Data breaches, malware attacks, GDPR, presidential tweets, BYOD and more. In 2017, we saw both big-name corporations and small local businesses experience breaches of information at an alarming rate. We prepared for new regulations and worked to build more cohesive approaches to handle the enormity of technology and tools available to today’s workforce. And, we continued to see organizations transition to a more digital environment, adapting the latest tools and technologies to make their work easier.

Last year proved that it’s more important than ever for organizations to take a proactive approach to records management. While new technologies can help businesses work smarter, the increasing regulatory environment and security risks continue to add layers of complexity to how organizations across all industries create, collect, store, manage and discard information.

Consumers expect organizations to protect their information. Employees expect their employers to protect their personal data. And businesses cannot risk exposing their critical information to just anyone.

In 2018, records and information managers must take a leadership role within their organizations. Their understanding of how records are created, used and destroyed is vital in developing an information governance strategy that not only makes work easier, but more secure and compliant. Records managers cannot do it alone though; they require the help of HR professionals, IT experts, compliance leaders and, of course, those seated at the head of the organizational table to develop a comprehensive strategy that reaches all parts of the organization.

Here are four of our favorite information management blogs from 2017. Each of these offers insight into the current challenges businesses and records managers face, from the need to adapt or disrupt, the effects of bring your own device (BYOD) policies in the workplace, and the impending General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) deadline, to age-old retention best practices that are even more relevant as regulation increases.

Digital Transformation: Adapt or Disrupt?

Access’ BJ Johnson dives into the complexities of digital transformation in this blog. While the need to develop a digital strategy is no longer an option but a necessity, the process can be costly, time-consuming and complex. Should your business adapt to market changes or focus on developing innovative, disruptive business models? This blog will help you discover which path is right for your business.

The Challenges of Information Governance in the Age of BYOD and Shadow IT

The more digital businesses get, the more complex records management and information governance (IG) becomes. Organizations are no longer dealing with just paper and electronic records. Today, businesses create and manage information in many different forms: texts, social media, emails, online data and more, and shadow IT makes things even trickier. Many employees are using apps, software and other tools on their smartphones, laptops and tablets to get work done more efficiently. However, these programs are often unsupported by company IT departments which can put critical information at risk. Find out how records managers and IG professionals can work together to protect your company’s information in the BYOD age in this blog post.

How the GDPR will Affect HR Professionals Around the World

If you made it through 2017 without hearing about the GDPR, it’s time to listen up. The European Union’s updated data protection legislation will go into effect this May, and organizations around the world must be prepared for the changes. This blog post discusses how HR departments will be impacted by the new law, as well as how they can begin to prepare.

The Five W’s (and Sometimes How) of Efficient Records Retention: Part One and Two

In this two-part blog, we explore the complexities of records retention, offering a six-step plan for reevaluating your organization’s current retention strategy, or for implementing a brand new one. We start with asking the important questions: who, what, where, when and why. Then we dive into the how, offering real-world tips on how to successfully implement your new retention strategy.