Why Good Cybersecurity Starts With Great Data Management Handling

Every time you’re in the online space, you risk exposure to Cybercriminals. The situation is getting worse every single day. Cybercriminals are increasing the sophistication of their attacks.

Industry reports show how dire the situation is. Data breaches in the first three quarters of 2020 resulted in the exposure of 36 billion records. There was also a 358% increase in malware attacks.

What Can Companies Do?

With the constant threat of cybercrime, there is a need for better cybersecurity. Companies may invest in different security measures. Such include routing internet traffic through a proxy server.

A residential proxy server, for example, uses an IP address from an ISP. the address is legitimate and traceable to an actual physical location. They provide high levels of anonymity, making it hard for hackers to track your online activities. The web proxy can also help bypass geo-blocking restrictions. Getting assistance from organizations such as NERC who stand against cyber attacks is also another way to keep your framework safe from intruders. These people have the power to repel any hackers targeting the power grid.

There are also other options for better online security. Such include installing anti-malware, antivirus, firewalls, anti-spyware, and managed file transfer. Using MFT is essential for a secure way to manage data exchange. Managed file transfer solutions like GoAnywhere offers a powerful FTP server that securely streamlines the exchange of data between systems.

But, cybersecurity is so much more than keeping intruders away from the network. There is a need for better data management. You must also have threat deterrence measures for better cybersecurity.

Also, You can use Twitter proxies to create as many accounts as you want. Simply use a different proxy for each account. Learn more about how to set proxy in Twitter.

Challenges of Data Management Facing Companies

Data management has a critical role to play in cybersecurity. But there are challenges facing organizations when it comes to this critical role. Such include:-

• Large volumes of data that increase areas of vulnerability
• Many sources of data such as IP addresses, user metadata, and user activity
• Improper assigning of roles and responsibilities. Some of the data is only available to IT, not security teams who have the role of ensuring cybersecurity. The lack of collaboration and information-sharing can increase the organizations’ risk levels.
• Diversity of data depending on where it is coming from. Some companies do not classify data, which can end up being a problem in its management.
• Challenges of proper data organization for easy retrieval and analysis
• Inadequate data storage for easy management and access, and so much more.

Without a doubt, data is critical to the running of any organization. The company must take appropriate steps to ensure data confidentiality, integrity, and availability. The role tends to fall on the IT department. They must determine the type and implementation of safety measures.

Companies are relying more and more on cloud-based services to store data because of the risk of security breaches. Cybersecurity has gained the attention of businesses that must be watchful to safeguard themselves and their clients from phishing to viruses. System and organisational controls are now used by the majority of businesses. SOC refers to a collection of AICPA reports that CPA firms may publish in conjunction with system controls at an organisation. The main difference between soc 1 vs soc 2 report is that SOC 1 is focused on internal controls related to financial reporting while SOC 2 is focused on information and IT security.

But, therein lies the challenge. The IT experts do not have an understanding of the importance of the data. Only those who generate and use it are in a position to appreciate its importance. That is where data governance can play a role. It provides clear definitions, roles, and responsibilities with regard to data management.  On this website, FortifID provides clear definitions, roles, and responsibilities with regard to data management.

Embracing a Data-Centric Approach to Cybersecurity

A data-centric approach to cybersecurity means any and all controls focus on data. Let’s look at some data management strategies companies can adopt.

1. Put in Place Data Management Standards

We have looked at some of the challenges organizations face with data management.

Implementing data governance measures is a critical step. It covers all the standards and processes around data handling. Such include having a catalog of where the data is coming from and what it contains.

You must do it for all data sources. Such include emails, business applications, and data centers. Classify the data based on sensitivity and value. With such inventory, it becomes easier to assign the proper levels of security.

A company must also have a clear cybersecurity and data management policy. The policy covers the handling of sensitive data and what to do in case of a breach. It should also show the consequences of violating the rules.

Data governance also seeks to establish a culture of data awareness. The company must invest in training employees on the best practices. They should know how to identify, avoid and report cyber-attacks.

2. Data Protection with Encryption

Data encryption helps safeguard sensitive information. A company can, for example, combine the use of the best VPN and socks5 proxy. The proxy enhances security by offering three authentication options.

Further, by masking your IP address, 3rd parties will not know your location. It gives you anonymity and privacy while online. The VPN will encrypt the data so that only the intended recipient can access the information.

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3. Data Location

Do you know where your company data resides? How do you classify and grant access to different people? Are your data management practices complying with regulatory requirements?

There are standards that companies must adhere to. The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI-DSS) is one such standard. It governs the practices of companies that collect customer data for financial transactions.

4. Tightening the Belt on Data Access

As the name suggests, who has access to the data, and how do you grant it. Cybersecurity requires a zero Trust policy. Before granting access to anyone, you must authenticate, authorize, and validate everyone.

The other option is the least privilege policy. You only grant as much access as necessary for the completion of a role.

Even after assigning access, the company must keep up with permission reviews. It helps the company know who has and needs to continue to have access.

5. Build a Culture of Collaboration

Everyone within the company must understand their role in data management and cybersecurity. Security teams, IT departments, management, and staff must collaborate and share best practices.

6. Apply Fluidity in Cyber Security and Data Management

There is a lot of fluidity in cybersecurity and data management. Cybercriminals are always evolving. You can never be sure of their attack method tomorrow.

The same applies to data management. The sources and amount of information keep growing. Your data management and cybersecurity have to be able to adapt to the changes.

7. Continuous Monitoring

Having proper data management and security measures is the first step. It is crucial to keep up with continuous monitoring. Only then can you detect any suspicious activity. It allows for the taking of corrective action before it is too late.

Final Thoughts

Organizations depend on data for all their operations. The wrong people accessing the information can mean doom for the company. It is vital to put in place best data management practices. Only then can you keep such information safe from cybercriminals.

But, it doesn’t stop at installing the right policies and processes. Companies must remain flexible to the evolving cybersecurity threats.

Continuous monitoring and security improvements must also remain a key area of focus.

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