Protecto
January 5, 2023
Data posture is a term that has been gaining a lot of attention in recent years, and for good reason. In today's digital world, data is an invaluable asset for businesses of all sizes and industry niches. However, managing and protecting this data is no easy task, and having a strong data posture is essential for ensuring that your data is secure, compliant, and accessible.
As the amount of data collected and stored by organizations continues to grow, the need for a strong data posture has become increasingly important. This has become particularly important since countries around the world started enacting their own privacy laws to provide a legal framework on how to collect, use and store the personal data of their naturalized citizens or residents.
In this article, we will take a closer look at what data posture is, why it is so important, and how it can make your life easier. We will also explore the key differences between data privacy posture and data security posture and discuss the role of data posture in the context of data breaches. Finally, we will offer some tips on how companies can get started with determining their data posture.
Data posture refers to how an organization manages, protects, and utilizes its data. It encompasses everything from the systems and processes used to collect, store, and access data, to the policies and procedures in place to ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
According to a report by the World Economic Forum, the amount of data collected and stored by organizations has been growing exponentially, with the total amount of data expected to reach 463 exabytes by 2025. This data is generated not only by traditional sources, such as transactional systems and customer interactions but also by newer sources, such as social media and the Internet of Things (IoT). On top of that, according to Credit Suisse, Metaverse alone will accelerate data usage 20 times worldwide by 2032. With this rapid growth in data comes an increased need for organizations to manage and protect their data effectively.
A strong data posture takes into account the organizations’ specific needs and requirements in terms of data access and governance and is flexible enough to adapt to changing circumstances. This means having the right tools and technologies in place to collect, store, and access data, as well as the policies and procedures necessary to ensure that data is used responsibly and ethically as per the local governing laws.
Having a strong data posture is essential for any organization that relies on data to drive its operations and make informed decisions. This is because data is a valuable asset that can provide valuable insights and enable organizations to understand their customers better, improve their products and services, and gain a competitive edge in the marketplace.
One key aspect of data posture is compliance with relevant laws and regulations. According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) website, 71% of countries around the world have created legislation on privacy and data protection, while an additional 9% of countries have draft legislation. A few prominent examples of privacy laws include The EU General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act of Canada (PIPEDA), Brazilian General Data Protection Law (LGPD).
A strong data posture is critical for ensuring compliance with these laws and regulations. This means having the systems and processes in place to collect, store, and access data in a manner that is transparent, secure, and respectful of individuals' rights.
Interesting read: What Is Data Security Posture Management (DSPM)? Why It Matters?
As mentioned earlier, the importance of data posture has increased significantly in recent years due to the growing number of compliance laws and regulations that organizations must comply with. For instance, GDPR is one of the most significant of these laws and applies to any organization that processes the personal data of individuals in the EU.
Under the GDPR, organizations must obtain explicit consent from individual users before starting to collect or process their data and must provide individuals with the right to access, rectify, and erase their personal data. In the event of a data breach, organizations must notify affected individuals and relevant authorities within 72 hours of the breach being discovered.
Failure to comply with the GDPR can result in significant fines and penalties, with the maximum fine being up to 4% of an organization's global annual revenue or €20 million, whichever is greater. This means that having a strong data posture is essential not only for protecting an organization's data and reputation but also for avoiding costly fines and penalties.
In addition to the GDPR, organizations must consider several other laws and regulations when determining their data posture. These include the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), which came into effect in 2020 and applies to organizations that collect personal data from residents of California, and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which applies to organizations that handle personal health information in the United States.
GDPR and other relevant laws and regulations establish many requirements for organizations that handle personal data and having a strong data posture is essential for ensuring compliance with these requirements.
While data posture encompasses both data privacy and data security, it is important to understand the key differences between the two. Data privacy posture refers to how an organization manages and protects personal data according to relevant laws and regulations. This includes obtaining explicit consent from individuals before collecting or processing their data and ensuring that their personal data is used ethically and responsibly.
On the other hand, data security posture refers to the measures and technologies that are used to protect an organization's data from unauthorized access, tampering, or loss. This includes measures such as encryption, access controls, and intrusion detection systems, as well as regular monitoring and testing to ensure the effectiveness of these measures. These technologies can help prevent unauthorized access to an organization's data and make it more difficult for attackers to tamper with or steal the data.
In short, the data privacy posture focuses on protecting the rights of individuals, while the data security posture focuses on protecting the data itself. While both are important aspects of data posture, they serve different purposes and require different approaches and technologies to be effective.
For example, data privacy posture involves obtaining explicit consent from individuals before collecting or processing their personal data, as well as providing individuals with the right to access, rectify, and erase their personal data. This can be achieved by using technologies such as consent management platforms, which enable organizations to obtain, manage, and track consent from individuals securely and transparently.
