Managed cloud services provider Rackspace Inc. is rolling out a new service that aims to help companies ensure they comply with European regulations governing sensitive data set to take effect next May.

The company’s new Privacy and Data Protection service is built atop of the Vormetric Transparent Data Encryption platform offered by security software maker Thales e-Security Inc. It’s designed to allow companies to restrict access to data to approved users easily. In addition, the servicecan generate detailed information about unauthorized access by applications, systems and users.

One of the most useful features of the new service should be the detailed compliance reporting it offers. It provides users with a monthly, comprehensive view of their data usage. This is an important requirement for companies looking to comply with Europe’s upcoming General Data Protection Regulation, as well as other standards such as the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard.

Rackspace is just the latest cloud service provider to offer tools to help companies comply with GDPR, following the likes of Google Inc. and Microsoft Corp. The GDPR will require organizations to protect data belonging to EU citizens and be aware of where it’s flowing in their systems at all times. Companies face the prospect of heavy fines if they fail to meet the requirements.

Rackspace added that the new service should also help companies to avoid data breaches that result from cyberattacks. It cited a recent report from Forrester Research Inc. that shows 49 percent of global network security decision-makers have experienced at least one breach in the past year.

“Cyber attacks are becoming more sophisticated and breaches involving unauthorized access to customer data are more common, but many businesses lack the in-house resources and expertise to deal with these threats,” Christy Schumann, general manager of Rackspace Managed Security, said in a statement.

Today’s offering should help to further cement Rackspace’s position as one of the leading managed cloud services providers. The new service is complements its existing offerings, which are focused on helping enterprises deploy and manage their private and public cloud environments.

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