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At the forefront of data protection TEXT: LIDIJA LIEGIS | PHOTOS: MGSI
Luxembourg-based consulting firm MGSI S.àr.l. is specialised in data protection and information security. It offers profound expertise and advice on all aspects of data protection, covering technological and organisational measures to assist clients in complying with the different related legislation and avoid any non-compliance penalties. MGSI’s founder and CEO is Québécoise Mélanie Gagnon. She has over 15 years’ experience in information security and data protection. She moved to Luxembourg in 2015 to start the company. “The timing was perfect and the business opportunity was huge with the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) soon to be approved,” she explains. Her thinking was correct because a year later the GDPR was approved. Currently the demand for work in this field is very high. “The risks that organisations face are primarily a lack of skilled resources on GDPR’s requirement, and generally, the time and budget to become compliant,” she explains. MGSI’s services help clients to ensure their businesses comply with the GDPR, which comes into force in May 56 | Issue 44 | August 2017
2018. The GDPR strengthens individuals’ rights and increases the obligations of organisations that process data of a personal nature. With seven experienced consultants, each specialised in a different domain of data protection and security, the company is currently recruiting to expand the team. MGSI advises on GDPR-related matters with several services: initial gap analysis to determine the appropriate actions that need to be implemented to ensure compliance with the GDPR; the services of an external Data Protection Officer (DPO); and information security risk analysis. Furthermore, MGSI offers Data Protection Impact Assessments for data processing operations that may pose a high risk to the rights and freedoms of individuals; assistance with governance, including the implementation of a data protection programme within an organisation; and Privacy by Design support. Another area of support is advanced training in personal data protection and information security awareness. MGSI is highly regarded in the field of data protection in Luxembourg. MGSI currently works with some of Luxembourg’s largest
employers, international companies and ministries. In May 2017, MGSI cofounded the first data protection salon in Luxembourg, which drew over 200 participants. The second edition of the Luxembourg Data Protection Days will be held on 29 and 30 May 2018. MGSI is an Official Training Partner of the IAPP and this autumn, will host trainings for CIPP/E and CIPM certifications and other data protection seminars. Please consult the website for further details: www.dataprotection.lu
Mélanie Gagnon, CEO & founder, MGSI S.àr.l.