Is My Organization's Data Security Enough?
Is my organization’s data security enough? We get it. This is a question we hear all the time. It can be hard to know if you’re properly secured against threats to your data. Here are some questions to ask yourself to ensure you’re on the right path.
Where is my data being stored?
As on-prem servers grow more expensive, most organizations are shifting to the cloud. Wherever your data lives, limit access to only the personnel who need it. If you outsource your IT, give your provider the access required to maintain, insure, and protect your systems. The same principles apply whether you're on-prem or in the cloud.
Who has access to my data?
Just as you limit access to whoever has access to the on-prem servers, data should only be available to those who need it. End user training is super valuable. New employees must be briefed on data security protocols and what to do if a breach occurs. Alongside that, doing an audit of your data can help you determine who has access to what, and can help you identify possible vulnerabilities in your organization that can be exploited by attackers. Lastly, don’t forget to include physical security for any on-prem servers you are maintaining.
How are people accessing my data?
Not all data access methods are created equal. For instance, it is generally easier to protect data when it is all being accessed from the same place, like a central office. However, if your organization has a lot of sites and/or remote/hybrid employees, then your network immediately becomes more decentralized and harder to protect.And just as only the right people should have access to your data, your IoT devices should only reach the information they need to operate.
What protections have been placed on your data?
A multi-layered approach is the best way to secure data. The more tools or layers that you have, the higher degree of protection you can achieve. If one layer is breached, you have six or seven more in the “stack” to get through before any significant damage is done. Although you can never reach 100% protection, you can get close.
What regulatory qualifications do I have to meet regarding data security?
Staying up to date is key. Things are always changing, and different organizations have different regulatory requirements for data security (e.g. healthcare organizations must maintain HIPAA compliance). So, keeping up with the ones your business falls under will aid you in being up to standard. Cyberinsurance also requires you to adhere to certain policies and standards in your environment. Adhering to these guidelines is required for a reason—they provide a set of predetermined standards that will help keep you secure.
Conclusion
Don’t let your emotions get ahead of you. Consider all that needs to be done and take precautions necessary to ensure protection for your organization’s data. [TW1] Data security is a serious business, but it's not impossible. Ask the right questions, use the right tools, and continually evaluate your processes.
If you want help identifying ways to bolster your network security, then reach out to our team at info@telcion.com