Biggest privacy risk: third parties

Talar Herculian Coursey is the GC and VP HR for ComplyAuto, a SaaS company serving auto dealerships in the US. Talar was previously the GC for Vista Ford and a file clerk, associate, and partner at the national labor and employment law firm, Fisher Phillips LLP.

Talar is licensed to practice law in California and Utah. She is also a CIPP, CIPM, certified yoga instructor, certified life coach, and a retired dog walker.

Knowing the types of data a company collects is essential for building strong privacy and security practices. Many organizations collect a wide range of sensitive information, including financial data, identity documents, and data created through connected technologies. Employees often rely on text messages and mobile apps to communicate, creating touchpoints where sensitive information is shared with third parties. So, how can general counsels and privacy pros safeguard sensitive information while accounting for the risks introduced by third-party vendors?

Protecting sensitive information starts with establishing policies and processes that reflect how data flows through an organization and understanding how teams communicate with consumers. That's why it's important to provide employees with secure, encrypted channels when communicating with customers. Customized training is equally important, and using gamification and tailored phishing simulations helps engage employees, deepen their understanding of the sensitive information they handle, and improve their ability to recognize potential privacy and security risks. By pairing these tools with training that is specific to the work environment, general counsels and privacy pros can help employees stay vigilant and reduce the likelihood of privacy and security incidents.

In this episode of She Said Privacy/He Said Security, Jodi and Justin Daniels talk with Talar Herculian Coursey, General Counsel and Vice President of Human Resources at ComplyAuto, about managing privacy and security risk tied to data collection practices. Drawing on her experience in the automotive dealership industry, Talar explains why understanding the types of data companies collect is critical to building effective privacy and security programs. She explains how companies can strengthen their defenses through encrypted communication tools and customized employee training programs. Talar also outlines the significant risks posed by third-party vendors and offers practical tips for managing these risks.