---
title: "Personal Data and Cybersecurity"
id: "2026"
type: "expertise"
slug: "personal-data-and-cybersecurity"
published_at: "2026-01-26T08:21:34+00:00"
modified_at: "2026-07-28T09:28:42+00:00"
url: "https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/expertise/personal-data-and-cybersecurity/"
markdown_url: "https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/expertise/personal-data-and-cybersecurity.md"
excerpt: "Protecting data, anticipating risks, and safeguarding every decision Data protection and cybersecurity are now at the core of business performance and corporate trust. In an environment defined by digital transformation, regulatory complexity, and growing threats, every decision must balance speed,..."
taxonomy_language:
  - "English"
taxonomy_post_translations:
  - "pll_6977240e1473e"
taxonomy_tax_expertise:
  - "Personal Data and Cybersecurity"
taxonomy_tax_famille_expertise:
  - "Regulatory"
  - "Transactional"
---

## Protecting data, anticipating risks, *and safeguarding every decision*

Data protection and cybersecurity are now at the core of business performance and corporate trust. In an environment defined by digital transformation, regulatory complexity, and growing threats, every decision must balance speed, legal precision, and risk management.

Our team assists companies in developing compliance and security strategies that are both robust and pragmatic. We design solutions tailored to the realities of each organization, whether global groups, technology scale ups, investment funds, financial institutions, or digital platforms.

From negotiating data processing agreements to managing cyber crises, conducting data due diligence, or handling international transfers, we turn regulatory requirements into an asset for competitiveness and governance.

## *our*Capabilities

### (01) GDPR Compliance and Data Strategy

We design customized compliance frameworks that support our clients’ business ambitions. Data flow mapping, processing documentation, vendor management, and internal policies are integrated into a clear, auditable, and adaptable architecture.

Our team also advises clients in their dealings with the CNIL, from preliminary assessments to defense in audits or enforcement actions. This comprehensive approach anticipates risks and integrates data protection into product and service design. Law becomes a strategic management tool serving innovation.

### (02) Data Due Diligence and Transactional Security

In every transaction, data and cybersecurity represent assets that are as sensitive as they are strategic. We audit processing activities, verify GDPR compliance, review past incidents, and assess contractual terms with service providers and business partners.

Our analysis identifies potential liabilities, refines warranty mechanisms, and secures closing conditions. We also assist post-acquisition to streamline practices, align internal policies, and ensure compliance across newly integrated entities.

### (03) International Data Transfers and Contract Structuring

Global data flows require rigorous command of the applicable legal frameworks, including standard contractual clauses, binding corporate rules, and adequacy decisions.

We design durable and reliable mechanisms to secure data transfers within multinational groups and their partners, taking into account the latest European requirements on data protection and cross-border control.

Each contractual framework is built with accountability in mind, validated against compliance standards, and designed to withstand regulatory scrutiny. Our goal is to enable seamless international operations while ensuring full legal security both in Europe and worldwide.

### (04) Cyber Crisis Management and Data Breach Response

In the event of a cyberattack or data breach, rapid legal response is critical. We act immediately to assess the incident, manage mandatory notifications, coordinate internal and external communications, and limit regulatory and reputational exposure.

Our team also handles defense in litigation or enforcement proceedings while helping leadership teams turn the experience into an opportunity to strengthen prevention measures.

### (05) Cybersecurity and Sector Regulation

Companies operating in regulated sectors such as finance, healthcare, energy, and telecommunications face heightened compliance obligations. We assist them in complying with the requirements set out in NIS2, DORA, the ePrivacy Directive, and other sector-specific regulatory standards.

Our work combines technical audits, security policy drafting, contractual arrangements with critical vendors, and inspection preparedness.

Our approach aims to strike a lasting balance between compliance, performance, and innovation.

Collective excellence

at the service of the

*highest standards.*

Team

[Florence Chafiol ( Partner )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/florence-chafiol/)

[Marc Mossé ( Senior Counsel )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/marc-mosse/)

[Roxane Blanc-Dubois ( Counsel )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/roxane-blanc-dubois/)

[Robin Nini ( Senior Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/robin-nini/)

[Alexandra Antalis ( Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/alexandra-antalis/)

[Ariane Seyed-Movaghar ( Associate )](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/collaborateur/ariane-seyed-movaghar/)

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## Contact Us

## *our*References

Personal Data and Cybersecurity

#### Energy Group – Global Data Transfer Strategy

Advised a leading energy company on designing a GDPR-compliant global data transfer strategy, including BCR analysis and the allocation of responsibilities among EEA entities.

Personal Data and Cybersecurity

#### Environmental Services Group – GDPR Governance and Compliance

Advised a global environmental services group on implementing GDPR governance, including model contract drafting, access rights management, role allocation, and internal compliance harmonization.

Personal Data and Cybersecurity

#### Cosmetics Group – Data Breach Management

Advised a leading cosmetics company following a data breach at one of its providers, assisting in assessing potential impacts and managing discussions and negotiations with the vendor.

