Get GDPR Compliance Consulting Services: Choose from Top 10 GDPR Consultants

According to the Global Forensic Data Analytics Survey by EY in 2018, only 33 percent of respondents have an established GDPR compliance plan, while 39 percent were unfamiliar with GDPR altogether.

It’s no wonder. Hence, getting into the intricacies of GDPR is a maze of a problem. Yet, ignorance is no defense against the steep penalties—up to 4 percent of annual turnover—for companies mishandling personal data. The stakes are high, and non-compliance can lead to significant financial and reputational damage.

This is where GDPR compliance consultants come into play. These experts are adept at maneuvering through Europe’s flagship data regulation so that your business stays compliant and secure. 

GDPR consultants provide much-needed guidance to implement data protection measures, conduct thorough audits, and develop policies to protect personal data. They also assist in training your staff so everyone in your organization understands their role in maintaining compliance.

In this article, we’ll introduce you to the 5 best GDPR consultants you can trust. These consultants have a proven track record of helping businesses achieve and maintain GDPR compliance. Also, we’ll highlight a GRC (Governance, Risk, and Compliance) platform that can streamline your compliance efforts and help you achieve GDPR certification more efficiently.

Who are GDPR Consultants?

GDPR consultants are experts in GRC who are dedicated to guiding organizations through the intricacies of GDPR. These professionals provide invaluable advice and assistance, helping businesses understand the implications of GDPR and implement the necessary data security measures to protect personal information.

One of the biggest hurdles many organizations face is managing the vast amounts of data they collect. This involves tracking data from its creation to its eventual destruction and ensuring it is stored according to strict regulatory criteria. Implementing these systems and processes can be daunting and complex.

Enter GDPR consultants. With their extensive experience, they conduct a thorough GDPR Gap analysis to pinpoint areas of non-compliance. They don’t stop there—they offer continuous support, helping you achieve and maintain full GDPR compliance. However, there are two ways to do this.

Despite the advantages of working with GDPR consultants, there are also downsides. This is why we recommend you go for Sprinto, a GRC automation platform that architects privacy and wins trust in terms of GDPR compliance.

What Does a GDPR Consultant Do?

A GDPR consultant is a specialist who helps organizations navigate the complexities of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). Their role includes a wide range of tasks aimed at ensuring that a business complies with GDPR and protects personal data effectively. Here’s a detailed look at what a GDPR consultant does:

• Help you thoroughly review a company’s current data protection practices to identify gaps in compliance with GDPR requirements.
• Provide a detailed report highlighting areas of non-compliance and recommendations for improvement.
• Create detailed maps of how personal data is collected, processed, stored, and transferred within the organization.
• Compile a comprehensive inventory of personal data, categorizing it by type, source, and processing activities.
• Develop and implement data protection policies and procedures tailored to your organization’s needs.
• Help you create all necessary documentation, such as data processing agreements and privacy notices, that are in place and compliant.
• Conduct training sessions to educate employees about GDPR principles, data protection practices, and responsibilities.
• Develop ongoing awareness programs to keep data protection in mind for all staff.
• Conduct DPIAs for high-risk data processing activities to identify and mitigate privacy risks.
• Recommend measures to reduce identified risks and ensure compliance with GDPR.
• Establish clear processes for handling data subject requests, such as access, rectification, erasure, and data portability.
• Assist in responding to data subject requests promptly and effectively.
• Develop and implement a data breach response plan.
• Provide guidance on managing data breaches, including notification requirements and mitigation steps.
• Conduct regular audits to ensure ongoing compliance with GDPR.
• Keep the organization updated on changes in data protection laws and regulations, ensuring continuous compliance.
• Evaluate third-party vendors for GDPR compliance
• Ensure that data processing agreements with third parties meet GDPR requirements.
• Help the organization prepare for GDPR certification by meeting all necessary criteria.

Are you not sure if the criteria match your requirements? Get on a call with our experts, and Use Sprinto to organize a clear, comprehensive, chaos-free GDPR compliance program.

