How to Achieve Data Security Compliance in
Organizations?
Data
security has been a cause of concern for many enterprises. Even the ones that
have the best security systems are realizing that they are not safe from
attacks. Cyber-attacks have become so common that enterprises are being forced
to rethink their security strategies and processes.
Even
governments are setting up stringent regulations for enterprises to follow.
This is to increase data security in enterprises and prevent sensitive
information from falling into the wrong hands. Businesses today can lose
contracts if they do not adhere to the data security compliance set up by the
government.
While
it is a costly exercise to create a data security program in the enterprise,
not investing in it would mean that the business will not be approved for
government contracts and works. This will cause further losses. Enterprises
have no real option but to improve their security system according to the
regulations set by the government and higher authorities.
But
how do enterprises do this? Is it possible to take it up without outside
support?
Well,
yes, enterprises can handle compliance programs on their own. But it is not
recommended. Enterprises will find it easier to take the assistance of reputed
cybersecurity service providers who have the required expertise and
certifications in creating and implementing Data
Security Compliance Programs based on
the specified parameters.
The
cybersecurity companies follow a stage-wise process to understand the current
security systems of the enterprise and then come up with a comprehensive plan
to enhance the security system from all sides. The actual steps may vary based
on how the companies implement their plans, but the below steps are more or
less followed by every cybersecurity company.
·
Understand the Business and Security
Obligations
Not
all compliance programs have to be followed by every enterprise. Before getting
straight away to the technical details of data security, it is important to
understand the nature and the limitations of the business. This will help in
measuring the existing security system, the expected security requirements, and
the gap between these two.
·
Identifying the Risks Faced by the
Enterprise
When
the cybersecurity company assesses the current security systems used by the
enterprise, it will get a clear picture of the risks faced by the business. A
security audit will give a complete review of the strengths and weaknesses of
the enterprise in terms of data security. This information is used to mark the
weak zones to enhance their security.
·
Choosing a Framework for Data Security
Compliance
The
International Organization for Standardization (ISO) has released a set of
compliance programs for enterprises. Various other such frameworks provide a
detailed set of instructions for the businesses to comply with if they need to
be certified for following and implementing the benchmarked security programs.
Depending on the nature of the enterprise, the security framework is selected
for implementation.
·
Implementing the Compliance Programs
in the Enterprise
This
is a time-consuming and labor-intensive process. It also requires investing in
security systems. Whether it is cybersecurity or physical security, every
detail is considered and implemented across the enterprise in multiple
stages.
·
Documenting the New Policies
This
is yet another crucial step for enterprises. The new programs and policies have to be
documented as proof of upgraded security systems
and also to explain the changes to the employees. Any change in the enterprise
will affect its employees, and this is no exception.
·
Assigning Responsibilities to
Authorized Employees
Selected
employees are authorized to access the restricted areas in the enterprise, be
it the data centers or in-house servers. Employees are also provided authorized
access to cloud storage to update, retrieve, save, and edit sensitive data. The
employees are selected for authorization based on their job profiles.
·
Training and Communicating the Changes
to the Rest of the Employees
What
about the rest of the employees? As mentioned above, the employees are made
aware of the new policies and are trained to work with the latest security
systems. The sooner employees get used to the changes, the easier it will be
for the enterprise to complete the contracts and apply for more.
·
Reviewing the Compliance
Programs
Implementing
the programs and training the employees about the new systems and policies is
not enough. The Data Security Compliance Programs have to be
monitored and upgraded regularly to ensure that there are no weak points in the
security system, which could result in a breach. The programs have to be
reviewed and assessed to confirm that they have been successful and that the
enterprise is eligible to gain contracts from government agencies.
Enterprises
will benefit from taking the assistance of cybersecurity companies to upgrade
their security compliance programs as per the regulations. Enterprises can
contact the leading cybersecurity company in the market and request a
consultation.