Listen to this articleBusinesses and organizations use big data and data analytics to enhance personalized services and boost revenue. Big data includes extensive collections of various types of data, such as social media posts and transactions. Amazon uses big data and analytics for personalized recommendations, while hotels and airlines use it for adjusting prices based on demand. An experienced cybersecurity consultant can help businesses maintain the security of these kinds of sensitive data.
Companies must follow rules to protect sensitive data like health and financial information. But cyber threats are always changing, and regulations are getting more complicated, so keeping big data secure is a tough job. Businesses that do not keep up with the latest security measures could face financial and reputational risks. Statutes like the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act, the Fair Credit Reporting Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act, for example, may require you to provide reasonable security for sensitive information.
As data safety becomes more important, organizations struggle to meet standards without help, even as mobile devices and new technology have made it easier for bad actors to access information. Now, more online services collect sensitive data from various sources and store it in different ways.
Additionally, cyber criminals find personal data to be a valuable and attractive target. Ransomware and phishing attacks are increasing, and artificial intelligence is giving hackers advanced tools, like deepfakes, to bypass security measures.
Meanwhile, complex privacy regulations enacted at the industry, state and global levels set stringent standards for data protection. Companies must be able to demonstrate that they have taken steps to prevent unauthorized access and data breaches.
For example, privacy laws frequently require companies to conduct regular risk assessments and implement “reasonable security procedures” to protect personal data. Additionally, they usually require companies to develop and maintain plans for responding to data breaches and cyber incidents. Following cybersecurity best practices is important for meeting regulations and gaining consumer trust. However, creating a strong compliance and cybersecurity program takes time and can be resource-intensive for organizations.
Companies that seek to enlist a third-party cybersecurity provider should consider inquiring about the organization’s experience and ability in several key areas, including:
Data encryption – Encryption is a key part of cybersecurity. It transforms data from readable to encoded, and users can only read or process it after decryption. Data should be protected with encryption when it is stored and when it is being transferred. However, not all encryption methods provide the same level of security. A trusted Cyber Security provider can customize a plan for your organization.
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Periodic risk assessments – Security audits and risk assessments help organizations achieve regulatory compliance and can highlight vulnerabilities. This process can help in guiding security teams as they create a security strategy and identify priorities.
Patch management policy – Software, driver and firmware producers will periodically issue updates to protect against vulnerabilities, and boost productivity. Patch management is the process of applying these updates, preferably promptly. Automate patch management, when possible, to ensure updates are performed properly and promptly.
Control access to information – Implement password rules, and multifactor authentication, which requires more than just a password, such as receiving a code on your phone. This additional step ensures that the person logging in is truly you. MFA can also ensure that employees and vendors have access restricted to only what is necessary for them to do their job.
Security awareness training – 95% of successful cyber attacks result from human error. Targeted and engaging training that addresses employees’ specific circumstances can deliver maximum results.
In addition, an incident response plan helps you to respond quickly and reduce damage in case of a data breach.
Organizations that engage a trusted cybersecurity provider can benefit by accessing enterprise-grade solutions to complex problems. Leveraging the expertise of leading cybersecurity professionals can let businesses gain control and safeguard sensitive information.
Carl Mazzanti is president of eMazzanti Technologies in Hoboken, providing IT consulting and cybersecurity services for businesses ranging from home offices to multinational corporations.