To have a strong data posture, organizations must consider both data privacy and data security posture. This means having the systems and processes in place to collect, store, and access data in a manner that is transparent, secure, and respectful of individuals' rights, as well as the measures and technologies necessary to protect the data from unauthorized access, tampering, or loss.
Data breaches are a major concern for organizations of all sizes and industries, as they can result in significant financial and reputational damage. In the context of data posture, having a strong data security posture is essential for preventing and mitigating the impact of data breaches.
A strong data security posture ensures the right technologies and processes are in place to prevent potential breaches. It also requires enforcement of the policies and procedures necessary to ensure that data is handled securely. This includes measures such as data scanning, encryption, access controls, and governance processes, as well as regular monitoring and auditing to ensure the effectiveness of these measures.
In the event of a data breach, having a strong data posture can help an organization minimize the impact of the breach and respond quickly and effectively. This includes having the systems and processes in place to quickly identify the source of the breach and take appropriate action, as well as the ability to notify affected individuals and relevant authorities promptly.
According to a report by IBM, the average time it takes for an organization to identify a data breach is 212 days, while the average time it takes to contain a breach is 75 days. This means that having a strong data posture can help to significantly reduce the time it takes to identify and contain a breach and minimize its impact on an organization's operations and reputation.
The same report also reports that the average cost of a data breach for a business in the US to be $9.44 million, while the global average stands at $4.35 million. These costs can include not only the direct expenses associated with the breach, such as legal fees and the cost of credit monitoring for affected individuals but also indirect costs, such as lost revenue and damage to an organization's reputation.
In addition to helping organizations respond to data breaches, a strong data posture can also help to prevent breaches from occurring in the first place. This is because data security posture involves implementing measures and technologies to protect an organization's data from unauthorized access.
Also Read: "8 Ways to Prevent Data Theft in Your Organization"
Determining your organization's data posture can seem like a daunting task, especially if you are not familiar with the relevant laws and regulations or if you do not have the right tools and technologies in place. However, there are a few steps that companies can take to get started with determining their data posture:
Conduct a thorough assessment of your organization's current data systems and processes for collecting, storing, and accessing data, and an evaluation of your policies and procedures for ensuring compliance with relevant laws and regulations.
Understand the risks associated with your data. In this blog, we have articulated how $1 in storage tantamount to USD $247k in risk and results in USD $150-$200 in overhead costs associated with protecting the stored data. Every organization must do its due diligence in calculating the amount of risk they are sitting on.
Identify any gaps or weaknesses in your current data posture and develop a plan to address these gaps. This may involve implementing new technologies or processes or updating your existing policies and procedures.
Engage with relevant experts, such as data privacy consultants or security specialists, to help you develop a comprehensive data posture plan. These experts can provide valuable insights and guidance on best practices and industry standards.
Regularly monitor and review your data posture to ensure that it remains effective and compliant with changing laws and regulations. This should include regular testing and audits to identify any potential vulnerabilities or areas for improvement.
Additionally, organizations can also consider implementing technologies and solutions specifically designed to improve their data posture. For example, data governance platforms can provide a central repository for managing, tracking, and reporting on an organization's data. They can also help organizations ensure that their data is collected, stored, and accessed in a compliant and secure manner.
Furthermore, organizations can also consider using third-party services to help them manage and protect their data. For example, data backup and disaster recovery services can help organizations ensure that their data is securely backed up and can be quickly restored in the event of a data breach or other disaster.
By taking these steps, organizations can build a strong data posture that will help to protect their data, ensure compliance with relevant laws and regulations, and make their lives easier.
Suggested Read "Data Privacy Risk Assessment"
Data security posture management is an essential practice for organizations looking to enhance their data posture and strengthen their overall security framework. It involves assessing, managing, and improving the security measures in place to protect sensitive data. By implementing a comprehensive data security posture management program, organizations can effectively safeguard their data assets and mitigate the risks associated with data breaches and unauthorized access.
Data security posture management goes beyond just implementing technical controls. It also requires establishing a strong security culture within the organization. This involves creating awareness among employees about the importance of data security, providing training on secure data handling practices, and promoting a proactive approach to security.
By enhancing data posture through effective data security posture management, organizations can minimize the risk of data breaches, protect their reputation, and maintain compliance with applicable laws and regulations. It also enables them to build trust with customers, partners, and stakeholders by demonstrating their commitment to data privacy and security.
In conclusion, data security posture management plays a crucial role in enhancing an organization's data posture. By prioritizing data security posture management, organizations can ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of their sensitive data, bolster their overall security defenses, and mitigate the risks associated with data breaches.
Today, most companies spend their resources inventorying data and securing the perimeter without proper investment and tools to investigate data security posture. Protecto is the first Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) solution to control your data security posture. We look deep into data and its context, such as who has access and uses the data to determine data security risks.
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