Applies To: All employees, partners, contractors, vendors, and systems handling client data.
Effective Date: May 27, 2025
Last Reviewed: Current Version 1.0
1. Purpose of the Policy
This policy is established to ensure Bizoso Consulta Pakistan operates in strict compliance with the Pakistan Electronic Crimes Act, 2016 (PECA 2016), particularly regarding the protection, management, and lawful processing of electronic data. This document outlines the measures we take to prevent unauthorized access, misuse, breach, or destruction of client data.
2. Scope of the Policy
This policy applies to all electronic systems, personnel, digital platforms (including our mobile application), and business processes used to collect, store, transmit, and dispose of client data. It covers:
-
Personal identification data (e.g., CNIC, passport)
-
Biometric or sensitive data
-
Application and financial records
-
Email, chat, and digital communications
-
Client-uploaded documents and media
3. Legal Framework (Under PECA 2016)
Bizoso Consulta Pakistan recognizes and complies with the following core obligations under PECA:
-
Section 3: Protection against unauthorized access to information systems or data
-
Section 4: Prevention of illegal data copying or transmission
-
Section 5-6: Prohibition of interference with critical information infrastructure
-
Section 10-13: Prohibits identity theft, data misuse, and unauthorized use of personal information
-
Section 21-22: Restricts disclosure of private information without consent
-
Section 29: Requires service providers to retain logs and cooperate with lawful government requests
4. Data Security & Access Controls
Bizoso Consulta Pakistan enforces the following to prevent data breaches:
-
Encryption: All personal data is encrypted at rest and in transit using industry-standard cryptographic protocols (e.g., AES-256, SSL/TLS).
-
Role-Based Access: Only authorized personnel are allowed access to personal or sensitive data. Access is logged and monitored.
-
Device Security: Company devices used to process client data must be password-protected and installed with up-to-date antivirus software.
-
Network Security: Firewalls, secure VPNs, and intrusion detection systems (IDS) are deployed to protect data from external threats.
-
Authentication: Two-factor authentication (2FA) is mandatory for access to administrative systems and databases.
5. Breach Response Protocol
In the event of a suspected or confirmed data breach:
-
Incident Reporting: All personnel are required to immediately report any breach, unauthorized access, or suspicious activity to the Data Protection Officer (DPO).
-
Investigation: An internal investigation will be initiated within 24 hours of report.
-
Regulatory Notification: Where required, Bizoso Consulta Pakistan will report the breach to Pakistan’s designated authority (FIA Cybercrime Wing or PTA) within 72 hours.
-
Client Notification: Affected clients will be informed of the nature of the breach, data impacted, and remedial steps taken.
6. Data Retention & Audit Trails
-
Retention: Bizoso Consulta Pakistan retains all electronic logs and relevant data for a minimum of one year, in compliance with PECA and PTA regulations.
-
Audit Logging: Full audit trails of user activities, data access, modifications, and system interactions are maintained for forensic analysis.
-
Backup: Secure and encrypted backups of critical data are maintained off-site and tested regularly for recovery readiness.
7. Employee Training & Awareness
-
Cybersecurity Training: All staff undergo mandatory training on PECA compliance, data security, and digital ethics annually.
-
Policy Acknowledgment: Employees must acknowledge this policy in writing and agree to uphold all data protection duties.
-
Disciplinary Action: Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action, up to and including termination, and may involve legal prosecution under PECA.
8. Compliance Assurance & Review
-
Compliance Officer: A designated Data Protection Officer (DPO) oversees PECA compliance.
-
Periodic Review: This policy is reviewed every 12 months or upon any major legal amendment to PECA.
-
Third-Party Compliance: Any third-party vendors or service providers must enter into a data handling agreement and comply with PECA and this policy.
9. Legal Protection Clause
Bizoso Consulta Pakistan shall not be held liable for the misuse of data by unauthorized third parties beyond our control, provided we demonstrate compliance with PECA, due diligence in system security, and immediate response in the event of breaches. This policy, as part of our internal governance, is designed to protect the company from legal penalties, reputational damage, or criminal liability under PECA 2016.
10. Contact for PECA-Related Concerns
Email: karachi@bizoso.ca
Phone: +92-21-3264-0293
Website: www.bizoso.ca