Blog

Welcome to the ComplianceHive™ blog where we talk about anything we want. Here you will find posts related to ComplianceHive, GDPR, tools and more.

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An employee working on a laptop with various SaaS app icons around her, some approved, some unknown

GDPR

GDPR Rules for Business Software: Which Tools Can Employees Use?

GDPR sets rules for business software employees use. Here is how to tackle shadow IT, evaluate tools, and build a software register.

4/7/2026Read more →

Agnes runs a GDPR audit with a checklist and laptop for a small business

GDPR, Compliance, SMB

How to Run a GDPR Audit as an SMB (Practical Steps)

A GDPR audit doesn't have to be complicated. Learn what to check, how to approach it, and how to stay compliant as an SMB. With a practical checklist.

4/3/2026Read more →

Agnes checks data processing agreements with a checklist next to a stack of supplier folders

GDPR

Data Processing Agreement (DPA): What Must Be in It and How to Close One

What goes in a data processing agreement under GDPR? The 7 mandatory clauses from Article 28, how to request a DPA from suppliers, and what to do when a vendor refuses.

4/2/2026Read more →

NIS2

NIS2 for SMBs: Where Do You Start When Nothing Is in Place?

Not sure where to start with NIS2 as an SMB? This guide walks you through 5 steps, from risk analysis to supplier management and documentation.

3/31/2026Read more →

Agnes reviews a compliance checklist and spots a missing GDPR requirement

GDPR, Compliance, SMB

7 Common GDPR Mistakes SMBs Make (And How to Avoid Them)

The 7 most common GDPR mistakes small and medium businesses make. With real enforcement examples and practical steps to fix each one.

3/30/2026Read more →

Agnes builds a processing register step by step, surrounded by documents and data symbols

GDPR

How to Build a GDPR Processing Register (RoPA): A Practical Guide

Learn what a GDPR processing register (RoPA) is, what it must contain, and how to build one as an SMB. With practical step-by-step plan and concrete examples.

3/26/2026Read more →

Agnes stands next to a large padlock with a shield, floating document icons around her

GDPR

GDPR Encryption Requirements: When Must You Encrypt Data?

When is encryption required under GDPR? What Article 32 means in practice, which data you must encrypt, and what the minimum standard is for SMBs.

3/24/2026Read more →

Agnes handles a GDPR data subject request with a checklist

GDPR, Compliance, SMB

GDPR data subject rights: what they are and how to handle them

All GDPR data subject rights explained, with practical guidance on handling access, erasure, and other GDPR requests within your organisation.

3/21/2026Read more →

Agnes follows a clear step-by-step process after discovering a data breach

GDPR, Compliance, SMB

Data Breach Discovered? Here's Your GDPR Step-by-Step Response Plan

You have 72 hours to notify the regulator. This GDPR guide walks you through every step: assess, report, document, and notify — so nothing gets missed.

3/21/2026Read more →

Agnes evaluates suppliers with a checklist and risk scores

NIS2, Compliance, SMB

How to do a supplier risk assessment (Step-by-step guide for SMBs)

Learn step-by-step how to run a supplier risk assessment. Practical guide for SMBs with a scoring model and NIS2 context.

3/21/2026Read more →

Agnes reviewing a list of AI tools against the EU AI Act's prohibited practices

AI, Compliance

EU AI Act Enforcement 2026: Prohibited AI Practices Are Now Banned

The EU AI Act's prohibited AI practices have been enforceable since 2025. Learn which AI systems are banned, how to audit your tools, and what to do now.

3/16/2026Read more →

SME team struggling with a compliance spreadsheet full of conflicting versions

General

Replace Your Compliance Spreadsheet: A Practical Guide

Stop managing compliance in a spreadsheet. ComplianceHive gives SMBs a centralized, audit-ready overview with automated reminders and clear ownership.

3/11/2026Read more →

Agnes helping a growing team prioritize first NIS2 actions

NIS2, Cybersecurity, Compliance

NIS2 for Growing Companies - What to Do First

A practical first-steps guide to NIS2 for growing companies - scope check, ownership, supplier control, incident readiness, and audit evidence.

9/3/2025Read more →

Agnes discussing GDPR priorities with a vendor while holding a checklist

GDPR, Compliance, SMEs

GDPR Compliance Checklist for Dutch Tech SMBs (2026)

A practical GDPR checklist for Dutch tech SMBs in 2026 - governance, tooling, vendors, retention, and audit-ready evidence.

