CPA Canada publication guides SMEs on privacy and data security issues

TORONTO, May 14, 2015 /CNW/ - A new publication from Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada helps small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) tackle the challenges associated with collecting and appropriately securing customer information.

The second edition of The Canadian Privacy and Data Security Toolkit, provides business owners with practical information, tools and resources to effectively handle the privacy and data security issues of today.

With a foreword written by Daniel Therrien, Privacy Commissioner of Canada, and an introduction by Dr. Ann Cavoukian, Executive Director of Ryerson University's Privacy & Big Data Institute, this Toolkit addresses the importance of implementing sound privacy policies and practices.

"Increasingly, businesses have access to massive amounts of customer data. Canadians are understandably very concerned about the management and use of their personal information," says Dr. Cavoukian. "Due to this fact, businesses need to ensure that they go beyond regulatory compliance and risk aversion and proactively implement procedures to protect consumer information."

That sentiment is echoed by Nicholas Cheung, CPA Canada's vice-president of member services. "No company wants to deal with the fallout from a data security breach," he says. "It's about protecting client or customer information along with your company's distinguished reputation."

The Toolkit's author, Claudiu Popa, CEO and Principal Risk Advisor at Informatica Corporation, states that Canada is poised to be a global leader in privacy and data security.

"Canadian business is at an inflection point in risk maturity and will play an increasingly positive role on the global stage," says Popa. "The publication is an essential read for any business concerned with the changing regulatory landscape, seeking to mitigate risk and looking to drive growth through savvy investment in privacy and security." 

The Canadian Privacy and Data Security Toolkit features:

• self-assessments to help identify an organization's data security and privacy risks
• advice on privacy and security risks in specific departments
• access to a resources webpage featuring helpful checklists, informative articles, training templates and a customizable privacy policy

For more information, visit: cpacanada.ca/privacytoolkit-pr  

About CPA Canada
Canada's accounting profession is uniting under a new single designation, Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA). The profession's national body, Chartered Professional Accountants of Canada (CPA Canada), represents and supports more than 190,000 members across the country. CPAs are valued for their financial and tax expertise, strategic thinking, business insight, management skills and leadership. CPA Canada has consolidated the operations of three national accounting bodies: The Canadian Institute of Chartered Accountants, the Certified General Accountants Association of Canada and The Society of Management Accountants of Canada. CPA Canada conducts research into current and emerging business issues and supports the setting of accounting, auditing and assurance standards for business, not-for-profit organizations and government. It also issues guidance on control and governance, publishes professional literature and develops certification and continuing education programs.

SOURCE CPA Canada

Related Links

www.cpacanada.ca