Learn how to protect your data from cyberattacks with these best practices for data security, such as encryption, governance, education, and updates.

To ensure data security amid potential hacking threats. proactively identify and classify sensitive data assets to prioritize protection efforts. Implement robust encryption mechanisms for data at rest and in transit to prevent unauthorized access. Enforce access controls, audit trails, and compliance measures to maintain data integrity and regulatory compliance. Educate users on security best practices to mitigate human error and insider threats. Regularly update systems with the latest security patches to address known vulnerabilities. Continuously review access patterns and keep up-to-date with emerging security threats to detect. If on AWS; use Guard Duty for threat detection and Macie for data discovery and classification.

How can you ensure that your data is secure in the age of hacking?

Data security is a crucial concern for any data architect, especially in the age of hacking. Cyberattacks can compromise your data integrity, privacy, and availability, as well as damage your reputation and credibility. How can you ensure that your data is secure and resilient against malicious threats? Here are some best practices to follow.

1 Identify your data assets

The first step is to identify what data you have, where it is stored, how it is accessed, and who is responsible for it. You need to classify your data according to its sensitivity, value, and regulatory requirements. For example, you may have personal, financial, or health data that needs more protection than other types of data. You also need to document your data flows, dependencies, and relationships, so that you can map out your data architecture and identify potential vulnerabilities.

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Sagar Navroop

✅ Architect | 𝐌𝐮𝐥𝐭𝐢-𝐒𝐤𝐢𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐝 | Technologist
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To ensure data security amid potential hacking threats. proactively identify and classify sensitive data assets to prioritize protection efforts. Implement robust encryption mechanisms for data at rest and in transit to prevent unauthorized access. Enforce access controls, audit trails, and compliance measures to maintain data integrity and regulatory compliance. Educate users on security best practices to mitigate human error and insider threats. Regularly update systems with the latest security patches to address known vulnerabilities. Continuously review access patterns and keep up-to-date with emerging security threats to detect. If on AWS; use Guard Duty for threat detection and Macie for data discovery and classification.

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Desmond Durrant

PMP | CISSP | CCSE | CISO | CCIE | MCSA | MCSE AZ 300 | CKA | AZ 500 | AZ 301 | AZ 900 | AZ104
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Multi-layered security refers to securing your organization’s data using a variety of security measures. The idea is that if hackers want to access the data, they have to break through multiple layers of security (e.g., physical, administrative, and technical), making it much more difficult to gain access. In a multi-layered security approach, the layers may overlap, but they should never interfere with the functioning of security operations. Why use a layered architecture? A multi-layer security architecture is sometimes referred to as defense-in-depth, helping to protect each touchpoint using tools purposefully built for that touchpoint. For example, a laptop in your organization may have a VPN for securely accessing the company.

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2 Implement data encryption

The second step is to implement data encryption, which is the process of transforming your data into an unreadable format that can only be decrypted with a key. Data encryption can protect your data from unauthorized access, modification, or theft, both at rest and in transit. You should use strong encryption algorithms and protocols, such as AES, SSL, or TLS, and manage your encryption keys securely. You should also encrypt your backups, archives, and devices, such as laptops or USB drives.

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Desmond Durrant

PMP | CISSP | CCSE | CISO | CCIE | MCSA | MCSE AZ 300 | CKA | AZ 500 | AZ 301 | AZ 900 | AZ104
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Industry grade end-to-end encryption Store and share sensitive data with end-to-end encryption. Data is encrypted and decrypted at the client-side, hence no unsecured data is transferred or stored in the server. Securely store and share sensitive information, passwords, credit card information, software license keys, and corporate account details in Confluence. Assist with compliance audits for SOC 2, SSAE 16, PCI, HIPAA, zero trust Provide users a secure tool to share and collaborate on sensitive data Reduce the risk of passwords being shared openly Leverage Confluence's user/group management to manage access Key features: Macro to store sensitive data using industry-grade, end-to-end encryption with PGP, AES-256, and other security.

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3 Apply data governance

The third step is to apply data governance, which is the set of policies, standards, and processes that define how your data is collected, stored, used, and shared. Data governance can help you ensure that your data is consistent, accurate, reliable, and compliant with legal and ethical obligations. You should establish roles and responsibilities for data ownership, stewardship, and quality control, as well as data access rights and permissions. You should also monitor and audit your data activities and performance, and address any issues or risks promptly.

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Desmond Durrant

PMP | CISSP | CCSE | CISO | CCIE | MCSA | MCSE AZ 300 | CKA | AZ 500 | AZ 301 | AZ 900 | AZ104
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Define Data Governance Objectives and Scope Clearly defining the objectives and scope of your data governance initiative is crucial for its success. Identify the specific goals you want to achieve through data governance, such as improving data quality, enhancing compliance, or optimizing data utilization. Define the scope by identifying the key data assets, systems, and processes that will be included in your data governance framework. By setting clear objectives and scope, you provide a roadmap for your data governance implementation and ensure alignment with organizational priorities. Establish a Data Governance Framework Developing a robust data governance framework is essential to provide structure and guidelines.

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4 Educate your data users

The fourth step is to educate your data users, which are the people who interact with your data, such as employees, customers, or partners. Data users can be the weakest link in your data security chain, as they may expose your data to human errors, negligence, or phishing attacks. You should train your data users on how to handle your data securely and responsibly, such as using strong passwords, avoiding suspicious links or attachments, and reporting any incidents or breaches. You should also enforce your data policies and procedures, and provide feedback and support to your data users.

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5 Update your data systems

The fifth step is to update your data systems, which are the hardware and software components that support your data architecture, such as servers, databases, applications, or networks. Data systems can be the target of hacking attacks, as they may have vulnerabilities or flaws that can be exploited by hackers. You should keep your data systems up to date with the latest patches, updates, and security features, and test them regularly for any bugs or glitches. You should also use firewalls, antivirus, or other tools to protect your data systems from external or internal threats.

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6 Review your data security

The sixth step is to review your data security, which is the process of evaluating and improving your data security measures and practices. Data security is not a one-time event, but a continuous cycle that requires constant vigilance and adaptation. You should review your data security periodically, or whenever there is a change in your data environment, such as a new data source, a new regulation, or a new threat. You should also seek feedback and input from your data stakeholders, such as your data users, customers, or regulators, and incorporate their suggestions or expectations into your data security strategy.

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7 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?

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How can you ensure that your data is secure in the age of hacking?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify your data assets

2 Implement data encryption

3 Apply data governance

4 Educate your data users

5 Update your data systems

6 Review your data security

7 Here’s what else to consider

Data Architecture

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How can you ensure that your data is secure in the age of hacking?

1

2

3

4

5

6

7

1 Identify your data assets

2 Implement data encryption

3 Apply data governance

4 Educate your data users

5 Update your data systems

6 Review your data security

7 Here’s what else to consider

Data Architecture

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