Security and Compliance: Trusting HubSpot CRM in the ITC Industry

Two of the most important cornerstones in the rapidly expanding ITC industry are security and compliance. This sector is under immense pressure from both clients and ever-changing legislation to ensure that their data is secured correctly, especially when it comes to sales and marketing departments within these companies. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software such as HubSpot can assist with protecting business-crucial information. In this article, we will take a look at why trusting HubSpot with client data is the right thing to do. 

Covered in this article

ITC Industry Compliance Standards
HubSpot CRM Security Features
Data Protection in CRM Systems
Regulatory Compliance and CRM
Risk Management with HubSpot CRM
Future-Proofing Your Compliance Strategy

ITC Industry Compliance Standards

Compliance is a significant concern for any business operating in the ITC sector. Regulations such as GDPR  and POPIA, as well as various national laws, require stringent data protection measures. HubSpot CRM is designed to meet these ITC industry compliance standards, offering features like data encryption, access controls, and audit trails. In particular, its adherence to POPIA ensures that businesses dealing with South African customers can operate with full compliance. By aligning with these standards, HubSpot CRM ensures that your business remains compliant while benefiting from advanced CRM functionalities.

HubSpot CRM Security Features

Security is often the first concern when adopting any new technology, especially in the ITC industry. HubSpot CRM security features include multi-factor authentication, data encryption, and regular security audits. These features ensure that your data is protected from unauthorised access and potential breaches, providing peace of mind for both your team and your clients.

Data Protection in CRM Systems

Data protection is a cornerstone of compliance, particularly in CRM systems where sensitive customer information is stored. According to NetHunt, data protection is a composite of data privacy and data security. While data privacy focuses on the handling and storage of personal information, data security aims to protect this data from unauthorised third-party access or malicious attacks.

Key Steps for CRM Data Protection

1. Secure Your IT Infrastructure: The first line of defence is your IT infrastructure. Employ multiple layers of protection, including firewalls and anti-virus programs, to safeguard your CRM data.

2. Choose a Reliable CRM Vendor: Opt for a CRM system that is compliant with data privacy and security laws, including GDPR, CCPA, and POPIA. The vendor should offer features like data encryption and third-party-tested security assurance.

3. Regular Monitoring and Audits: Continuously monitor your CRM system for any suspicious activities. Regular IT risk assessment audits can help identify weak spots and security loopholes.

4. Strong Password Policies: Implement robust password policies and two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security.

5. Employee Training: Regular cybersecurity training sessions can keep your team updated on the latest phishing methods, hacker tricks, and other risks associated with managing sensitive data.

By adopting these best practices, you can significantly enhance the level of data protection in your CRM system, aligning with ITC industry compliance standards and offering an added layer of security.

Regulatory Compliance and CRM

When it comes to regulatory compliance and CRM, HubSpot offers a comprehensive suite of tools to ensure that your business meets all legal requirements. HubSpot CRM is designed with GDPR compliance features, including data access and deletion requests.

How HubSpot Protects Your Data

Above and beyond being legally compliant, this also shows your clients that you respect their privacy and make it a priority to protect their data. When it comes to data security, HubSpot employs an end-to-end approach that is designed to keep your data safe and secure. According to HubSpot's official security documentation, the platform uses a "defence-in-depth" strategy, implementing multiple layers of security controls throughout the organisation. This approach is not only driven by compliance and regulatory requirements but also by industry best practices like the OWASP Top 10 and the CIS Critical Security Controls.

Here are some essential aspects of HubSpot's data security:

1. Multi-Layered Security: HubSpot uses a defence-in-depth approach, implementing layers of security controls to safeguard customer data.

2. Compliance with Regulations: HubSpot makes it easier than ever to comply with regulations like GDPR through features such as "GDPR delete," "lawful basis to communicate" consent tracking, and customisable cookie tracking consent banners.

3. Privacy Assurance: HubSpot assures that the data you store in their products is yours. They have a robust security program in place to protect it and use it only as permitted in their Customer Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

4. Two-Factor Authentication (2FA): HubSpot offers two-factor authentication to add an extra layer of security, requiring verification using a second device, such as your mobile phone.

Risk Management with HubSpot CRM

Growing your business by introducing new items or accepting new clients can be exhilarating, but it can also be dangerous. Growth entails increasing workloads and, sometimes, venturing into new territory. 

Businesses that generate and work with highly sensitive data such as in the ITC sectors are required to have extra precautions for keeping data safe. These enterprises can rest assured that HubSpot places a focus on security and safeguarding both client and user data. HubSpot has invested in a suite of tools as well as a dedicated team focused on comprehensive risk management and security. This security team is singularly focused on governance and continually refining security measures.

Future-Proofing Your Compliance Strategy

As both local and global regulations continue to grow as technology evolves, it is important to future-proof the way you handle client data. This is why utilising HubSpot CRM takes the strain off of data officers' shoulders by doing all the heavy lifting and ensuring that all compliance standards are met as and when they are released. 

For more information, feel free to contact Velocity and one of our experts will gladly assist you where possible. 

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for informational and educational purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice or a substitute for professional counsel. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, we cannot guarantee that it is free from errors or omissions. We strongly recommend that you seek professional legal counsel for any concerns related to security and compliance in the ITC industry.