8/26/2025Read more →

Team discussing AI governance and compliance

AI, GDPR

AI Governance for EU SMEs: A Practical Framework to Get Compliant

AI tools are in every team — but is your company actually compliant? This framework covers ownership, risk tiers, GDPR checks, and a 14-day rollout for EU SMEs.

8/20/2025Read more →

Agnes looking surprised as a file slips out of her hands, with data icons floating around and an open mailbox in the background.

General

What Is a Data Breach?

A data breach isn’t just a big cyberattack. It can be as simple as sending an email to the wrong person. Learn what counts as a breach and how to recognize it.

8/11/2025Read more →

Agnes shaking hands with a vendor while holding a checklist. The background shows signs with "Security", "Privacy", and "Support" written on them.

General, NIS2

What Are Requirements You Can Set for Your Suppliers?

Practical requirements to set for suppliers under NIS2 and GDPR. Covers privacy, security, and support so you know exactly what to ask before signing.

8/4/2025Read more →

Agnes standing beside a giant magnifying glass, showing people reading a clear and simple privacy document.

General

Why Would You Be Transparent in Your Privacy Policy?

Transparency in your privacy policy builds trust and keeps you AVG and GDPR compliant. Here is why clarity matters and how to improve your policy today.

7/28/2025Read more →

A cartoon-style image of Agnes looking at a large EU document with the label 'NIS2', surrounded by question marks and checklists.

General, NIS2

What Does NIS2 Mean for Your Company?

The NIS2 Directive brings new cybersecurity obligations to many companies in the EU. Learn what it means, who it applies to, and what you need to do next.

7/21/2025Read more →

A cartoon-style image of Agnes organizing a big scroll labeled 'RoPA', surrounded by icons for tools, data types, and purposes.

ComplianceHive

How ComplianceHive Helps Privacy Officers Build a Perfect RoPA

Struggling to maintain a Record of Processing Activities? ComplianceHive gives Privacy Officers the structure to build a RoPA that is actually useful.

7/14/2025Read more →

A cartoon-style image of Agnes examining a connected chain of suppliers, with a magnifying glass focused on one vendor in the middle.

General, NIS2

What is supplier management in NIS2?

Good security is essential for GDPR and trust. Learn practical, easy steps small businesses can take to improve their security without a big budget.

7/7/2025Read more →

A cartoon-style image of Agnes sketching the first blueprint of a house with big 'privacy' signs worked into the foundation.

General

What is Privacy by Design?

Privacy by Design means thinking about data protection from the start, not after. Learn how this approach helps you stay compliant and build trust from day one.

6/30/2025Read more →

A cartoon-style image of Agnes standing next to a friendly robot, symbolizing the balance between technology and responsibility under the AI Act.

General

Introduction to the AI Act

The AI Act is Europe's new framework for responsible AI. Learn what it means, who it affects, and why trustworthy AI is the future of business.

6/23/2025Read more →

A cartoon-style image of Agnes looking at tall buildings, with a checklist of cybersecurity improvements, symbolizing the action companies can take under NIS2 guidelines.

General, NIS2

NIS2: Key Takeaways for Companies That Are Not Critical or Essential

Even if you are not a critical company, NIS2 matters. Learn how NIS2 changes cybersecurity expectations for all businesses and what steps you can take now.

6/16/2025Read more →

A cartoon-style image of Agnes organizing files representing different vendors, showing clear vendor management.

General

Vendor Management and GDPR: Why Tracking Your Tools Matters

Vendors often process your customer data. Learn why tracking your tools, contracts, and responsibilities is essential for GDPR compliance.

6/9/2025Read more →

A cartoon-style image of Agnes setting up two tents, one labeled GDPR and one labeled DSA, on her journey to the top of mount compliance.

General

DSA vs GDPR: What is Different?

The DSA and GDPR both focus on online rights, but they are not the same. Learn what each law covers and why businesses should pay attention to both.

6/2/2025Read more →

GDPR

Understanding Legitimate Interest under GDPR

Learn what legitimate interest means under GDPR, when you can use it as a legal basis, and why a balancing test is essential.

