Data security is incorporated into all our processes. Annually Mint-Tek is assessed under Microsoft’s Supplier Security and Privacy Assurance programme (SSPA). In this blog, we share why we invest in data security and the SSPA programme.

Data security is one of the biggest priorities for businesses. When you are entrusted with peoples’ personal or identifying information, it is vital to have a process in place to correctly store, manage and process this. With the introduction of data processing and managing regulations such as GDPR, data protection has never been more important.

Why we invest in data security

As we shared data security is a massive concern for organisations, and Mint-Tek is no different. At Mint-Tek, we have a comprehensive approach to data security. There are various reasons we have made this one of our top priorities.

More personal information is online than ever before. In their 2020 privacy prediction report, Gartner reported that “By 2023, 65% of the world’s population will have its personal information covered under modern privacy regulations, up from 10% today.” (Gartner, January 2020). This is why

Mint-Tek is making proactive steps to ensure that as volumes of data increase, we have the systems and procedures in place to manage it effectively.

We want to ensure that we comply with data protection regulations such as GDPR. This provides our customers with peace of mind that their data is secure and will not be used for marketing or other purposes without their consent. This regulation also ensures that data is not captured or stored when it is not necessary.

We work with businesses prior to launching a prototype or registering a patent. Mint-Tek works with start-ups, entrepreneurs and businesses who have fantastic innovations and we help bring those to life. In our design projects, we handle our customers’ data at their most critical stages – before launching their prototypes. From intellectual property to personal data, this information is entrusted in our hands. This is not something we take lightly.

Modern businesses are prioritising data privacy. In their report, Gartner also shared that by the end of 2022, over one million organisations will have appointed a data protection officer.

Security is built in throughout our processes. A cornerstone of this approach is our commitment to the Microsoft SSPA programme, which guides businesses in their management of customer data.

What is Microsoft’s SSPA programme?

Microsoft has made it part of its mission to protect the data of its users. As the provider of supporting technologies for supplier organisations across the world, the security of end-user data is a big concern for Microsoft.

Microsoft makes the following commitments to its customers:

· The customer is in control of their data, with easy tools and clear choices.

· Data collection and usage is transparent.

· Strong security encryption and good data handling practices

· Local privacy laws are respected.

· Personal content is never used to target advertising without consent.

· Data is collected to benefit the user.

With privacy and security as priorities for Microsoft, the Supplier Security and Privacy Assurance (SSPA) corporate programme support suppliers who process personal or Microsoft Confidential data. Suppliers are provided with detailed data processing instructions called the Supplier Data Protection Requirements (DPR). Suppliers who have been assessed under this programme can provide the same level of security to end-users of their technologies.

As we process data of our customers through Microsoft products, Mint-Tek is annually assessed as part of the SSPA programme. This examines Mint-Tek’s procedures and control over the privacy and security of Microsoft Personal Information and Microsoft Sensitive Information.

Concerned about security in the design process?

Data security is an evolving topic, and the SSPA programme is one element of Mint-Tek data protection approach. Privacy and security are important to businesses at all stages of the life-cycle, but it is extremely important to those in a pre-patent phase. Throughout the design process, you can rely on Mint-Tek to keep both your personal and design information secure. If you would like to learn more about our design process or how we keep your data safe, please contact us.