Cybersecurity Is the Key: Embedding Robust Solutions into Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA) and Comprehensive Data Protection

As part of our ongoing series on “Personal Data Protection & Compliance with Decree 13/2023/NĐ-CP”, we’ve explored essential aspects of Vietnam’s data protection framework: from the core principles of Decree 13, data subject rights, processor obligations, to current and forthcoming financial and administrative sanctions outlined in the upcoming Personal Data Protection Law (PDPL) and the new Decree on Administrative Sanctions (CASD). One message is clear: proactive compliance is no longer optional—it’s a critical business requirement in today’s digital economy.

As we shift toward implementation, it becomes evident that cybersecurity is not just a component of data protection—it is its foundation. Strong cybersecurity measures are prerequisites to meeting complex privacy regulation requirements—especially when conducting Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIA). This article explores the central role of cybersecurity and how advanced solutions can be seamlessly integrated into DPIA processes to build a truly resilient data protection foundation.

 

The Strategic Role of Cybersecurity in DPIA Execution

A Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA)—as required under Article 24 of Decree 13/2023/NĐ-CP and expected to be expanded in future legislation—is not just a compliance checklist. It is a proactive risk management tool designed to identify, assess, and mitigate privacy-related risks before any data processing activity begins. Cybersecurity plays a pivotal role in nearly every stage of an effective DPIA:

  1. Data Mapping

Before risk can be assessed, organizations must understand what data they hold, where it’s stored, who can access it, and how it flows across systems. Cybersecurity tools like data discovery and classification platforms are vital to:

  • Identify sensitive data
  • Classify redundant, outdated, or trivial (ROT) data
  • Understand data locations—a prerequisite for compliance with cross-border transfer regulations
    Without this foundational understanding, a DPIA cannot be truly effective.
  1. Risk Assessment

Once data is mapped, DPIA moves to risk evaluation—identifying potential threats and vulnerabilities. This includes assessing the likelihood and severity of risks such as data breaches, unauthorized access, data loss, or system failure. Cybersecurity expertise is crucial to:

  • Identify technical vulnerabilities in systems, networks, and applications
  • Assess threat actors, both external (e.g., cybercriminals) and internal (e.g., negligent staff)
  • Evaluate existing controls—e.g., encryption, access control, firewalls, intrusion detection
  • Analyze compliance gaps by mapping technical controls against regulatory requirements
  1. Risk Mitigation

The final, and arguably most important, stage of DPIA involves developing and implementing strategies to reduce identified risks to an acceptable level. Cybersecurity solutions directly enable risk mitigation through:

  • Stronger encryption protocols
  • Multi-factor authentication and enhanced access control
  • Upgraded cybersecurity infrastructure
  • Robust incident response planning
  • Data backup and business continuity strategies to minimize data loss/system failure impacts

 

Evvo Labs & Druva: Comprehensive Solutions for Better Data Protection

Navigating cybersecurity and data protection complexities requires expert guidance and powerful technologies. That’s where the partnership between Evvo Labs and platforms like Druva adds exceptional value.

Evvo Labs supports organizations throughout the entire DPIA journey and beyond:

  • Conducting thorough data mapping to build accurate inventories of personal data assets
  • Executing detailed risk assessments to uncover specific vulnerabilities and threats
  • Designing custom risk mitigation strategies covering policy, technical, and operational controls
  • Supporting incident response planning, enabling organizations to report breaches within the 72-hour timeframe mandated by Article 23 of Decree 13

Advanced data protection platforms are critical to operationalizing compliance strategies. Druva plays a crucial supporting role, providing a resilient foundation for modern data protection and compliance with DPIA requirements:

Druva’s Key Capabilities:

  • Automated data protection: Eliminate manual errors and ensure continuous, intelligent protection
  • Comprehensive cyber resilience: Layered defenses across the infrastructure for fast recovery from incidents
  • AI-powered insights (DruAI): Advanced analytics, early alerts, and guided incident responses to reduce risk and improve reaction time

Druva has been named a Leader in the 2025 Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Enterprise Backup & Recovery Solutions.
📎 Read the report: Gartner Magic Quadrant

 

Druva Enables DPIA-Specific Risk Mitigation

  • Centralized backup & recovery: Druva offers secure, automated backups across endpoints, data centers, and clouds—helping:
    • Mitigate risks from ransomware, human error, or system failure
    • Enable fast recovery, crucial for any effective DPIA risk response plan
  • Comprehensive data lifecycle management: From retention policies to verifiable deletion, Druva supports:
    • Compliance with Article 16 (right to erasure)
    • Future sanctions requiring “unrecoverable” data deletion
  • Ransomware recovery & resilience: Immutable backups and anomaly detection features deliver robust defense, rapid recovery, and minimal downtime—key concerns assessed during DPIA
  • Simplified compliance: With governance tools like audit trails, e-discovery, and policy enforcement, Druva helps organizations demonstrate compliance with evolving Vietnamese data protection laws

 

Conclusion: Cybersecurity is the Foundation of Data Compliance

As Vietnam’s data protection landscape evolves—with Decree 13, the upcoming PDPL, and CASD—it’s clear that cybersecurity lies at the heart of compliance. A well-executed DPIA, backed by strong cybersecurity practices and modern data management solutions, is not only a legal obligation—it is a strategic investment.

By partnering with experts like Evvo Labs to perform DPIAs and leveraging cutting-edge platforms like Druva, organizations can go beyond compliance—building a resilient and trustworthy digital foundation for long-term success.

Act now to protect your business from the risks of tomorrow.