A recent survey conducted by Radware, a leading provider of intelligent application networking solutions, revealed that nearly half (45%) of respondents experienced data breaches in 2017, while 68% admitted they struggled to secure their organization's information. Despite ongoing efforts like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and other data privacy initiatives, many companies still rely on outdated and ineffective security practices, leaving them vulnerable to cyber threats.
The growing insecurity stems from the need for organizations to share data internally and externally to maximize its value. However, most companies focus heavily on perimeter-based cybersecurity, protecting the environment around their systems, while neglecting the fact that internal threats can be just as dangerous. A breach from within can lead to severe consequences. Additionally, even though critical enterprise data is often stored in external databases, this approach alone isn't enough to counter today’s evolving cyber threats.
To prevent potential data disasters, businesses should adopt a more proactive and comprehensive approach. Here are three key steps:
**Step 1: Implement Advanced Encryption Where Data Is Used**
Many of the largest data breaches globally are caused by insider actions, and the number of incidents involving internal staff is rising. According to Verizon, one in four security violations is due to internal leaks, and IBM reports that insiders were responsible for 68% of breaches in the healthcare sector.
Encryption has long been a part of database security, but modern encryption must be implemented strategically and systematically. A robust encryption system not only protects against external attacks but also ensures that internal users, such as administrators, cannot access sensitive data without proper authorization. Advanced systems support features like frequent key rotation, so even if part of the data is compromised, it doesn’t lead to a full-scale breach.
Moreover, encryption should be applied wherever data is used, from processing to storage, and remain active until the data is decrypted in the final dataset. During this process, system administrators shouldn’t have access. With automatic, fine-grained key rotation and role-based access control, advanced encryption helps separate duties between security teams and IT personnel, significantly reducing exposure risks.
**Step 2: Use Data Masking to Avoid Sharing Sensitive Information**
Businesses must balance data utility with protection. Data masking, or editing, involves suppressing the disclosure of sensitive information—such as personally identifiable information (PII)—to prevent unauthorized access. This is crucial for maintaining data integrity while allowing necessary data sharing.
By masking sensitive fields during import, export, or copy operations, organizations can ensure that only the right data is shared with the right people. For example, names and social security numbers can be hidden from queries or updates, helping protect private information while still enabling data usage.
**Step 3: Apply Element-Level Security at the Document Level**
Many databases lack fine-grained security controls, which makes them susceptible to breaches. Locking all data isn’t practical, especially when employees, partners, and third parties need access for collaboration. Organizations must implement role-based access control at the document level, ensuring that only authorized individuals can view or modify specific parts of the data.
For instance, an administrator might need to see a person’s Social Security Number, but internal operators should have limited access. Element-level security takes this further by allowing administrators to apply granular controls across different parts of a document, regardless of its structure. This ensures that sensitive information remains protected wherever it appears.
**Conclusion**
Enhancing database-level security can address many common vulnerabilities. Companies must consider these strategies to defend against current threats, including insider risks. By choosing a database solution that includes advanced encryption, built-in security fixes, and element-level access controls, organizations can better protect their most valuable assets. These measures not only improve security but also provide the agility needed to operate efficiently in today’s digital landscape.
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