5/26/2025Read more →

A cartoon-style image of Agnes in a control room overviewing vendor and security risk information.

ComplianceHive, NIS2

How ComplianceHive Helps CISOs Track Security Risks and Vendors

Discover how ComplianceHive gives CISOs better visibility over security risks, vendors, and compliance documentation, all in one easy-to-manage platform.

5/19/2025Read more →

Screenshot of Tracking Security Certifications in ComplianceHive – ISO27001, SOC2 & More

Video

Tracking Security Certifications in ComplianceHive – ISO27001, SOC2 & More

Learn how to track security certifications in ComplianceHive

5/14/2025Watch video →

A cartoon-style Agnes building a wall made of 'security bricks', symbolizing small security improvements.

General

Security Tips for Small Businesses: Easy Wins

Good security is essential for GDPR and trust. Learn practical, easy steps small businesses can take to improve their security without a big budget.

5/12/2025Read more →

Screenshot of Make Sense of Your Stack: Connecting Tools in ComplianceHive

Video

Make Sense of Your Stack: Connecting Tools in ComplianceHive

Learn how to connect tools in ComplianceHive

5/7/2025Watch video →

A cartoon-style person browsing a website, surrounded by small cookie and storage icons symbolizing data being stored.

General

What Are Cookies and Other Ways Websites Store Information?

Learn about cookies, local storage, session storage, and other ways websites save information on your device and what this means for your privacy.

5/5/2025Read more →

Screenshot of ComplianceHive Navigation Hacks: Save Time with Shortcuts

Video

ComplianceHive Navigation Hacks: Save Time with Shortcuts

Learn how to save time with shortcuts in ComplianceHive

4/30/2025Watch video →

A person walking on a bridge between a marketing building and a privacy building, symbolizing the balance between marketing and privacy.

General

Marketing and Privacy: How to Find the Balance

Marketing and privacy can work together. Learn how to respect user data while growing your business with better, trust-based strategies.

4/28/2025Read more →

Screenshot of A mountain of compliance? Meet your trail guide: The ComplianceHive Compliance Journey

Video

A mountain of compliance? Meet your trail guide: The ComplianceHive Compliance Journey

Learn what the compliance journey is in ComplianceHive

4/22/2025Watch video →

A person looking confidently at a map, next to her a robot with a sign saying 'Shortcut'.

ComplianceHive

Why ComplianceHive Does Not Use AI to Auto-Generate Compliance

Real compliance requires real understanding. See why ComplianceHive guides you through GDPR and NIS2 instead of auto-generating answers with AI.

4/21/2025Read more →

A person flying a plane with a eu flag behind it.

GDPR

Why You Need to Care About EU Privacy Laws Even Outside of the EU

GDPR and ePrivacy apply based on who you serve, not where you are. Learn why respecting EU privacy laws matters even if your company is outside Europe.

4/14/2025Read more →

Screenshot of Organisations in ComplianceHive: What They Are and How to Use Them

Video

Organisations in ComplianceHive: What They Are and How to Use Them

Learn how to use organisations in ComplianceHive

4/8/2025Watch video →

A person walking up a staircase, symbolizing gradual progress toward compliance.

General

Gradual Compliance: Why You Should Take It Step-by-Step

Compliance is not a sprint. Learn why taking small, structured steps toward GDPR, NIS2, and other regulations leads to better results and less stress.

4/7/2025Read more →

Screenshot of Getting started with ComplianceHive in 5 minutes

Video

Getting started with ComplianceHive in 5 minutes

Learn how to get started with ComplianceHive in 5 minutes

4/6/2025Watch video →

A person holding a phone and an envelope

General, GDPR

Cold Calls and Cold Emails Under GDPR: What's Still Allowed?

B2B cold outreach is still legal under GDPR — if you follow the rules. Here is what ePrivacy actually allows, where the line is, and how to stay on the right side of it.

3/31/2025Read more →

ComplianceHive

Tracking Vendor Certifications: ISO, SOC, NEN, and Why It Matters

Track ISO, SOC, and NEN certifications with ComplianceHive. Stay ahead of expirations, manage vendor risks, and strengthen compliance without extra work.

3/24/2025Read more →

A person holding a giant cookie with a bite taken out of it

General

What is the ePrivacy Directive and Why Does It Matter?

