Keeping data safe is an issue everyone faces, from large corporations to small businesses and private individuals. An array of security solutions has been developed over the decades, each more sophisticated than the last, but none perfect. However, with careful planning and scrutiny of what technologies are appropriate for your particular needs, you can securely protect your sensitive information from unwanted access. Here are the types of data security solutions you might need in your business:
1) Data Loss Protection
Data Loss Protection (DLP) is the practice of censoring sensitive information before it leaves your network or company. You can implement this security policy requirement for personal data, including export control laws and local jurisdiction statutes. DLP systems monitor outgoing data streams for anything that matches a known pattern, usually classified as personally identifiable information (PII). Once identified, the appropriate action is taken based on the security policy in place. Several factors should be considered when implementing a DLP system, including time-sensitivity of the data, location of the data being sent, and type of transfer protocol in use (such as email versus web proxy).
2) Identity Access Management Suite
Identity Access Management (IAM) is the practice of managing access to sensitive information or systems by identifying and authenticating who is using the system, then appropriately permitting or denying that individual access. While network security solutions focus on protecting an organization's perimeter, IAM takes a proactive approach by monitoring user behavior inside the network. It uses data stored in an active directory, including details of employees' roles and responsibilities within the organization. You can use it to identify unusual access patterns, such as copying large amounts of data to removable media or accessing files outside normal working hours.
3) Security Information Event Management (SIEM)
A SIEM solution can be implemented on any infrastructure capable of running log management software; they are most commonly on Unix-based servers with application-specific interfaces. SIEM collects and correlates data from multiple sources to provide an accurate single intelligence source for managing security incidents. Many SIEM systems natively support network devices, servers, firewalls, IPS/IDS systems, and databases, making it easy to deploy without integrating additional components. As information is correlated within the SIEM system, alerts can be triggered based on event severity or frequency. That allows security managers to prioritize potential threats by calculating the risk associated with each incident before taking action.
4) Data Leakage Protection System
DLP solutions monitor data during transmission but are ineffective at stopping data theft within an organization before leaving your perimeter. A Data Leakage Prevention System (DLP) monitors sensitive documents internally. Sensitive data is identified using rules that analyze file content and metadata. If a file containing sensitive information leaves the network, it can be intercepted and either destroyed or returned to the appropriate owner within the organization. This system works by storing copies of all sensitive documents in an isolated area before transmission; any attempt to access this folder triggers alerts allowing security managers to investigate further.
5) Anti-Malware Software
Malware is one of the methods of stealing data, particularly related financial records such as usernames, passwords, and account details. Malicious software (malware) is often installed on unprotected devices like laptops by clicking links on social media sites or visiting unsecured web pages. Mobile malware has also become increasingly popular, with criminals deploying it through text messages or sending infected email attachments to unprotected devices. Anti-malware software scans all incoming and outgoing traffic for malware before transmitting any information outside the perimeter.