In this discussion, we will tackle the CISO and data loss. Also, let us learn how the CISO prevents this data loss for companies.
Know About CISO And Data Loss
What is CISO and data loss all about? CISO stands for Chief Information Security Officer.
It is the highest rank official in charge of all data-related issues, including the following:
- cloud security
- data protection
- compliance
- IT infrastructure.
So the IT infrastructure that the CISO is responsible for includes data center, firewall, encryption, server, cloud storage, and more.
Data loss is a serious issue – one that can be quite costly if left unchecked. Although most companies have a Data Loss Prevention (DLP) program.
In a place to protect their data from being stolen by hackers or malicious insiders. But in most cases, they are not able to protect against human errors.
So data loss results in millions of dollars in fines and penalties per year for companies. That the companies do not have proper data backup systems in place.
How Did Data Loss happen?
So how exactly does data loss happen? There are countless ways that sensitive data can be leaked or stolen from an organization.
However, most companies experience the following scenarios when it comes to data loss:
1) Human Error
Human error rises to the top of the list when it comes to reasons for data breaches or theft. From lost laptops to misplaced flash drives.
Human error is still the number one source of data loss in most organizations. It may sound easy enough to blame the human error on someone who has caused the loss of sensitive information.
However, if you look at how often this occurs within your organization or workplace. You will find that it is quite common.
According to Gartner Research, over 50% of laptops are either lost or stolen throughout their lifetime. The fact that this statistic has remained steady over time.
So it should alarm everyone who works within an organization. That has sensitive information stored on their computers and devices.
2) Malicious Insider
Malicious insiders pose a serious threat to any organization’s sensitive information. Most malicious insiders steal information for financial gain.
However, some steal information as a result of anger. This anger is towards their employer or coworkers.
One classic example of a malicious insider was Edward Snowden. Who worked as a contractor for the NSA and stole classified information.
He pertains to US Intelligence programs and operations.
3) Natural Disaster
Natural disasters such as fire and floods can cause major damage. Also, destruction to sensitive data and equipment.
In addition to causing direct damage to computer systems and equipment. So natural disasters can also cause indirect damage such as damaged backup tapes.
That may contain sensitive information.
CISO Protecting For A Data Loss
How does CISO protect companies from data loss? There are several ways CISO can protect their employer company from data loss.
Some of the ways are following:
1) Physical Security
Physical security is one of the best ways that CISO can protect their employer company from data loss. Also, it is one of the most cost-effective ways to do so.
They can accomplish this via the following ways such as building fire alarms. Also, smoke detectors are in all areas where computers are stored.
2) Network Security
Network security is another way that CISO can protect their employer company from data loss. Also, it is one of the most common methods used today.
I would say that most organizations have some sort of network security in place. They can accomplish this by implementing a VPN solution.
It is to encrypt sensitive information during transmission. Also, they implement a web filter solution to restrict employees from visiting malicious websites.
Moreover, they implement an email encryption solution. This is to avoid sensitive information being sent outside of the organization.