Think cookie banners come from GDPR? Think again. Learn how the ePrivacy Directive shapes online consent rules and why it matters for your business.

3/17/2025Read more →

ComplianceHive

Quick Setup, Big Impact: Setting Up Tools in Seconds

Discover how ComplianceHive’s Quick Setup makes it easy to create and request new tools in seconds, without slowing down your compliance process.

3/10/2025Read more →

A person sitting in a pile of money, looking suprised at the amount of fines

General

Why Does the EU Fine American Companies So Often?

Discover why the EU often fines American tech companies under GDPR, and what all businesses can learn from these high-profile cases.

3/3/2025Read more →

A person walking up a mountain with laws written on it

General

So Many Laws, So Little Time: Where Should You Focus First?

Overwhelmed by GDPR, NIS2, DSA, and AI laws? Learn how to focus your compliance efforts step-by-step and build a strong foundation with ComplianceHive.

2/24/2025Read more →

Picture showing a person giving a presentation to a group of people in an office setting.

General

Why Compliance Should Be a Team Effort, Not a Solo Job

Learn why compliance should be a team effort, not a solo job. Discover how small businesses can spread privacy and security tasks beyond IT alone.

2/17/2025Read more →

A person showing a computer screen with a message about successful deletion of personal data

FAQ

What is GDPR? Part 6 – Right to erasure

Understand GDPR's Right to Erasure and learn how to manage data deletion requests effectively for compliance and user trust.

2/10/2025Read more →

A person holding a treasure map, symbolizing the journey to compliance.

ComplianceHive

Making Law Less Mysterious: Why We Ask Certain Questions in ComplianceHive

Discover how ComplianceHive’s Law Indicator shows the legal reasons behind the questions we ask, helping you build transparent and audit-ready compliance.

2/3/2025Read more →

Picture showing a user choosing between accept or deny

GDPR

What Data Needs a User’s Consent?

Learn when user consent is mandatory under GDPR. Find out why legitimate interest is not enough for sensitive data, tracking, and behavioral advertising.

1/27/2025Read more →

Picture showing a growing plant with different leaves showing different things that could be improved

ComplianceHive

Improve: Easily Find What's Missing in Your Tool Setup

Discover how ComplianceHive’s Improve feature helps you find and fix missing information in your tools and vendors. Stay audit-ready without the stress.

1/20/2025Read more →

HowTo

How To: Use the Task List to Stay On Top of Compliance Work

Tired of chasing people for compliance tasks? ComplianceHive’s Task List helps you turn scattered to-dos into structured teamwork.

1/13/2025Read more →

ComplianceHive

What ComplianceHive Shipped in 2024

Key features launched in 2024: task tracking, passwordless login, improved approvals, and faster tool setup. See what shipped in ComplianceHive last year.

1/6/2025Read more →

General

What’s coming in 2025: Future compliance changes you need to know

2025 is right around the corner. Let's talk about some of things that are planned for 2025 in compliance.

12/25/2024Read more →

General

Compliance changes in 2024: What’s new?

A lot of things changed this year, let's do an overview of all compliance changes in 2024.

12/18/2024Read more →

A person standing next to a trash can or trash truck, holding a piece of paper or a folder that represents data

GDPR

How to build a GDPR-compliant data retention policy

Learn how to create a GDPR-compliant data retention policy to protect personal data and ensure legal compliance with our step-by-step guide.

12/11/2024Read more →

A computer screen with billing alerts or subscription lists.

ComplianceHive

SaaS Billing Mistakes That Cost Companies Thousands (and How to Fix Them)

Over-licensing, ghost subscriptions, auto-renewals you forgot about — SaaS billing errors add up fast. Here are the most common mistakes and how to avoid them.

12/4/2024Read more →

FAQ

What is GDPR? Part 5 – Right to object

Discover your GDPR Right to Object and learn how to control your personal data against unwanted marketing and misuse.

11/27/2024Read more →

A diverse group of professionals in a modern office setting, engaged in a discussion or working together on laptops

ComplianceHive

Suppliers and resellers with ComplianceHive

ComplianceHive tracks vendors, suppliers, and resellers in one place. Add a reseller and manage your vendor chain for GDPR and NIS2 compliance.

11/20/2024Read more →

GDPR

Just because it’s online doesn’t mean it’s fair game: GDPR and public data

Understand GDPR's impact on public data usage and learn why accessing doesn't equal permission for personal information.

