As we enter 2024, building a robust data security framework is more important than ever. With data breaches on the rise, organizations must prioritize protecting sensitive information. Here is an in-depth look at how to build a modern data security program that reduces risk in the coming year:
Understanding the threat landscape
To build an effective security program, you must understand the threats targeting your data. Key threats in 2024 will likely include:
-
Ransomware – Ransomware will continue evolving into more sophisticated forms. Attackers will utilize triple extortion tactics combining encryption, data theft, and DDoS attacks.
-
Supply chain attacks – Threat actors will increasingly target third parties to infiltrate networks. Vendors, contractors, and cloud providers will be ripe targets.
-
Insider threats – Whether intentional or not, insider threats pose a significant risk. Disgruntled employees, poor security practices, and credential theft open doors for attackers.
-
Cloud threats – As organizations migrate data to the cloud, new attack surfaces emerge. Misconfigurations and poor access controls will be common issues.
Improving data security foundations
With an understanding of key threats, you can build foundations to enhance data security:
Implementing zero trust
Zero trust is a framework that requires strict identity verification for every access request. It operates under the principle of “never trust, always verify.” Key tenets include:
- Multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all sensitive systems
- Granular access controls and least privilege access
- Continuous verification across networks, devices, and users
Securing identities
Strengthening identity and access management (IAM) is critical. Steps to take include:
- Deploy strong MFA across all identities, especially for admins
- Institute role-based access controls (RBAC)
- Automate access certification and revocation processes
- Monitor all authentication events for anomalies
Enhancing visibility
Improving visibility across infrastructure, networks, and systems aids threat detection and response. Security information and event management (SIEM) solutions provide visibility but must be properly tuned.
Performing security testing
Proactively test security through:
- Penetration testing to find vulnerabilities
- Breach and attack simulations to test response plans
- Red team exercises to continuously test defenses
Building a data-centric security strategy
With foundations in place, a strong data security strategy can be developed:
Classifying data
Not all data is created equal. Classify data based on sensitivity levels to prioritize protection. Common classifications include:
- Public
- Internal
- Confidential
- Strictly confidential
Applying data-centric protections
Protect data directly through:
- Data encryption, both in transit and at rest
- Data masking to hide sensitive data like PII
- Rights management to control data usage
Monitoring data access
Monitor access to critical data and watch for suspicious activity like:
- Unauthorized attempts to access restricted data
- Abnormal spikes in data downloads
- API calls from unknown sources
Securing data in the cloud
Use cloud security tools like:
- Cloud access security brokers (CASBs)
- Data loss prevention (DLP)
- Cloud workload protection platforms
Driving strategic initiatives
Several key initiatives can drive a stronger data security posture:
Security automation
Automating manual processes improves efficiency and consistency. Target areas include:
- User and system provisioning/deprovisioning
- Policy enforcement
- Vulnerability scanning
- Threat intelligence sharing
Cyber resilience
Steps to improve resilience include:
- Developing incident response plans
- Maintaining offline backups
- Building redundancy into systems
- Testing recovery procedures
Security training
Educate all personnel on security best practices through:
- Security awareness programs
- Phishing simulations
- Technical training for security staff
Vendor risk management
Manage third-party risks by:
- Performing risk assessments on vendors
- Requiring SOC audits and pen testing
- Reviewing vendor agreements
Key takeaways
By following zero trust principles, enhancing foundations, directly securing data, driving strategic initiatives, and responding to the evolving threat landscape, organizations can build robust data security frameworks for 2024. Taking a data-centric approach will be critical. This in-depth guide highlights the major areas to focus on to reduce risk and secure sensitive data over the next year.
