What are the risks of losing control?
While data is a real asset for companies, and even represents a great patrimonial value, it is also a source of risk.
Indeed, the possession of data inevitably exposes you to the risk of theft or loss in the event of loss of control, which could prove dramatic.
Accidental internal threat: data leakage
Even if you have access controls in place, employees still represent a threat to data.
Sending a file to the wrong recipient or losing a USB key, for example, can have serious consequences.
That’s why IT teams need to define a level of risk associated with each employee, based on his or her ability to act on company data.
Indeed, employees who have the right to modify or delete data, for example, pose a much higher risk than those who can only consult it.
External threat: data loss and theft
Malicious attacks on businesses are on the increase.
And given the value that data can represent, it has become a favorite target for hackers.
The methods are numerous and constantly evolving.
But among the most widely used is the hacking of e-mail accounts in order to intercept documents.
By falsifying them with false bank details, or creating fake letters or invoices, the hacker is then able to obtain information and even payments from customers.
The “President scam” is also common, and can prove costly for a company.
After gathering the necessary data, the hacker poses as the company president to employees in order, usually, to embezzle money.
In March 2018, the Pathé company paid the price, to the tune of over 19 million euros.
The importance of using DLP
Data Loss Prevention aims to secure data according to its sensitivity and predefined policy.
For example, if data is extremely sensitive and an employee does not have the necessary access authorizations, he or she will not be able to copy it.
If, on the other hand, they do have the necessary authorization, they will be encrypted to guarantee their security.
Until recently, the security of the corporate network was sufficient, but nowadays, data circulates enormously, making interception much easier.
Without DLP, hackers can easily gain access to large quantities of data.
With DLP, even if someone manages to penetrate the company’s system, they will have very little chance of recovering the data.
By combining DLP with good network security and security measures such as Advanced Threat Protection, it is possible to make data virtually inviolable, even in the event of employee ID theft. As you will have gathered from this article on data governance, data is a precious commodity.
That’s why, like any precious object, it’s essential to protect it properly.
Calling on data protection experts is therefore essential.
This will enable you to have your solution audited and, if necessary, improved.
