Data teams and consumers alike have long been on high alert when the term cybersecurity is spoken. But the lines between cybersecurity and data security are becoming increasingly blurred, what with large scale migration to the cloud. Data security has emerged as its own term with more of us considering it as a key buzzword to watch out for. For instance, spending on IT security is expected to surpass $188 billion this year, and managed security services (MSS) is the fastest-growing security investment segment, with a 13% CAGR.
The stats say it all. So, what does that mean for the future of data protection and information security? Is this the end of cybersecurity as we know it?
What is data security?
Cyber security is a broad term that encompasses the protection of all digital assets, including data, networks, devices, and systems. Data security specifically refers to the protection of sensitive or confidential information from unauthorized access, use, disclosure, or destruction.
Data security can be achieved through a variety of methods, including:
- Security policies that restrict access to sensitive information based on the sensitivity level of that information and the user’s need-to-know
- Access control measures such as authentication and authorization
- Physical security measures such as locks or encryption
- Business continuity planning (BCP) in case an incident occurs that causes loss or damage to your organization’s systems.
Data security has increasingly become a key aspect of cybersecurity because of the large amounts of data being generated, stored and shared by both individuals and organizations. As we know, data breaches, ransomware and phishing attacks pose detrimental consequences for us all.
The shift from cybersecurity to data security
The shift from cybersecurity to data security indicates a more holistic approach to protecting sensitive data in organizations. While cybersecurity usually focuses on securing information systems and networks from unauthorized access, data security encompasses the protection of data throughout its entire lifecycle, from creation and storage to processing and sharing.
Consequently, future data infrastructure and technology investments are likely to prioritize solutions that can offer comprehensive protection of data, including data access control, data classification, sensitive data discovery, continuous data monitoring and detection.
Compliance with data privacy regulations is another critical aspect of data security. It is to be expected that organisations will invest in technology that assists them in meeting GDPR requirements, for instance, and avoiding fines.
The changing focus from cybersecurity to data security signifies a focus on protecting data and ensuring its confidentiality, integrity, and availability. Future data infrastructure and technology investments are likely to prioritize solutions that can offer comprehensive data security, compliance with data privacy regulations, and innovative technologies that can better help to protect sensitive data.
The rise of a data-driven culture
In today’s digital age, it is important to embrace and integrate a data-driven approach to a business’s culture. Now more than ever, company cultures value the role of data and companies are increasingly using it to make strategic decisions and drive growth.
This means that data becomes pervasive across company-wide initiatives, subsequently increasing the number of weak spots for attackers to leverage. As businesses become reliant on data as a foundation to the entirety of their operations, it is essential to reduce risks. This must start with data security at its very core.
