In response to the growing number of data breaches that take place across the globe, Governments have been rolling out their own data privacy laws, each being more stringent than the last. As they say, it’s not a question of if, but when, a data breach will occur. As such, in order to avoid falling out of compliance and shelling out large sums of money on fines, lawsuits, and/or compensation, companies must ensure that they have the right solutions in place that will give them visibility into all security events that take place within their IT environment. However, decision-makers can feel overwhelmed by the acronyms, abbreviations, and buzzwords used to describe the various data security solutions available.
To make matters worse, many solutions have overlapping features, which makes it even harder to determine which solution(s) are the best choice. To help with this, below are the 12 most important data security solutions.
Data Discovery and Classification
A data classification software will scan your repositories (both on-premise and in-the-cloud) for documents containing sensitive data, and classify the data as it is found. Classifying data will not only make it easier to remove data that is redundant or duplicate, but will also help to assign access controls and increase visibility into where data is located, and how it is being used. Most sophisticated solutions can be configured to classify data according to the relevant compliance requirements.
Firewalls
A firewall will prevent unauthorized remote access to your network as well as monitor and analyze network traffic for suspicious packets. While not as relevant as they once were, firewalls still play an important role in keeping your data secure.
Intrusion Detection & Prevention Systems (IDPS)
Intrusion Detection & Prevention Systems solutions analyze network traffic (packets) for signatures that match known threats from a cyber threat database. If the solution finds a match or identifies any activity that is deemed suspicious, it will block/quarantine the traffic, and alert the administrator who will investigate the incident.
Anti-Virus/Anti-Phishing
AV/AP solutions will attempt to identify and block malicious inbound emails. An anti-virus solution will scan messages for known viruses, whereas an anti-phishing solution will look for messages that appear to be impersonating a trusted entity. Some advanced solutions can also detect and block suspicious outbound messages, such as attachments that contain sensitive data.
Security Information and Event Management (SIEM)
A Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solution provides real-time monitoring and analysis of the security event logs generated by applications, devices, networks, infrastructure, and systems. SIEM solutions are quite advanced compared to other data security solutions, however, they are not cheap, nor are they particularly easy to install or maintain. Likewise, Security Information and Event Management solutions tend to generate a lot of noise. As such, you will need an experienced member of staff to sift through the alerts, disregarding any false positives.
Data Loss Prevention (DLP)
The purpose of a Data Loss Prevention solution is to prevent sensitive data from leaving the corporate network. Data Loss Prevention solutions use business rules to identify and block suspicious outbound traffic, such as when an email containing sensitive data is sent to a non-company-owned email address. In which case, an alert will be sent to the administrator who will investigate the incident to determine its relevance.
Data encryption
There are various data encryption solutions available. Some will request a password each time you try to access data stored on an encrypted drive or partition. Some will encrypt specific files and folders, and some will provide a dedicated folder where you can place the files you want to be encrypted. Some solutions will require a master password to access any files on a given device.
Data-Centric Audit and Protection (DCAP)
Data-Centric Audit and Protection solutions are similar to SIEM solutions, only they are more lightweight and generally easier to use. Unlike SIEM, a Data-Centric Audit & Protection solution focuses on the data itself and keeps track of how users interact with the data.
A sophisticated Data-Centric Audit and Protection solution will aggregate event data from multiple sources (both on-premise and cloud-based), and display a summary of relevant events via an intuitive console. You can also receive real-time alerts to your inbox or mobile device.
Most Data-Centric Audit and Protection solutions use machine learning algorithms to detect anomalies, alert on events that match a predefined threshold condition, remind users when their password is about to expire, and more. They also provide data classification tools out-of-the-box.
Multi-factor authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication is where users are required to provide an additional means of verification in order to login. This might include a passcode sent to your mobile device, a hardware dongle, or some form of biometric information, such as a fingerprint scan.
Web Vulnerability Scanners
Web vulnerability scanners are essential tools for identifying security vulnerabilities in web applications. These scanners crawl through the pages of an application, analyzing the code, inputs, and configurations to uncover potential weaknesses that can be exploited by attackers. By simulating real-world attack scenarios, web vulnerability scanners help organizations proactively identify and address security flaws before they can be exploited.
Using a combination of automated scanning techniques, such as black-box testing and white-box testing, these scanners assess common vulnerabilities like cross-site scripting (XSS), SQL injection, insecure direct object references, and more. They provide detailed reports highlighting the discovered vulnerabilities along with recommendations for remediation. Regular scans with web vulnerability scanners ensure that websites and web applications remain secure and protect sensitive data from unauthorized access.
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs)
Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) are powerful tools that provide secure and private connections over the internet. They enable users to establish encrypted tunnels between their devices and a remote server, effectively creating a private network that shields their online activities from prying eyes. VPNs are particularly valuable for remote workers and businesses that require secure access to their networks from various locations.
By encrypting internet traffic, VPNs ensure that sensitive data transmitted between the user’s device and the network remains protected from interception and unauthorized access. This is especially crucial when using public or untrusted networks, such as Wi-Fi hotspots in coffee shops or airports. With a VPN, users can securely access company resources, transfer files, and communicate confidentially, regardless of their physical location.
VPNs also offer additional security features like IP masking, which hides the user’s actual IP address, and firewall protection, which adds an extra layer of defense against potential threats. By routing internet traffic through VPN servers located in different geographical locations, VPNs allow users to bypass regional restrictions and access geo-blocked content.
In conclusion, safeguarding sensitive data and ensuring robust data protection solutions are imperative in today’s digital landscape. By implementing a comprehensive array of data security technologies and practices, businesses can mitigate potential risks and safeguard their valuable assets.
In addition to the solutions discussed in this blog, it’s worth mentioning that Path Forward IT, a reputable IT company based in Cincinnati, OH, offers a comprehensive suite of services to address all your data protection needs. From web vulnerability scanning to Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) and beyond, Path Forward IT has the expertise and resources to help fortify your organization’s security posture.
Don’t leave your data vulnerable to cyber threats. Contact Path Forward IT today to explore how their expertise and tailored solutions can ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of your sensitive information. Take proactive steps to protect your business and establish a solid foundation for secure operations. Reach out to Path Forward IT and embark on the path to enhanced data protection and peace of mind.
For more information about Path Forward IT or to get a free quote for IT Services, visit our website https://www.pathforwardit.com/ or call us at 513-924-5500. We strive to be the best IT services in Cincinnati, OH. You can trust Path Forward IT to always provide satisfaction guaranteed IT services.
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