There are many policies related to data protection that organizations can implement to improve their state. One such policy is access control. By strictly controlling access to database, network, and administrator accounts, granting privileged access to as few people as possible, organizations can greatly reduce points of vulnerability to critical information. When you hear the phrase “least privilege access,” it’s a sure sign that this organization takes access management seriously. From a security perspective, employees should have the access they need to perform their job tasks. But no more than that.
Application security is another solid data protection policy. Make sure that your employees are always running the latest versions of the software used in your company, including all patches and updates. This will ensure that any security vulnerabilities found in the software will not become points of illegal access to the company network.
Network and endpoint security monitoring software is also worth considering in terms of data protection. Implementing tools such as threat detection and management, as well as response tools and platforms for both on-premises systems and cloud-based platforms, can significantly reduce the risks and likelihood of data breaches.
However, none of these policies will be effective unless employee training is at the core of an organization’s data protection strategy. Thus, training on the proper use of the right data protection software and broader training on general data security principles, such as social engineering and password hygiene, should be a primary concern for any organization, especially if a large percentage of staff work with personal information.
