5 Steps to Develop a Data Security Culture

Cyber-criminals and black hat hackers are able to execute data breaches and cyber threats largely owing to the fast-paced advances in tech being made to better aid businesses. Counter-intuitive, isn't it? The answer to an extent is simply about how organizations with poor data security culture tend to undervalue staying on top of relevant upgradation and this creates a loop hole when the technology moves ahead.  

An effective example would be the WannaCry worm attack that infected more than 200,000 computers across 150 countries, including the UK, Germany, India, and Japan. One of the worst cyber-attacks ever and how did it happen? Simply because most were too late in updating a patch released by Microsoft in anticipation of the attack. According to cyber-risk-modelling firm Cyence, the negative economic impact from the attack was around US$4 billion.  

The present age of competitive business makes it necessary to build online infrastructures where sensitive organisational data including financial documents and customers’ private details are stored. A single breach could have a huge negative impact on the business and its brand. Here are a few primary measures organizations can take to develop a data security culture which promotes vigilance.  

 1. Resilient IT Infrastructure  

The foundation of a resilient cybersecurity plan for an organization is a secure and established IT framework. Regardless of the devices, be it a raspberry pi-based video camera, laptops or PCs, the existing IT infrastructure should monitor every component, including devices and systems. Adequate protection against advanced cyber-attacks and malicious hacks that jeopardize data security needs to be guaranteed.   

Few methods that IT teams follow to enable primary security measures for computers and smart devices are timely operation system updates, reliable anti-virus solutions and basic steps like activating a configured firewall to fend off external attacks and unauthorized access to the network.  

 2. Conduct Planned and Regular Audits  

Thorough and regular audits are basic protocols essential to enable sound data security measures. A very practical approach to help businesses recognize vulnerabilities in the current security plan and safeguard their data security. Another instance of audit is analyzing data collected post-attack. This helps organizations gain perfect understanding and insight into the error and learn lessons that can help them repel or counter similar breaches in the future.  

This insight gained will be instrumental in creating a more refined and powerful cybersecurity strategy supported with improved and up to the minute data security policies.   

 3. Controlled Data Access  

Organizations must enable controlled data access to preserve data security. There should be clarity about the type of data access that an employee requires to carry out their obligations effectively, so that access is provided to exactly the data they need and for a certain period. Besides protecting vital information from thievery or damage, controlled access ensures efficient data management and security.   

The security team should be privy to those who get privileged access to valuable data, know everyone’s access rights, details of every staff with privilege access to data and reasons for accessing it.  

4. Remove Stale Information and Put Secure Backups in Place  

Organisations in the healthcare, education, and finance sector deal with sensitive data on an everyday basis as an integral part of their business operations. To sustain this, it is necessary to have disposal and backup strategies. A sound data disposal strategy can prevent redundant data from being stashed away and forgotten, adding to infrastructure inefficiencies.  

Similarly, regular data backup should be considered as a foundational part of a wholesome IT security strategy. Organizations with robust backups in place ensure that they have access to their important data even in an instance of accidental file deletion or a full ransomware lockdown. The protocol of storing backup data should adhered to stringent safety standards.  

5. The Data Security Mindset  

A good many firms still don’t consider data security with the gravity it deserves. Poor and hackable passwords (Check Sony), unencrypted important files, and misconfigured AWS servers are symptoms of a poor data security culture and lead to multiple vulnerabilities. This sloppy attitude comes with a cost. It’s estimated that more than 4 billion data records with valuable information were breached within the first six months of 2020 alone.  

Companies need a mindset shift, and this alone will help them navigate the ongoing shifting digital landscape. Data security should be considered as top priority. Protecting your brand, developing sustainable growth and running disruption-free operations requires good data security measures. Data security is essential for good business.   

Globally, cybersecurity concerns are rapidly turning into a legitimate threat. In decades to come they will turn into the numero uno threat to businesses everywhere.  Arming yourself with the right security tools and privacy improvements are now fundamental to building a good strong business. It does not stop there- constant training and integrating security related behavioural patterns is key to developing a resilient data security culture.  

With our expertise in this subject, we have helped our clients in the Ooh, fintech and retail industries gain massive competitive advantages. We look forward to helping you build a resilient data security culture that will help your organisation’s growth. Click here to connect with us.