Technical security measures

Technical security measures are IT-based solutions that protect personal data and other sensitive information against unauthorised access and misuse.

Glossary
Technical security measures

Explained – what do technical security measures mean?

Technical security measures are safeguards embedded in systems and IT solutions to ensure the integrity, confidentiality and availability of information. A GDPR lawyer can often assess which technical measures are required to meet the obligations in Article 32 of the GDPR. Examples of technical security measures include encryption, pseudonymisation and access controls. Unlike organisational safeguards, which concern procedures and governance, technical measures are built into the IT environment and form a core part of information security.

When do technical security measures become relevant?

The question arises in every organisation that processes personal data. The GDPR requires the controller and the processor to implement appropriate technical and organisational measures to ensure secure processing. Technical security measures are used, for example, when storing customer records, transferring sensitive data or protecting against data breaches, and they are fundamental to sound information security.

Illustration of technical security measures, showing access control, encryption and secure systems to protect personal data and support GDPR compliance.

Points to consider regarding technical security measures

When organisations implement technical security measures, several factors should be considered. The following are key points.

Implement data encryption for protection in transit and at rest, and ensure compatible email encryption solutions where relevant.
Use pseudonymisation to reduce risks during analytics and testing.
Clarify the difference between anonymisation and pseudonymisation to select the right method.
Ensure access controls are correctly configured, regularly tested and aligned with role-based needs.
Use logging and system security monitoring to detect unauthorised activity.
Apply regular security updates and robust patch management services.
Document all technical measures in the organisation’s information security policy.

Technical safeguards are effective only when combined with organisational measures such as procedures, training and clear allocation of responsibility.

Technical security measures

Why are technical security measures important?

Technical security measures are vital because they provide the foundation for protecting personal data in a digital environment. They make unauthorised access harder, reduce the risk of incidents and strengthen overall information security.

The GDPR highlights measures such as encryption and pseudonymisation as examples of technical safeguards. In some cases, anonymisation may be an even stronger method, as the data then no longer falls within the scope of the GDPR. The choice of technical security measures must be proportionate to the level of risk and the nature of the data processed, aligning with technical security measures GDPR expectations.

Organisations that implement clear technical security measures demonstrate a serious commitment to information security. This builds trust with customers, employees and authorities and supports the organisation’s long-term resilience.

They are IT-based solutions that protect personal data and sensitive information, such as encryption, pseudonymisation and access controls, alongside firewalls and antivirus software.

They are required whenever personal data is processed and there is a risk of intrusion or unauthorised access. Article 32 GDPR requires measures proportionate to the risk.

Technical measures are IT solutions such as encryption, firewalls and access controls, whereas organisational measures concern procedures and governance. Both are necessary to comply with the GDPR and ensure robust information security.

Technical measures protect systems and data directly, including two factor authentication and two factor authentication setup.
Organisational measures define how people should act.
Both are necessary to meet GDPR requirements.

Examples include:

Encryption of email and databases, including suitable email encryption solutions.
Pseudonymisation in analytics tools.
Firewalls and antivirus software.
Access controls and two factor authentication.
Logging and system security monitoring.

Encryption renders data unreadable without a key, pseudonymisation removes direct identifiers but can be reversed, and anonymisation permanently removes the link.

Encryption = technical safeguard; data can be restored with the key.
Pseudonymisation = data remain readable but not directly identifiable.
Anonymisation = permanent protection; the data are no longer personal data.

The controller is ultimately responsible, while the IT function or security specialists must implement and maintain the measures in practice, including access controls and patch management services.

Technical measures commonly also include data encryption, firewalls, antivirus software and system security monitoring to provide layered protection.