11/13/2024Read more →

A person pressing a laptop with a lock above it

GDPR

The role of encryption in GDPR compliance

Discover how encryption is vital for GDPR compliance and learn practical steps to protect your data from breaches and fines.

10/30/2024Read more →

An alert box, a concerned professional, and subtle cybersecurity symbols in the background.

GDPR, NIS2

What is NIS2?

NIS2 is the EU's updated cybersecurity directive, enhancing protections for critical infrastructures and ensuring businesses take cybersecurity seriously.

10/23/2024Read more →

A vendor representative shaking hands with a business professional, representing partnership and agreement.

ComplianceHive

Exploring Vendor Relationships with ComplianceHive

ComplianceHive can track many things like Tools and Vendors. In this 2-part blog post we dig into what Vendors do in ComplianceHive

10/9/2024Read more →

Person in tux holding a tablet looking at documents

ComplianceHive

Streamlining Legal Document Management with ComplianceHive

Streamline your legal document management with ComplianceHive for efficient tracking, compliance, and enhanced operational efficiency.

9/25/2024Read more →

Person looking lost at a desk covered with papers

ComplianceHive

Tracking of tool billing in ComplianceHive

Streamline tool billing with ComplianceHive: a secure, user-friendly platform for insightful cost analysis and flexible billing options.

9/11/2024Read more →

Person selecting different types of data from the air

ComplianceHive

Making data easier with categories

Discover how ComplianceHive revolutionizes GDPR compliance with innovative data categorization, making data management and compliance a breeze!

9/4/2024Read more →

Captain steering a ship and crew members working

GDPR

What are data controllers and processors?

Let's talk about what Data Controller and Processor in GDPR are

8/24/2024Read more →

FAQ

What is important for a Privacy Policy

Learn the essentials of a GDPR-compliant privacy policy and how transparency builds trust with customers regarding data handling.

7/2/2024Read more →

FAQ

What is GDPR? Part 4 - Right to restrict processing

Explore GDPR's Right to Restrict Processing and learn how it empowers you to control your personal data during disputes and inaccuracies.

6/14/2024Read more →

FAQ

What is GDPR? Part 3 - Right to be informed

Discover the 'Right to be Informed' under GDPR and learn how transparency can build trust and ensure compliance for your business.

5/9/2024Read more →

GDPR

Why GDPR is so important?

Discover why GDPR compliance is essential for businesses and how ComplianceHive simplifies the process, ensuring data protection and efficiency.

4/10/2024Read more →

ComplianceHive

5 signs you need to audit your software stack

Lets talk about your software stack and the 5 signs you need to look out for in managing software for your company

3/8/2024Read more →

ComplianceHive

Help your new people onboard faster with tool discoverbility

Help your new employees discover everything your companies uses, improving their onboarding and help they understand what tools do

3/8/2024Read more →

Tool Highlight

Tool Highlight: Notion

Every so often we select a tool that we think you should use to make your life easier. This time we chose the note taken app Notion. Let me tell you why.

2/26/2024Read more →

A picture of a moving truck full of furniture

FAQ

What is GDPR? Part 2 - Right to data portability

Understand GDPR's Right to Data Portability and learn how to comply with data requests in an open format for your EU customers.

1/6/2024Read more →

FAQ

What is GDPR? Part 1 - Right to access

Discover GDPR's Right to Access: Learn how individuals can request their data and understand their rights under this crucial regulation.

12/30/2023Read more →

Person paying with a card at the register

Tool Highlight

Tool Highlight: Tap To Pay

In the Tool Highlight we talk about receiving money from your customers with tap to pay.

12/22/2023Read more →

Picture of people around a table working

FAQ

What are Data Processes?

Let's talk about what Data Processes are and why they are important.

12/15/2023Read more →

Picture of a business presentation with a single presentator and other people sitting around a table

General

Why did we create ComplianceHive

Discover the journey behind ComplianceHive, a tool management solution designed for small businesses to enhance security, compliance, and efficiency.

12/10/2023Read more →

HowTo

HowTo: Approve new tools with ChangeRequests

Before your team starts using a new tool, make sure it passes a proper review. Here is how ComplianceHive's ChangeRequest flow handles approvals step by step.

10/21/2023Read more →