Data is one of the most valuable assets for any company today. As data volumes grow and threats become more sophisticated, organizations must take steps to secure their data. Here are 6 essential data security controls that every company should implement:
1. Access Controls
Limit Access to Sensitive Data
I should limit access to sensitive data to only authorized users and processes. This can be done through identity and access management (IAM) solutions that control access to specific files, databases, and other data repositories.
For example, I may allow only finance team members access to payroll data, while engineering team members would not have access. Access controls ensure that employees and systems can only view and manipulate data relevant to their roles.
Implement Least Privilege Access
I should grant users only the minimum permissions needed to perform their duties – this principle is known as least privilege access. Avoid giving users widespread access that exceeds their job responsibilities.
For instance, most employees would not need administrative access to servers and databases. By limiting access to only what is needed, companies reduce the risk of data exposure.
Regularly Review Access
It’s important to regularly review user access across systems and update as needed. As employees change roles or leave the company, their access should be modified or terminated. Failing to do so can leave data vulnerable to unwanted access.
Conducting access reviews on a quarterly or biannual basis ensures proper controls are maintained over time.
2. Encryption
Encrypt Data In Transit and At Rest
I should encrypt data both when it is being transmitted over networks and when it is stored (at rest) in databases, file servers, cloud storage, mobile devices, backups, etc.
Encryption converts data into an unreadable format. Without the encryption key, encrypted data appears scrambled and indecipherable. This protects data if it is intercepted or extracted by unauthorized parties.
Manage Encryption Keys Securely
The security of encryption depends on protecting the encryption keys. I must have procedures to securely generate, distribute and store encryption keys. Access to keys should be strictly limited.
Losing encryption keys renders the encrypted data irretrievable in many cases. I should work with experienced IT staff or consultants to implement robust key management.
Consider Full Disk Encryption
For endpoints like laptops and desktops, full disk encryption provides a higher level of protection. This encrypts the entire hard drive, including the operating system, rather than just select files or folders.
Full disk encryption ensures data remains secured even if a device is lost or stolen. It is one of the most effective endpoint controls.
3. Network Security
Firewalls and Network Segmentation
I should implement network firewalls and segment the network into subnetworks. This creates barriers between sensitive systems and general business systems.
For instance, database servers containing customer data or financial information may sit on a tightly controlled network segment, isolated from employee workstations and public web servers. Network segmentation limits lateral movement across the network and restricts access.
Intrusion Detection and Prevention
Intrusion detection systems (IDS) and intrusion prevention systems (IPS) provide visibility into network traffic and can block malicious activity. These solutions can identify anomalous behaviors that may indicate cyberattacks.
For example, an IPS can spot incoming SQL injection attacks and drop the malicious packets before they reach web application servers. This provides proactive threat defense.
Web Application Firewalls
I should deploy a web application firewall (WAF) to establish a policy-driven barrier in front of public-facing web servers. A WAF can filter and monitor all HTTP traffic to block common web attacks like cross-site scripting, SQL injection, and path traversal attacks.
Layering a WAF on top of network firewalls and IPS provides added assurance for web-based assets.
4. Vulnerability Management
Regular Scanning and Patching
I should scan servers, endpoints, network devices, and applications to identify vulnerabilities. Widely-used tools like Nessus and OpenVAS can automate vulnerability scanning across the environment.
Critical vulnerabilities should be remediated quickly by patching, upgrading software versions, or making configuration changes. Maintaining up-to-date patches and configurations is key to reducing exploitable weaknesses.
Penetration Testing
Penetration testing, also called pen testing, provides additional assurance by attempting real-world compromise scenarios. Ethical hackers are hired to probe the environment, bypass security controls, and gain access – just as malicious actors would.
Pen testing can validate whether policies and controls are working effectively. The results guide improvements to security defenses. Testing should take place yearly or whenever major changes occur.
Remediate Weak Passwords
Weak and default passwords are a common source of data compromise. I should implement strong password policies for employees and use tools to identify weak passwords in systems and devices. Multifactor authentication provides an added layer of security.
Brute force attacks can decrypt weak passwords and allow unauthorized access. Strong, unique passwords make this much harder to accomplish.
5. Data Loss Prevention
Data Classification Schemes
A key step is developing a data classification policy that defines categories like public, internal, confidential and restricted. I can then tailor security controls to the sensitivity level. This helps identify high-risk data that requires more robust protections.
For example, confidential data may necessitate encryption, access controls, and logging, while public data has fewer controls. Classification provides structure for applying data security measures.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP) Tools
Data loss prevention (DLP) solutions have capabilities like optical character recognition that can identify sensitive data like credit card numbers, social security numbers, and health records. Policy-driven rules can then block transfer of this data outside the corporate network.
DLP prevents data from leaving the organization via unauthorized channels. For example, sending credit card data via personal email could be automatically blocked by a DLP policy. This limits data exfiltration.
User Monitoring and Controls
In addition to technical controls, I should implement user policies, training, and monitoring related to data security. For example, warning banners on internal systems, acceptable use policies, and user activity monitoring can reduce insider threats and data exposures.
Well-defined user policies and controls are a key aspect of the overall data security program.
6. Incident Response
Document Response Plans
I should develop and document a data breach response plan to prepare for potential incidents. This facilitates rapid, organized decision making if a breach does occur.
The plan should identify response team members across IT, legal, PR, and other areas. It should define escalation and notification procedures, sources of forensic assistance, and how to meet legal and regulatory obligations.
Test Incident Response Capabilities
To validate and improve incident readiness, I should regularly conduct incident response exercises and drills. This helps evaluate the current response plan and uncovers any gaps that need to be addressed.
Testing also builds muscle memory for responding to real incidents calmly and efficiently. I can hire external experts to conduct more thorough breach simulations as well.
Retain Forensic Capabilities
If a significant data breach occurs, trained forensic experts may be required to investigate the scope of compromise and determine what data was accessed. I should maintain relationships with forensic firms so their services can be retained quickly when necessary.
Forensic analysis can uncover key insights during serious incidents. Planning these capabilities in advance allows faster engagement.
Conclusion
Data is a crucial asset that enables companies to serve customers, gain insights, and innovate. While emerging technologies like cloud and mobile offer new opportunities, they also introduce new data security challenges. Companies must make data protection a priority.
Implementing access controls, encryption, network security, vulnerability management, data loss prevention, and incident response capabilities allows organizations to operate securely. With sound data security foundations in place, companies can advance their missions without undue risk.
