Data security is the safeguarding of systems and data against unauthorised access, modification and use. This helps to avoid data breaches which can lead to business disruption financial loss as well as compliance penalties and reputational damage. Modern find this approaches to protecting data consist of a combination of tools techniques and best practices that are based on three pillars: Confidentiality and Integrity.
Data security begins with an extensive inventory and mapping. The cataloguing of data from your data centers as well as network-connected devices such as desktops, mobiles and desktops cloud services, and software applications is crucial. It is also essential to take into account physical storage options, such as external hard drives, USB sticks, as well as discarded printed files and documentation. These are often neglected but they could contain valuable confidential data. Cybercriminals are likely to take advantage of this.
Once you’ve gotten a better understanding of your data sets, you will need to classify sensitive information to determine where and how it is in your infrastructure. This will enable you to prioritize security measures, making sure that only the most critical data is protected and less-critical information remains easily accessible. This enables you to conform to industry and regulatory requirements, such as those applicable to the health care, finance and telecommunications industry.