Improved data security
Improved data security
The security of the data processed in any business or professional activity is more important than ever and not so much to comply with data protection regulations(RGPD and LOPD) to avoid being sanctioned, it is about business continuity. Without data and information in general, a company is paralyzed.
Considering the current cybersecurity scenario, it is logical to be concerned about data security, as we intend to avoid unauthorized access to data, loss, alteration or destruction.
The objective of data security is to apply a series of measures to guarantee the confidentiality, integrity and availability of data against internal and external threats.
In this article we will mention measures to be taken into account to improve data security from different perspectives: prevention, detection, monitoring and review.
Preventive Measures
Prevention, in all areas of our personal development, is the key to success. It is not for nothing that there is the saying “forewarned is forearmed”. Well, in terms of data protection, being forewarned about the misuse of data, cyber-attacks, changes in regulations that modify our obligations, etc., is extremely important to be sure that we are protecting our data to the maximum.
The following list of measures are those that we recommend to be applied as a preventive measure:
Coordination with the DPD
Establish a coordination relationship with the Data Protection Officer(DPO).
Minimum privilege
Authorize access only to persons who really need access to perform their duties.
Data minimization
Authorize access to those data essential to fulfill the purpose that motivates the data collection.
Authentication
Use strong passwords and enable two-factor authentication (2FA) whenever possible. This additional layer of security requires you to enter a second code, usually sent to your cell phone, to access an account or service.
Avoid those that involve higher risks or are intrusive, such as biometric data.
Simulation of security breaches
Creation of fictitious scenarios where security breaches occur in order to detect vulnerabilities and strengthen them.
Backup copies
Protect information by generating backup copies that meet the highest security standards. Apply 3, 2, 1 technique on a daily basis and use external storage or cloud services that guarantee a quick response service.
Updating of the Information System
Keep the operating system, software and devices up to date, so that the latest security patches are installed.
Antivirus and antimalware protection
Implement computerized system isolation procedures to prevent the spread of ransomware attacks.
Training and awareness
For all employees, both in data protection and cybersecurity.
Network protection
Use firewalls and network encryption.
Device control
Enable disk encryption and the ability to remotely wipe data or lock lost or stolen devices.
Audits
Conduct regular data security audits to identify potential vulnerabilities and assess the effectiveness of your security measures. This allows you to take corrective action before problems occur.
Detection measures
This type of measures are a complement to preventive measures, since detection is applied to those behaviors or situations that are occurring and we can identify them, so that it is possible to attack them at that precise moment.
Some of the most common are:
Honeypot
Implement systems that use lures to attract cybercriminals through honeypots. The honeypot becomes a trap for the criminal, since he is deceived through a service or false information, and when he decides to attack, all the data is captured, which will later be analyzed in order to strengthen the security system.
Ethical hacking tests
Perform penetration tests to evaluate the security of your systems and find potential vulnerabilities. These tests simulate real attacks to identify security breaches before they are exploited by external threats.
Intrusion detection (IDS/IPS)
Use intrusion detection systems (IDS) or intrusion prevention systems (IPS) to monitor the network and systems for malicious patterns or activities, to receive immediate alerts in case of suspicious or abnormal security events.
Monitoring
By monitoring the activities of users, devices, software and networks, you can identify suspicious actions.
Supervision and review measures
Monitoring and checking are necessary actions to verify that everything is working properly and that the measures taken are sufficient in case they are needed.
To verify that we are ready for a possible attack, the following can be implemented:
Audits
Conduct periodic audits by experts to give us an objective view of how to improve.
Control
Regular meetings with the Data Protection Delegate(DPD), data processors and the ICT team.
Supervise the implementation of corrective actions developed during the audit.
Review policies and procedures for updates.
Response analysis
Analyze the degree of response provided in simulations or in real cases and use this experience to improve your security policies, procedures and practices in the future.
What to do in case of a data security breach?
Foresight in our actions is also part of success; if we think it may happen, we must have the solution to respond. Thus, some measures to take into account could be:
Coordination with the Data Protection Delegate
Establish procedures for coordination and communication with the Data Protection Delegate, in order to be able to count on his/her support at all times.
Business Continuity Plan
Prepare a Business Continuity Plan(BCP) that allows to react quickly to unforeseen events that may arise, so that the activity to be developed is affected as little as possible.
Response protocol
Design a registration and evaluation procedure to determine the need to notify the control body, stakeholders, INCIBE and police forces, if necessary.
Shock plan
Isolate and contain the breach to prevent it from spreading and causing further damage. Disconnect affected systems from the network, disable compromised accounts and limit access to sensitive resources.
Restore affected systems to a secure and trusted state. This may involve restoring from backups, applying security patches, changing passwords and ensuring that systems are free of malware.
Forensic investigation
To determine how the breach occurred, what data or systems were compromised and the extent of the damage. This will help you understand the root causes and take corrective action to prevent future breaches.
It may include implementing additional controls, enhancing security policies, strengthening passwords, upgrading software and training staff.
Business Adapter® at your service
If you have found these measures interesting and consider that you need to improve the security of the data processed in your company, do not hesitate and contact us by email: info@businessadapter.es, you can also call 96 131 88 04, or leave your message in this form:
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