5 Top Rated GDPR Compliance Consultants (Organizations)

Choosing the right GDPR compliance and consultancy is critical to exploring the complexities of data protection laws in the best possible way. Here’s a curated list of the 10 best GDPR compliance consultants who offer expertise, specialized knowledge, and a track record of success to help your business achieve and maintain GDPR compliance. 

(Note: The list is taken from Clutch reviews)

1. Foresite Cybersecurity

Foresite Cyebrsecurity is one of the top GDPR compliance consultants you can find in the United States. Their specialty is offering all the tools and expert guidance you need, making the whole process stress-free.

Their managed compliance services let you manage security and GDPR compliance in real time. This means you get a clear picture of your cybersecurity risk score so that your technology is correctly set up and managed, your policies are comprehensive, and your security practices match your procedures.

2. SharkStriker Inc

SharkStriker Inc. is a global cybersecurity leader empowering organizations across 30+ countries and diverse industries with human-centric, cutting-edge cybersecurity solutions. However, they also specialize in helping companies with implementing GDPR regulations. with a robust solution suite to tackle immediate challenges and long-term compliance goals.

Here’s how they can assist you:

• GDPR Compliance Services: This includes risk assessments, gap analyses, internal audits, and external audit support to ensure thorough GDPR compliance.
• Expert Consultation: Expert guidance to strengthen cybersecurity posture and implement GDPR complexities in the best possible manner.
• Security and Compliance: Provides 24/7 monitoring, threat identification, response capabilities, and routine security checks.
• Employee Training and Awareness: Tailored programs to educate and raise awareness about data security risks and compliance responsibilities.

3. ALKU 

ALKU specializes in connecting organizations with top-tier Data Privacy, Data Governance, and IT Compliance consultants across the United States. Their industry-leading consulting services have earned them a reputation as a trusted partner for tackling the most complex challenges and initiatives.

Some of the projects they support related to GDPR are:

• Implementation of GDPR and other privacy regulations
• Handling sensitive data
• Data breach investigation
• Mergers and acquisitions
• Employee training
• Privacy Impact Assessments (PIA)
• Regulatory compliance

4. BD Emerson

BD Emerson helps businesses incorporate a privacy-by-design approach into their processes and applications, bringing significant value and advantages. This makes them one of the leading GDPR consultants.

With over 15 years of experience in development projects and delivering services, BD Emerson understands the severe impact data breaches and non-compliance can have on your financial health and reputation.

Their key focus areas include:

• Contractual Security Measures with Vendors
• Organizational Governance
• Administrative Security Controls
• Technical Security Controls

5. Odaseva

If handling compliance was no longer a hassle but a seamless part of your daily operations. That’s what Odaseva brings to the table. They simplify complex GDPR compliance tasks, process data requests, audit changes, and precisely manage your entire data lifecycle.

With Odaseva, you can:

• Process real-time data subject requests quickly and accurately
• Maintain a detailed history of all data changes
• Automatically enforce your business’s compliance policies
• Anonymize and pseudonymize data at lightning speed without losing its value for testing and training.
• Easily integrate with third-party software to define and implement privacy policies. 

5 Top Rated GDPR Consultants (Freelancers/Individuals)

Choosing the right GDPR consultant is important to ensure your business complies with data protection regulations. Here’s a list of the 5 best GDPR freelance consultants who bring extensive experience, specialized qualifications, and proven track records to simplify GDPR compliance for your business.

1. Rob S. 

Rob S. is an IT professional with over 30 years of experience, specializing in web development for 15+ years. He has 8+ years of expertise in PCI-DSS consultation, which inlcludes level 1 companies to achieve swift compliance. Over the past five years, Rob has been dedicated to providing GDPR consultation services to numerous small and medium-sized businesses. 

2. Petromil P.

A highly regarded legal counsel with extensive international expertise in AI, Data Privacy, Anti-Money Laundering, GDPR compliance, Corporate & Contracts Law, and ISO certification. Specializes in reviewing and preparing all internal and external GDPR / CCPA, including Privacy Policies, Cookie Policies, Security & Access Policies, and more.

