk of data breaches.

Can you assist with ongoing compliance monitoring and support?

Yes, we provide ongoing support to help your organisation maintain compliance with the NHS DSP Toolkit. Our services include regular assessments, updates to policies and procedures, staff training, and assistance with any changes in regulations or requirements.

What is an ISO 27001 Gap Analysis?

An ISO 27001 Gap Analysis is a comprehensive assessment conducted to identify the gaps between an organisation's current information security practices and the requirements outlined in the ISO 27001 standard.

Why is an ISO 27001 Gap Analysis important?

An ISO 27001 Gap Analysis is crucial for organisations aiming to achieve ISO 27001 certification. It helps identify areas where security measures may be lacking, allowing organisations to strengthen their security posture and mitigate potential risks.

What does the ISO 27001 Gap Analysis process involve?

The process typically involves a thorough examination of the organisation's existing security controls, policies, procedures, and documentation against the requirements of the ISO 27001 standard. It aims to identify areas of compliance and potential vulnerabilities.

Can IG-Smart Ltd assist with implementing recommendations from the ISO 27001 Gap Analysis?

Yes, IG-Smart Ltd offers comprehensive support in implementing recommendations arising from the ISO 27001 Gap Analysis. Our experienced team can assist organisations in developing and implementing tailored solutions to address identified gaps and achieve ISO 27001 certification.

Data Privacy Services & Cybersecurity Experts

Shaista Peart

BA (Hons), CIPPE

Senior Data Protection & Privacy Professional | Healthcare Information Governance Specialist

Shaista Peart is a Certified Information Privacy Professional with extensive knowledge and experience in data protection and privacy compliance. As a pragmatic strategist, her aim is to equip businesses with risk and compliance strategies necessary for effective corporate governance.

Work Experience

Data Protection Consultant Companies locally and internationally • March 2019 - Present

Conduct GAP analysis to determine the level of current compliance with data protection legislation.
Support with developing a corporate governance and compliance program.
Policy review and drafting, Template review and creation.
Deliver in-house training.
Provide support in completing data protection impact assessments.
Review data processing and sharing agreements.

Interim Data Protection Officer University of Wolverhampton • June 2018 – September 2018

Provided specialist advice to staff and students regarding data protection queries and concerns.
Developed and reviewed strategic documents such as governance frameworks, policies, and procedures to foster greater compliance with DP legislation.
Developed and delivered staff training to promote a culture of data protection compliance.
Ensured the effective co-ordination and completion of subject access requests to maintain the University’s compliance rate.
Responsible for investigating data breaches and where necessary reporting to the Information Commissioner (ICO).
Processed and reviewed third-party requests for information.

Reviewed and negotiated data sharing and processing agreements with clients and suppliers.
Collaborated with project managers to highlight privacy issues at the start of projects.
Supported the completion of Data Protection Impact Assessments.
Liaised with the information security team to implement security controls and processes that mitigate privacy risks.
Reported data protection concerns to the University Secretary for escalation to the board.
Managed all freedom of information requests received into the University and ensured deadlines were met.

Information Governance Support Officer University Hospitals Birmingham • Nov 2016 – May 2018

Provided specialist advice to staff regarding information sharing, consent, confidentiality, information security, and other privacy issues that may arise.
Investigated data protection breaches and suggested appropriate recommendations and solutions.
Developed annual audit plans and schedules to assess the hospital’s compliance with data protection.
Processed and assisted staff with police requests for information.
Ensured compliance with Freedom of Information Act, responding to requests and managing administrative requirements.
Conducted and reviewed the hospital’s data mapping.
Reviewed and improved the information asset register.
Collated and reviewed evidence for the IG Toolkit.
Investigated ICO subject access requests complaints and prepared reports of findings.

Certifications

International Association of Privacy Professionals (2019) Certified Information Privacy Professional (CIPPE)
Chartered Management Institute (2015) Level 5 Diploma in Professional Consulting

Academic Background

Birmingham City University (2012-2015) BA (Hons) Business and Management
E-skills UK Apprenticeship (2011-2012) Advanced and Intermediate apprenticeship in IT, Software, Web, and Telecoms Professionals
Sandwell College (2010-2011) Diploma in Performing Arts
Hydel High School (Jamaica, 2008 - 2009) High School Diploma

Hobbies and Interests

Performing Arts, Playing the keyboard and drum, Group singing.

Team