What Credit Cards, Identity Theft, and Snowden can teach us about effectively securing and distributing sensitive data
Nostalgia is a heck of a thing.
Many organisations these days – regardless of age or experience – tend to develop a hankering for the “good old days” – a poorly defined, vague time and place when life was simpler and, somehow, better.
When it comes to managing sensitive data, things certainly may have seemed simpler “back in the day”, but they weren’t necessarily better. Paperwork has always been a pain to manage. Especially in today’s age where analog processes are struggling to keep pace with the sheer volume of information.
It’s one of the major reasons we’re seeing so many users adopting digital alternatives.
Yet in the age of the Cloud, access is also fraught with risks and dangers. In fact, Cybersecurity Insiders’ 2019 Cloud Security Report found that 64% of organisations rank data loss and leakage as their biggest Cloud security concern.
It’s easy to see why so many are left pining for the days of locking documents in a filing cabinet and throwing away the key. So why is it so difficult, and what can you do to keep your data protected?
Not all Cloud-based solutions are created equal
Now more than ever it’s easy to mismanage data and sensitive information.
That’s because not all digital solutions offer the same levels of support, security, or functionality. This poses unique risks for different data types and distribution channels, especially for those operating under the assumption that everything’s a-ok.
Take the distribution of important documents, for example. Data needs to be encrypted at every stage of the process, regardless of the location or device being used. The right solution will ensure data is protected with multi-level security protocols and AES 256-Bit Encryption.
Unfortunately, not all applications have this level of security baked into their processes.
This can also be the case for information such as payroll data, marketing materials, or any other sensitive information. Yes, the software may be designed to handle security and storage, but unless it walls off access behind robust authorisation processes, it’s all too easy for files to be accessed, moved, or stolen.
Overconfidence can be a (data) killer
As we discussed in our earlier post on recovering from a security breach, 76% of New Zealand organisations surveyed consider themselves well-prepared to deal with a cybersecurity attack, while in truth the majority ranked poorly on the incident response scale.
These stats highlight one of the most important lessons you can learn about keeping data secure: never become too complacent. Blindly trusting that your solution of choice is the right one is a surefire way to set yourself up a fall. Security threats are constantly evolving, so you need a solution that does the same.
Stories of hacks, leaks, identity theft and stolen credit card details are a constant reminder of the importance – and consequences – of keeping information secure. Or not, as the case may be.
Did you know?
Threats don’t always come from external sources, either. The most famous example of this remains Edward Snowden, who leaked highly classified National Security Agency (NSA) documents in 2013.
Whether it’s a disgruntled employee still able to access files due to limited controls or low levels of encryption that leave your data vulnerable, your choice of Cloud based platform will either help keep you secure or put your reputation, finances, and data at risk.
Protecting your data doesn’t have to be difficult
There’s no denying the issues around data security are complex, but a solution doesn’t have to be. The key to managing sensitive information and keeping it secure starts at the top with a comprehensive set of protocols, procedures, and a business platform that’s able to address these major concerns.
With the right solution, you’ll be able to rely on AES 256-Bit Encryption as well as new developments like proprietary encryption technology to ensure data is safe every step of the way. Plus a comprehensive set of controls will ensure you can gain – and retain – complete control over who, how, when, and to what extent data can be accessed with the ability to revoke with the touch of a button.
It’s safe to say that the right choice in Cloud based platforms is the most effective way to alleviate these fears and ensure small to medium businesses, enterprises, and organisations alike are able to keep data secure while operating with confidence.