Data security safeguards data and systems from the risk of unauthorized access, use, and modification. This helps to prevent data breaches which can result in disruption to business operations and financial losses as well as compliance penalties, as well as reputational damage. Modern approaches to protecting data comprise a mix of tools, techniques and best practices that are based on three pillars: Confidentiality and Integrity.

The first step to ensuring data security is to create and maintaining an inventory and mapping of your data sets. This involves cataloguing all data stored in your data centers, network-attached storage as well as mobile devices, desktops and cloud services from third-party providers avast blocking overwatch as well as software applications. It is crucial to think about physical storage like USB sticks and external hard drives, and also discarded documents and printed documents. These are often neglected, but can contain a wealth confidential data. Cybercriminals will make use of this.

Once you’ve gotten a better understanding of your data sets, you will need to classify sensitive data to better understand the location and where it is located within your infrastructure. This allows you to prioritize security efforts, making sure that only the most vital data is protected and less critical information is easily accessible. This lets you adhere to industry and regulatory requirements like those applicable to the finance, health care, and telecommunications industries.