Modern strategies for your modern workforce

Data security has always been challenging. But the shift to a remote workforce has made security even more important, and many more times complex.

Many organizations are now at risk of breaches and loss due to their employees sharing sensitive data across cloud applications, storage services, email, and uncontrolled social media. This is especially true for enterprises still running old data loss prevention (DLP) solutions or the slapdash fixes they deployed hastily in response to COVID-19.

Cybercriminals are opportunistic, and the widespread lowering of shields created openings. They know few organizations were prepared to protect their data in a distributed remote-working environment. They also know employees, using their own devices from their own personal Wi-Fi connections, don’t have the same security protection as they would behind their company’s firewall.

On top of all that, the stakes are higher than ever. Before the pandemic, data protection models focused primarily on regulatory compliance data, such as Social Security and credit card numbers. Areas of exposure mainly included USB sticks and direct internet access like email and social media. Now that the attack surface has expanded, companies are susceptible to intellectual property breaches. Intellectual property makes the cash flow, and any loss here can wipe out a company’s competitive advantage or cause it to shut down for good.

We’re in a new age of threats. Defending against them requires companies to update their data protection models to meet the times.

Control Meets Convenience

Fortunately, as new threats have emerged throughout the pandemic, new data control technology solutions have come into the fold as well. For example:

• Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB)
• Cloud-based content filtering
• Privileged Access Management solutions for home users
• Content delivery networks

These solutions go further to ensure corporate policy compliance and protect intellectual property across a remote workforce. They differ from previous solutions by offering robust security control without compromising worker efficiency or convenience—a key advantage for recruiting and retaining top talent.

DLP solutions also protect sensitive data against unauthorized sharing or exposure. Most will automatically block or quarantine sensitive data as it leaves areas of corporate control. That’s because, rather than a singular technology asset, DLP is more like a set of tools, techniques, and processes designed to prevent sensitive data from getting lost, misused, or accessed by unauthorized parties.

Modern DLP systems work with numerous other technical solutions to enhance data visibility and control through integration. For example, DLP controls data in SaaS applications by interfacing with the applications’ API or through a CASB. This also includes corporate-supported cloud storage.

In addition, user behavioral detection adds value for not only protecting data itself but for reducing the risk of misuse at scale by individuals who logically have permissions. Endpoint content filters limit users’ ability to store files on unsupported locations in the cloud, providing additional data control.

Start With What You Have

You don’t have to start from scratch, break your budget, or rip-and-replace to modernize your data protection model. The Stratascale team always looks to improve your security posture by first leveraging your existing technology assets and environment.

Our experts work with you to devise an interim strategy and configure a viable technology solution that quickly improves your data protection model. At the same time, we work with stakeholders and leadership to create a clear roadmap for keeping pace with the ever-changing scope of data protection.

Contact your Stratascale rep to learn more about bringing your data protection model up to speed.