Data security is the safeguarding of the systems and data belonging to an organization against misuse, unauthorized access and use. This can help prevent data breaches that can cause disruption to business operations as well as financial losses and compliance penalties as well as reputation damage. Modern methods of protecting data consist of a combination of tools techniques and best practices that focus on three pillars: Confidentiality, Integrity and Integrity.
Data security begins with an exhaustive inventory and mapping. Data cataloguing in your data centers, network-connected devices such as desktops, mobiles and desktops cloud services and software applications is vital. It is also essential to take into account physical storage devices like external hard drives and USB sticks, and even the discarded printed documents and files. These are often overlooked and could contain a vast amount of confidential information, which makes them a prime target for cybercriminals.
Once you’ve got a clear view of your data sets you’ll have to classify sensitive data to know where and how it’s in your infrastructure. This allows you to prioritize your security efforts by ensuring that the most valuable information is secured while less critical information remains accessible. This also allows you to comply with industry and regulatory requirements, such as those applicable to health care, finance and telecoms.