3. Lee Z

Based in Pune, India, Lee Z is a seasoned consultant specializing in GDPR compliance. With a strong track record, Lee has guided numerous companies through the complexities of data protection laws. Beyond GDPR, Lee offers expertise in business law, handling matters such as commercial contracts, company registration, stock option agreements, and ESOPs.

4. Austin P

Austin has developed a strong reputation for exceptional contract management skills. He handles everything from drafting and reviewing to negotiating and amending, always focusing on protecting and advancing business needs.  His work ensures agreements safeguard interests, reduce risks, and clearly define rights and obligations, which is very useful for obtaining GDPR compliance.

5. Tyler W

Austin is a top-rated Cybersecurity Consultant with a 100% job success rate. He excels in Penetration Testing for standard, web, and mobile applications. He also helps companies get compliance with standards like CMMC, NIST 800-171, PCI, HIPAA, GDPR, and more.

Factors to Look at While Selecting GDPR Consultants

Choosing the right GDPR consultancy firm is an important step in your GDPR compliance journey. This section will cover key factors to consider, such as experience, qualifications, reputation, cost, and more, to help you make an informed decision.

1. Experience

When choosing GDPR consultancy services, the first thing to consider is the firm’s/individual’s experience. Look for a firm with a proven track record in implementing GDPR. Firms that were active when the regulation was enacted have accumulated valuable experience from numerous implementation requests.

2. Qualifications

Look for a background in privacy, digital law, data security, IT security, or ISO 27001. While these areas alone don’t cover all GDPR requirements, combining this expertise with experience in GDPR compliance can indicate a consultant who understands your needs well.

3. Budget

Consider your budget first. Determine how much you can allocate to the service before engaging with it. This step is crucial to ensure you stay within your financial limits. 

Freelance GDPR consultants typically charge between $50 to $150 per hour, depending on their experience and expertise. They are often a cost-effective solution for smaller projects or ongoing advisory roles.

4. Explore Other Options

Don’t hire a GDPR consultant just because they can assist you. When considering GDPR compliance, hiring a consultant might seem like the easiest option. However, exploring all available options is important to ensure you’re spending your money wisely.

Potential Issues with Consultants

1. Dependence: Relying heavily on a consultant can make your team dependent on their expertise, making it difficult to manage compliance on your own.
2. Lack of Transparency: Consultants might not fully explain their processes, leaving your team unaware of important compliance details.
3. High Costs: Consultants can be expensive, with freelancers charging $50 to $150 per hour and larger firms charging up to $500 per hour or more.

GDPR With Sprinto: GDPR Compliance Made Ease

Hiring a GDPR consultant can help you gain the necessary knowledge, save time, and ease the implementation burden. However, there’s an even better option: a GRC tool. A GRC tool can help you automate the process with the guidance you need but without the dependence on any one consultant.

Sprinto is a GRC automation platform that simplifies GDPR compliance with a clear, comprehensive, well-integrated program that helps users bypass complexities and achieve compliance easily. 

The best part is that it also connects you with a number of security auditors, from smaller organizations to Big 4 firms, so that your audit goals are met. It also ensures that after compliance, you can keep monitoring the controls associated with it and provide proof of compliance in real-time. 

Get in touch with us to know more!

FAQs

How much does a GDPR consultant cost? 

GDPR consultant fees typically range from $3,000 USD to $11,000 USD, depending on the level of support needed, the complexity of the organization’s data processing activities, and the consultant’s experience.

Who owns GDPR? 

The GDPR was adopted by the European Parliament and Council of the European Union on 14 April 2016 and became effective on 25 May 2018. As an EU regulation, GDPR is directly applicable as law across all EU member states without needing to be transposed into national law.

Who has to comply with GDPR? 

GDPR applies to any entity—whether a person, business, or organization—that collects or processes personal data from individuals within the European Union. For instance, any business that serves EU-based customers or handles their data must comply with GDPR regulations.