The translation sector is fully digitalized. Since the time we transitioned from classical translation on paper, professionals in the sector have utilized computerized resources to carry out their work in a more efficient and streamlined manner: text processors, file digitalization tools, SMS applications, translation-specific software, resources intended for quality control, etc. The translator’s trade, strictly understood without including interpreters, cannot be performed without using a properly equipped computer. Obviously, the incorporation of these machines (including any kind of electronic device) implies an Internet connection.
Today, digital connection plays a fundamental role in translator’s performance, since this tool makes it possible to carry out all the typical tasks in the trade, from management (client contact and human resources, invoicing, etc.) to the linguistic tasks themselves (documents, terminology databases, connection to servers to be able to work in a specific application), without forgetting other highlighted possibilities such as the promotion of language services in social networks or translation-specific portals. Indeed, for translation professionals, the Internet has been the gift that keeps on giving. Thanks to the worldwide net, the industry has evolved by leaps and bounds, their participants being constantly interconnected and, ultimately, able to provide services with a greater quality. Nevertheless, not all that glitters is gold; Internet entails a number of risks that could negatively affect the translation industry. Translation professionals, both at freelance and agency levels, need to be aware of all of these risks to be able to use preemptive measures and guarantee their clients’ security as well as their own during work processing. For this reason, we will use this article to discuss cybersecurity when it comes to translation.
Security is a key concept in the industry of language service providers. On the one hand, there are certain assignments that include confidential or sensitive material, the unlawful disclosure or theft of which could represent serious risks for our clients’ interests. On the other hand, to be able to carry out management procedures correctly, we must collect some data related to our clients, as well as provide the necessary information on the company’s side for legal administrative procedures. As this exchange is carried out through the Internet, there is a risk of this data being disclosed via undesired channels or a third party getting hold of it, disregarding the law. This could jeopardize the integrity of the materials and the interested parties, as there are chances for fraudulent use of this information, for economic gain or illegal activities, for example. For this reason, it is essential that both potential clients and translation professionals are aware of this circumstance and take measures to improve cybersecurity levels before sharing their information (identifiable personal data, contract clauses, confidential information about any organism, ongoing research studies, etc., in addition to corporate email addresses, access credentials in client’s portals, fees, financial data, internal translation memories, etc.).
Then, what measures can be taken to reduce this risk? Guaranteeing the safe transfer of files and data seems like a good place to start. Communication by email is essential in translation, but it can be an easy task for expert hackers to breach the security of these servers and access the information being transferred, especially when clients use the so-called SMTP (Simple Mail Transfer Protocol). For this purpose, it is advisable to have a client’s portal through which files can be directly transferred to the language service provider, which will use the same channel to deliver the final product. Other options can include encrypting the files with a password before emailing them as an attachment, while sending the password via any other means. There are also specific applications for safe file transfer, such as WeTransfer.
Besides, caution must also be practiced when working away from the office, which is the case for teleworkers. Using a shared or public Wi-Fi connection to perform professional activities is a clear no-no. Although it is a useful service to remain connected, it is also the cybercriminal’s preferred gateway to access computer devices and obtain information such as passwords and personal banking data. Confidential material could reach undesirable hands which could end up using the information for their own gain. This is especially important for those professionals who work from public places. Ideally, to prevent risks, a code of good practices can be drafted, including a series of warnings in this regard.
And, of course, we now have the General Data Protection Regulation. In GDPR in the translation sector we discuss this reality in more detail. Fundamentally, it establishes a series of guidelines for the treatment of data worldwide, which allows translation agencies to set up an actuation protocol to guarantee an optimal treatment of any information involved in translation project management processes, ensuring appropriate data use. NDA (Non-Disclosure Agreements) can also be included in this section. These are used so that the provider undertakes to follow a series of provisions concerning the treatment of the material provided by the client, which adds a protection tool.
Another good initiative is to search for translation providers holding the ISO 27001 certification, an information security standard which can add value to their commercial offering.
Cybersecurity is a key aspect to be able to perform translation tasks respecting both the language service provider’s and the clients’ privacy. It is therefore crucial to take measures with the intention of protecting the data and creating awareness of good practices in terms of company security.
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