Data leakage: How can you avoid it and protect your business?

Data leakage is a growing threat to modern businesses, not only exposing sensitive information, but also jeopardizing the organization's reputation and financial viability.

Today, it's crucial for businesses of all sizes to understand the risks associated with data leakage, and put in place robust strategies to prevent it.

This article explores various strategies for strengthening your company's digital security.

Identify the risks specific to your business

Every company has unique and sensitive data requiring different levels of protection. Before implementing any security measures, it is essential to identify the specific risks associated with your business.
 

• Manage your sensitive data: Identify where your most critical information is stored, whether it's customer data, financial information or trade secrets.
   
• Assess access points: Determine which systems, applications or employees have access to this data, and identify potential vulnerabilities.
   
• Consider third-party risks: Evaluate the suppliers and partners with whom you share sensitive information to ensure that they also meet high security standards.
  
   

Developing a data leakage prevention strategy

Once the risks have been identified, it's crucial to put in place a tailored strategy to prevent data leaks. This strategy must be aligned with the company's objectives and current regulations, such as the GDPR (General Data Protection Regulation) in Europe.
 

Implement strict data governance
 

• Establish clear policies on data management, storage and sharing within your company.
   
• Ensure that all employees understand the importance of protecting sensitive data, and that they follow established procedures.

Reinforce access controls and authorizations
 

• Use role-based access control (RBAC) systems to limit access to critical information.
   
• Regularly review permissions to ensure that only employees with a legitimate need have access to sensitive data.

Implement continuous monitoring and rapid response
 

• Monitor all activities related to access to critical data and systems in real time.
   
• Establish a rapid response plan in the event of an incident, including procedures for containing the leak, informing stakeholders and restoring security.

Enhancing communication and transaction security

Companies must also take care to secure all forms of communication and transactions to prevent data leakage.

• Encrypt communications : Use encryption protocols for all internal and external communications, including email and instant messaging.
   
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Implement multi-factor authentication for all connections to sensitive systems to reinforce identity security.
   
• Secure online transactions: Ensure that all online transactions are secured by SSL/TLS certificates and PCI-DSS-compliant payment solutions.

Essential tools and technologies to prevent data leaks
 

Companies need to equip themselves with the right technologies to strengthen their cybersecurity and prevent data leaks.
 

• Data leakage prevention (DLP) systems: These systems monitor and control the transfer of sensitive data outside the company.
   
• Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) solutions: SIEM tools enable real-time detection of anomalies and rapid response to incidents.
   
• Software patch management: Use automated tools to manage updates to your systems and applications, thereby reducing vulnerabilities.

Employee awareness and training: a fundamental pillar

Employees are often the weakest link when it comes to data security. According to the Kaspersky: IT Security Risks Survey 2017 report, 53% of virus infections are linked to untrained or non-vigilant employees, particularly through phishing attacks.

It's therefore imperative to raise their awareness and train them regularly.
 

• Ongoing training programs: Organize training sessions to inform employees of the latest threats and cybersecurity best practices.
   
• Simulated phishing tests: Regularly test your employees' vigilance with simulated phishing campaigns to improve their ability to detect phishing attempts.
   

• Clear password management policies: Implement strict policies for maintaining good IT hygiene, such as the creation and management of passwords to prevent unauthorized access.

   

Prepare your company for data leakage with Esokia

Ensuring your company's resilience to data leakage requires a combination of strategy, technology and ongoing training. With Esokia's expertise, you can secure your digital products and strengthen your company's digital security robustness.

By taking a proactive approach and involving all stakeholders, Esokia works with you to effectively protect your business against today's threats, while preparing you for future challenges.

Contact us today!