Challenge

A rapidly growing FinTech company with 120 employees needed to establish GDPR compliance ahead of a major funding round. The company processed significant amounts of personal and financial data but had limited documentation and no formal data protection processes in place. With just three months until the due diligence process, they needed a comprehensive solution quickly.

Solution

As a Fractional DPO, I implemented a structured approach:

• Conducted a comprehensive data mapping exercise to identify all personal data flows
• Performed gap analysis against GDPR requirements
• Developed a prioritized remediation plan focusing on highest-risk areas first
• Created essential documentation including privacy notices, data protection policies, and processing records
• Implemented data subject rights procedures and breach response protocols
• Delivered targeted training to key stakeholders and general awareness sessions for all staff
• Established ongoing compliance monitoring processes

Results

• Achieved GDPR compliance readiness within the three-month timeframe
• Successfully passed investor due diligence review with no compliance issues raised
• Reduced data collection by 30% by implementing data minimization principles
• Improved customer trust with transparent privacy practices
• Established ongoing Fractional DPO relationship at 2 days per month

Challenge

A digital health provider offering remote patient monitoring services experienced a security incident that exposed vulnerabilities in their infrastructure. While no patient data was compromised, the incident revealed significant gaps in their security controls and incident response capabilities. The company needed to strengthen their security posture while preparing for ISO 27001 certification.

Solution

As a Fractional CISO, I developed and implemented a comprehensive security program:

• Conducted a thorough risk assessment to identify and prioritize security vulnerabilities
• Developed an Information Security Management System (ISMS) aligned with ISO 27001
• Implemented technical controls including enhanced access management, encryption, and monitoring
• Created and tested an incident response plan with tabletop exercises
• Established security governance structure with clear roles and responsibilities
• Developed security policies and procedures
• Delivered security awareness training to all staff
• Implemented vendor security assessment process

Results

• Successfully achieved ISO 27001 certification within 9 months
• Reduced high-risk vulnerabilities by 95%
• Decreased average time to detect security incidents from 72 hours to 4 hours
• Improved staff security awareness scores from 65% to 92%
• Enhanced competitive position with demonstrable security credentials

Challenge

A B2B SaaS company was losing sales opportunities because they couldn't demonstrate SOC 2 compliance. Enterprise customers increasingly required SOC 2 attestation as a prerequisite for contracts. The company had a small technical team and limited resources but needed to achieve SOC 2 Type II compliance within 12 months to support their growth strategy.

Solution

I provided a pragmatic approach to SOC 2 readiness:

• Performed a comprehensive gap assessment against SOC 2 Trust Services Criteria
• Developed a phased implementation roadmap with clear milestones
• Prioritized control implementation based on impact and resource requirements
• Designed and implemented necessary policies and procedures
• Established continuous monitoring and evidence collection processes
• Conducted internal audits to verify control effectiveness
• Prepared the team for the external audit process
• Provided guidance during the Type I and Type II audit phases

Results

• Achieved SOC 2 Type I attestation within 6 months
• Successfully completed SOC 2 Type II audit with no exceptions noted
• Secured three enterprise clients worth £1.2M in annual recurring revenue
• Reduced security incidents by 60% through improved controls
• Established efficient compliance processes requiring minimal ongoing resources

Challenge

A multi-channel retailer with both physical stores and e-commerce operations was struggling with PCI DSS compliance. They had failed their most recent compliance assessment due to numerous security gaps and faced potential fines and restrictions from payment processors. With over 200 stores and a complex payment infrastructure, they needed a structured approach to achieve and maintain compliance.

Solution

I implemented a comprehensive PCI DSS compliance program:

• Conducted a thorough scoping exercise to accurately define the cardholder data environment
• Performed detailed gap analysis against all PCI DSS requirements
• Developed a remediation plan with clear ownership and timelines
• Implemented network segmentation to reduce the compliance scope
• Enhanced encryption for data in transit and at rest
• Strengthened access controls and implemented multi-factor authentication
• Established vulnerability management and penetration testing processes
• Developed and delivered PCI-focused training for relevant staff
• Created documentation and evidence collection procedures

Results

• Successfully achieved PCI DSS compliance within 6 months
• Reduced PCI scope by 40% through effective segmentation
• Decreased annual compliance costs by £75,000
• Implemented continuous compliance monitoring to prevent future failures
• Enhanced overall security posture beyond PCI requirements

Challenge

A mid-sized accounting firm suffered a data breach that compromised client financial information. They had no incident response plan in place and were struggling to manage the technical, legal, and reputational aspects of the breach. They needed immediate assistance to contain the incident, meet regulatory obligations, and rebuild client trust.

Solution

I provided emergency incident response support and ongoing security improvements:

• Led the incident response team through containment, eradication, and recovery phases
• Coordinated forensic investigation to determine scope and impact
• Managed GDPR breach notification process with the ICO and affected clients
• Developed and implemented crisis communication strategy
• Implemented immediate security enhancements to prevent further compromise
• Created a comprehensive security improvement program
• Developed incident response capabilities for future events
• Provided security awareness training focused on common attack vectors

Results

• Successfully contained breach within 24 hours of engagement
• Completed all regulatory notifications within required timeframes
• Avoided regulatory fines through demonstrating appropriate response
• Retained 92% of clients despite the breach
• Implemented security improvements that prevented three attempted attacks in the following year
• Transformed security culture within the organization