*Rankings*& Recognitions

m

- (01)Chambers and Partners 2025 – Global TMT: Data Protection
- (02)Legal 500 2025 – Global Data privacy and data protection
- (03)Décideurs 2025 – France Innovation, Technology & Telecoms

[More distinctions](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/distinctions/?search_tax-expertise%5B%5D=personal-data-and-cybersecurity)

## *Latest* News

[18/06/26 Opération 3 min August Debouzy accompagne Airbus dans le cadre du projet de joint-venture avec Technip Energies, Safran et Tereos visant à développer une production de carburants d’aviation durables en France](https://www.august-debouzy.com/operation/august-debouzy-advises-airbus-on-the-joint-venture-project-with-technip-energies-safran-and-tereos-to-develop-sustainable-aviation-fuel-production-in-france/)

[17/06/26 Deal 1 min August Debouzy advises Airbus on the joint venture project with Technip Energies, Safran and Tereos to develop sustainable aviation fuel production in France](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/deal/august-debouzy-advises-airbus-on-the-joint-venture-project-with-technip-energies-safran-and-tereos-to-develop-sustainable-aviation-fuel-production-in-france/)

[08/12/25 Legal Article 5 min Toward a Two-Tier Liability Regime for Online Platforms? Analysis of the CJEU’s Russmedia Decision In a judgment dated 2 December 2025, the Court of Justice of the European Union held a marketplace operator liable for the unlawful processing of sensitive data published in a user’s advertisement. The CJEU ruled that the operator is responsible for the processing of advertisements published on its platform and must verify, prior to publication, whether they contain sensitive data and whether their processing complies with the GDPR.](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/legal-article/toward-a-two-tier-liability-regime-for-online-platforms-analysis-of-the-cjeus-russmedia-decision/)

[27/01/25 Deal 1 min August Debouzy advised Chausson Matériaux on the acquisition of Frans Bonhomme’s business in France August Debouzy advised Chausson Matériaux, France’s leading independent distributor of building materials, on the acquisition of Frans Bonhomme’s business in France, the French leader in multi-channel distribution of materials and solutions for networks and infrastructures.](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/deal/august-debouzy-advised-chausson-materiaux-on-the-acquisition-of-frans-bonhommes-business-in-france/)

[21/10/24 Legal Article 10 min GDPR Breaches, Unfair Competition, and Health Data: The CJEU Weighs In In a judgment dated October 4, 2024 , the Court of Justice of the European Union (“CJEU”) stated that the provisions of the GDPR do not prevent a national regulation (in this case, German) from allowing competitors of a company that has violated the GDPR to bring an action before civil courts against that company, based on the prohibition of unfair commercial practices.](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/legal-article/gdpr-breaches-unfair-competition-and-health-data-the-cjeu-weighs-in/)

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[Find our latest news](https://www.august-debouzy.com/en/le-hub/)
News

## *FAQ*

### (01) How does a law firm specializing in data protection structure your GDPR compliance?

Data protection is central to business performance and trust. The GDPR (Regulation (EU) 2016/679) imposes an accountability principle: each data controller must demonstrate compliance through documented and verifiable measures, with penalties of up to EUR 20 million or 4% of worldwide annual turnover. We design robust and pragmatic compliance strategies: processing inventories, records of processing activities, data protection impact assessments (DPIAs), privacy policies, processor oversight and outsourced DPO services. Each framework is calibrated to turn regulatory constraints into a governance asset.

### (02) Why is data due diligence essential in M&A and financing transactions?

Every acquisition, disposal or financing transaction requires an assessment of the personal data risks held by the target. GDPR non-compliance, unlawful processing, unresolved security vulnerabilities, ongoing CNIL proceedings: these factors can affect valuation, condition warranty clauses or trigger specific commitments. We conduct structured data due diligence, identify risks, recommend corrective measures and negotiate appropriate contractual clauses (warranties, indemnities, remediation plans). This approach secures the transaction and accelerates post-acquisition integration.

### (03) How should you structure international data transfers after the Data Privacy Framework?

Transferring personal data outside the European Economic Area remains one of the most complex GDPR challenges. The European Commission adequacy decision of 10 July 2023 validated the EU-US Data Privacy Framework, restoring a legal basis for transfers to the United States. For other destinations, standard contractual clauses (SCCs) and binding corporate rules (BCRs) remain the preferred mechanisms. We structure international data flows, draft and negotiate SCCs, support transfer impact assessments (TIAs) and prepare BCR applications before the competent authorities.

### (04) How should you respond effectively to a cyberattack or personal data breach?

Cyber incidents (ransomware, data leaks, intrusions, fraud) require crisis management combining technical response, legal obligations and crisis communications. Article 33 of the GDPR requires notification of any data breach to the supervisory authority within seventy-two hours of becoming aware of it. We assist clients from the earliest hours: legal qualification of the incident, managing notifications to the CNIL and affected individuals, digital evidence preservation, filing complaints and coordinating with technical teams and insurers. The objective is to limit legal and reputational exposure.

### (05) How can you anticipate NIS2 cybersecurity obligations?

Directive (EU) 2022/2555 (NIS2) significantly expands the scope of entities subject to cybersecurity obligations (between 10,000 and 15,000 entities in France). Penalties may reach EUR 10 million or 2% of worldwide annual turnover for essential entities. We support companies in identifying their status (essential or important entity), complying with risk management and incident notification requirements, and preparing for ANSSI inspections. Each framework integrates the sector-specific obligations applicable to our clients.

### (06) Why choose August Debouzy as your law firm for data protection and cybersecurity in France?

From negotiating processing agreements to managing cyber crises, from data due diligence to international transfers, we turn regulatory constraints into a competitive and governance advantage. Our team supports companies in building compliance strategies that are both robust and pragmatic, coordinating legal, technical and operational dimensions. Legal departments, CIOs, DPOs, executives and investment funds entrust us with their most sensitive data protection and cybersecurity matters.