Many organizations are caught in the crosshairs of cybersecurity challenges, often due to common oversights and misconceptions about data security.
From the pitfalls of decentralized data security strategies to the challenges of neglecting known vulnerabilities and managing compliance, this article will explore each obstacle, provide actionable solutions and shine the light on a real-world example that brings it all together.
Pitfall 1: Failing to move beyond compliance While regulations like GDPR and SOX set standards for data security, they are merely starting points and should be considered table stakes for protecting data.
Compliance should not be mistaken for complete data security, as robust security involves going beyond compliance checks.
Understanding the broader implications of data breaches is essential in developing robust data security measures.
Pitfall 2: Not recognizing the need for centralized data security As businesses grow, data gets stored across various platforms, much of it unstructured.
Data sprawl is real, underscoring the importance of centralized security oversight.
Effective data security involves knowing where and how sensitive data is stored and accessed, and integrating that knowledge into the broader cybersecurity program to ensure smooth communication between different technologies.
Using a data security solution that operates across various environments and platforms is crucial for effective data protection and cybersecurity integration.
Pitfall 3: Unclear responsibility for ownership of data Data is one of the most valuable assets for any organization.
Clear delineation of data ownership and responsibility is crucial for effective data governance.
Solution: Hiring a CDO or DPO. Hiring a Chief Data Officer or Data Protection Officer is a great start for effective data management and security, especially for GDPR compliance.
These roles require technical knowledge, business acumen, risk assessment skills and an ability to direct strategic data security implementations.
Their role is key in promoting organization-wide collaboration on data security.
For effective data security, leaders must be vigilant about who accesses data, how they access it and when.
Solution: Develop a comprehensive data security and compliance strategy.
Starting a data security initiative requires the alignment of monitoring efforts with specific risks and business goals, and adopting a phased approach for implementing best practices.
One of the most notable examples of a data breach that reflects the failure to address known vulnerabilities is the Equifax data breach of 2017, which exposed the personal information of approximately 147 million people.
The Equifax breach serves as a stark reminder of the importance of moving beyond compliance to a more comprehensive, proactive data security approach and highlights the need for timely response to known vulnerabilities, ongoing investment in security technologies and the importance of skilled cybersecurity personnel.
For a more in-depth look at the top five data security pitfalls and the solutions to address them, check out IBM's extensive eBook.
This Cyber News was published on securityintelligence.com. Publication date: Wed, 20 Dec 2023 15:43:05 +0000