It’s becoming more and more important for companies to have an effective enterprise data protection system in place.
Due to an increase in cloud-connected devices and the upcoming 5G network capability, cybersecurity experts at Wipro predict that threat agents will have better access to breach company databases. 43% of data breaches in 2019 happened at enterprises that weren’t prepared with proper data protection systems.
If enterprises want to protect sensitive information, they need to implement an effective enterprise data protection system.
What Does It Mean to Have Enterprise Data Protection?
Enterprise data comprises all the information that is shared by the employees of a company across its departments.
Think of the information that is sent back and forth between areas such as printing departments, IT departments, or upper management. A report conducted by Usenix found that 82% of backup domains protect one type of data, and only 32% of domains effectively protect metadata and master servers. If there is a breach in this database, all areas of the organization would experience significant delays or financial loss.
However, by carefully managing the infrastructure and allocating resources correctly, network administrators or CISOs can set up a useful data management model that balances storage access and protects sensitive information.
How to Set Up an Efficient Enterprise Data Protection System
What can enterprises do to keep data accessible to staff, yet prohibit unauthorized access on the network? Here are five steps to set up an efficient enterprise data protection system.
1. Encrypt Company Data on All Devices
Many enterprises provide devices to employees to use while they’re out in the field, while others allow staff to use their own devices. Either way, all devices used by employees carry sensitive company information that can be hacked if there’s no proper lock on the data.
To protect the connection to corporate data on employee devices, encrypt the data. Encrypting the data allows only an authorized user with a password to open or access the data and keeps hackers from reading sensitive data.
2. Remotely Wipe Corporate Data
Whenever an enterprise needs to clear out specific data from devices, they generally wipe all the information on the device. Since most employees often store personal information on their devices, it isn’t practical to complete a full wipe of devices every time.
Instead, remotely wipe corporate data from employee devices by using a data protection management system. This can clear out data without completely resetting devices, so there are no delays or financial losses.
3. Designate Privileged Applications
Threat agents can hack into company databases through certain installed apps on company devices. If an employee accidentally gives permissions to these apps with a hacker on the other end, sensitive information in the company database may become compromised.
To avoid access via employee-owned apps, designate specific software on devices to manage all data-collection processes. Each time an employee’s app request access, they will be denied entry.
4. Use Separate Company and Personal Credentials on Devices
Hackers can easily copy the personal credentials of certain software, especially if employees use the same passwords for all software on their device. Once they enter their credentials in an unsecured application, the hacker can attempt to use the same information to access company databases.
When employees use two separate authorization systems to access company information, external entities find it more difficult to steal the credentials and access company information. Although it may take more time to switch between each authentication system, the company information stays better protected.
5. Maintain and Update Devices
Although most devices can automatically update features for most applications, they require a manual system update to implement the latest security fixes on the operating system. Such installations often include patches to fix specific connectivity vulnerabilities in cloud-enabled devices.
Hackers often take advantage of devices that do not have the latest security updates, if there are no more accessible ways to infiltrate the system. To update your devices’ operating system, enter the software update settings, and check for updates.
How to Use Enterprise Data Protection Systems in the Field
Before a company sends its employees to their designated workplaces, they must ensure they are well-equipped to use the enterprise data protection system. Otherwise, the process may seem confusing and company data may not be adequately secured.
Here are a few procedures to effectively use an enterprise data protection system:
● Mark Documents as Work Related: Each time an employee creates a new document, they can store it in the company database automatically by labeling it as company related.
● Remotely Wipe Company Data: Once an employee moves from a designated department to another, or leaves the organization entirely, the company can remotely wipe the company information from the device.
● Copy Data to Other Devices: With enterprise data protection software, you can automatically encrypt files whenever they’re transferred to a different employee’s device.
These steps can significantly reduce the time spent in the field managing data, while also keeping company-sensitive information sealed away from unauthorized access.
Implement Enterprise Data Protection Systems with Wickr
Want to integrate enterprise data software in each device throughout the company? With the right tools and resources, you can keep your enterprise moving and keep company data locked away from threat agents.
Wickr understands that enterprises run a vast network of employee devices, and it’s challenging to monitor for breaches while they’re consistently changing. Don’t let sensitive company information become compromised because of inadequate data protection practices. Wickr can help you implement an effective enterprise data protection system that adapts to the changes within your company.