Data security: Secure your most valuable business asset

Isabelle Huitric

June 29, 2023

强大的数据安全性, 包括最佳实践, reduces cyberattack risks and protects customers, 员工和利益相关者.

More than 33 billion records will be stolen by cybercriminals by 2023, an increase of 175% from 2018.

The huge amount of data including ― mission-critical, confidential, personal, customer, employee, financial, 知识产权, and more ― that transits private and public networks has created a need for data security that spans all businesses and industries.

牢记这一点, as well as the state of today’s economy, data security can represent a significant burden for many business leaders, given the magnitude of cyber threat challenges. 他们需要考虑的一些方面是:

•网络安全威胁: With the increasing volume and complexity of cyberattacks, organisations need to ensure their data is secure and protected against unauthorised access or use

• Remote work: The rise of remote work and the use of personal devices for work-related tasks create additional risks for data security, as employees may use unsecured applications and devices in an extended network perimeter which, 混合工作实践, goes beyond the walls of the enterprise

•云迁移: The increasing adoption of cloud-based services and technologies also creates new challenges for data security, as organisations need to ensure that their data is protected across different platforms and environments, 跨网络

•合规要求: Organisations must comply with various data protection regulations, such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), and the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)

Data is one of the most valuable assets in an organisation. As such, it’s important for public and private organisations to handle their data responsibly and ethically, respecting customer and employee privacy and ensuring data is kept secure. This means taking into account new government protections and data privacy regulations, as well as the significant fines for non-compliancy.

Companies are looking for solutions and guidance to secure their data and remain compliant while they continue to digitally transform, move critical applications and services to the cloud, 完善数字化工作场所, and improve their customer and employee experience, all key for business sustainability and growth. While Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA) is leading the charge, prevention of cyberattacks is required across many other complementary domains.

Following are some things you will want to think about to implement secure communications and collaboration solutions and ensure safe interactions wherever your team works.

数据安全:最重要的业务优先事项

A rise in the number of data breaches and cyberattacks means customers and employees need to have their data protected from unauthorised access or use. With government enforcement of rules and regulations, data security is becoming a priority for many private and public organisations of all sizes, because the risk of doing nothing is not worth the cost of doing nothing.

为什么你应该关心

Data breaches and cyberattacks can result in significant financial losses, 声誉损失 and legal consequences. For example:

• Cyberattacks are becoming more sophisticated and frequent, and businesses are increasingly becoming targets for cybercriminals

• Data breaches can result in the loss of sensitive customer data, 知识产权 and other critical business information

• Brand reputation can be eroded and customer trust lost, resulting in a decline in business. Companies seen as not taking data security seriously may find it harder to attract and retain customers, 合作伙伴和员工.

• Business continuity can be impacted with a disruption in business operations, 导致生产力下降, 停机时间和经济损失

•忠诚和信任至关重要. When customers and employees entrust their personal information to an organisation, they expect their data will be protected from unauthorised access, 使用或披露.

最佳实践带来最佳结果

Today’s businesses require robust data security measures to mitigate risks and protect their data. That means solutions and best practices that address prevention, protection and reaction. These include:

• Always using secure connections such as virtual private networks (VPNs), to connect to the internet and access corporate data. This will help prevent unauthorised access to data by third-parties.

• Ensuring that all devices used for work are properly secured, 使用强密码或密码, and that software and operating systems are kept up to date with the latest security patches

• Using encryption tools to encrypt sensitive data, both when it is stored and when it is transmitted

• Only using approved applications and tools that are provided by the organisation and avoid using personal devices or unauthorised applications for work-related tasks

• Providing employees with training and support to help them work securely from home, including guidance on how to identify and report security incidents

• Establishing clear policies and procedures for handling sensitive data when working from home, including guidelines on data retention, 处置和共享

端到端安全

While almost all technology providers emphasise cybersecurity, very few have the understanding and expertise required to implement all the measures needed for end-to-end security. 在阿尔卡特朗讯企业公司, we go above and beyond other technology providers to implement all the best practices, including:

• Following the National Institute of Science and Technology (NIST) best practices and recommendations when performing risk assessments on new features and implementing cybersecurity features, 比如原生加密, in our solutions

• Applying ISO 27001 standards to all our cloud-based solutions

•支持ZTNA, 颗粒网络分割, and highly specific security policies to reduce the risk of unauthorised activities

•执行高度专业化的任务, 安全特定的测试, 比如渗透测试, 在我们所有的产品上

• Ensuring our products achieve key industry certifications, such as Hébergeur de Données de Santé (HDS), HIPAA, and the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA)

作为公认的网络安全专家, we contribute to European Union proposals for cybersecurity directives. We also leverage our cybersecurity expertise to help our customers choose and implement the right mix of secure unified communications and collaboration solutions for their needs and train their employees in cybersecurity best practices.

We understand that data security is critical to maintain trust with customers and stakeholders, 保护敏感信息, ensure integrity and confidentiality of information and comply with regulatory requirements. Doing nothing or not prioritising data security can lead to financial losses, 声誉损失, legal liabilities and other negative consequences. By implementing robust data security measures and regularly reviewing and updating those measures, businesses can minimise the risk of a data breach or cyberattack and protect their customers, employees, and stakeholders. With an appropriate data security strategy, architecture and solutions from a trusted communication solutions provider, 企业可以保护自己的资产, maintain their brand reputation and ensure business continuity.

Visit our website to get more information about ALE security for Cloud, Communications and Networks or contact us today.