Data security helps protect data and systems from unauthorised access, use and modification. This helps prevent data breaches that can result in business disruption, financial loss, compliance penalties and reputation damage. Modern methods for protecting data consist of a combination of tools, technologies and best practices that focus on the three main pillars of security for data which are: Confidentiality (preventing information from being exposed or read without authorization) and Integrity (ensuring that the information is correct and unaltered) and the availability (ensuring that information is available when it is required).

The first step to effective data security is to create and maintaining an inventory and mapping of your data sets. The cataloguing of data from your data centers and network-connected devices, desktops, mobiles, cloud services, and software applications is essential. It’s important to consider antiviruscompany.net/spectrum-security-suite-review-is-it-a-good-choice/ physical storage like USB sticks and external hard drives, and also discarded documents and printed files. These are often neglected however they can contain a wealth of confidential data. Cybercriminals will take advantage of this.

Once you’ve got a clear view of your data sets you will need to classify sensitive information to determine where and how it’s located within your infrastructure. This will help you prioritize security efforts, making sure that only the most crucial data is protected and information that is not as critical is readily accessible. This also allows you to meet regulatory and industry requirements like those that apply to finance, health care and telecommunications.