Implementing stricter security practices and enacting stronger data privacy laws are two effective approaches that can help curb data breaches and cyber attacks. Together, they create a more robust framework of protections for individuals and organizations.

On the security front, organizations need to make cybersecurity a top priority. This means investing adequately in people, processes, and technologies. Funding should go towards hiring and training expert security personnel who can implement thorough risk assessments, vulnerability management programs, patching routines, access controls, multi-factor authentication, encryption, monitoring solutions, and incident response plans. Regular security awareness training is also crucial for keeping all employees vigilant against social engineering attacks like phishing.

Regular external security audits help ensure compliance to standards and identify gaps before they are exploited. It is also wise for companies to segment their networks to limit the spread of intrusions. They must also carefully vet third-party vendors that handle their data and ensure rigorous oversight of those connections. Critical systems should be properly air-gapped from the internet whenever possible.

Implementing the principle of “least privilege” is important – users and applications should only have the bare minimum permissions required for their roles. Application development best practices like secure coding are a must as well. Companies should responsibly disclose vulnerabilities to give bad actors less opportunity for advanced attacks. Penetration testing can also uncover weaknesses ahead of time.

In addition to technical defenses, human and administrative controls are important. Strong policies around password hygiene, remote working, removable media usage and more set clear behavioral expectations. Compliance is monitored and violations dealt with appropriately. Data handling practices must be governed by compliance to standards like privacy by design. Comprehensive incident response plans ensure rapid containment and remediation in the event of breaches.

On the legal and regulatory front, binding data privacy laws with stiff penalties for non-compliance drive higher security standards across the board. Some key components of an effective privacy law include:

Mandating the implementation of reasonable security measures through compliance frameworks like ISO27001 or NIST CSF. These frameworks provide guidance on international best practices.

Requiring notification of data breaches within a strict timeframe, say 72 hours of discovery. This enables timely response and mitigation.

Compelling removal of legal barriers to information sharing about threats through bodies like CERTs.

Data minimization principles obligating companies to limit collection and retention of personal information. This shrinks the attack surface.

Giving data subjects accessible rights to access, modify, erase their information held by companies. This enables oversight and accountability.

Implementing the principle of data protection by design ensuring privacy is a foremost consideration in system planning.

Empowering data protection authorities with inspection powers, ability to issue fines and audit for compliance. “Teeth” in laws drive better accountability.

Extending coverage beyond just sensitive financial and health data to recognize importance of all personal data in the digital world.

Enacting strong international data transfer controls preventing irresponsible movement of citizen’s information across borders.

Providing unambiguous definitions of personal data, roles and responsibilities to limit loopholes.

Whistleblower protections empowering individuals to flag non-compliance without fear of reprisals.

Strengthening both technical security practices and privacy laws in harmonious tandem is crucial. Legal provisions drive overall policy shift and infrastructure upgrades in the long run. But active security risk management, monitoring and continual improvements remain essential for resilient protection. Comprehensive “security by design” and lifecycle management practices embedded through legislation will go furthest in achieving cyber-safety for people, services and businesses in the digital age.