Technical and Organizational Measures (TOMs): What They Are and Why They Matter Under GDPR
TOMs Explained: Practical Data Protection for Modern Businesses
Technical and Organizational Measures (TOMs) are the foundation of GDPR compliance, blending technology, policy, and practice to secure personal data. This article breaks down what TOMs involve, how they differ across industries, and why proper documentation is critical from day one. Discover practical examples, legal requirements, and expert tips to tailor TOMs to your business in today’s cloud-first, AI-driven world.
Technical and Organizational Measures (TOMs) are a legal requirement under the EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and foundational to any effective data protection strategy. These technical and procedural safeguards are designed to protect personal data from unauthorized access, loss, or misuse during processing activities.
TOMs include everything from encryption and access control systems to employee training and incident response plans. Their purpose is clear: to reduce risks to data subjects and ensure a high standard of security, accountability, and compliance across your organization.
In this article, we explain what TOMs are in the context of GDPR, why they are critical for data protection compliance, and how businesses can implement and document them effectively. You’ll also learn:
- What types of TOMs does your organization need
- Why you need to document TOMs to meet GDPR Article 32 requirements
- Why industry-specific risks and technologies matter in selecting appropriate measures
- How TOMs contribute to GDPR accountability and audit readiness
Whether you're a data controller, processor, or compliance officer, understanding and applying the right TOMs is essential to protecting personal data and avoiding regulatory penalties.