Enterprise Security for Data Sharing
Going by the recent reports of data security breaches even in the big multinational companies, we are facing a stiff and stark reality that we are not effectively stopping the bad guys from breaking into our systems with the malicious intent of stealing data. If you are left wondering why even the big companies have failed in providing enterprise security for data sharing, then know this – securing information is hard. That is because, when a product is designed, it is made marketable first, and safety is an after-thought.
Traditional firewalls no longer hold right as a means of security, and since the notion of a perimeter has long ceased, it becomes a tough task to manage and access data. But the central shield against the fight with the cybercriminals is constant monitoring and commitment.
4 Simple Ways for Ensuring Enterprise Security for Data Sharing
Here are the four simple ways that will go a long way in the protection of confidential data of organizations:
1. Multi-factor Authentication
The first thing that tops the list of data security is enabling multi-factor authentication (MFA). When a user logs in to a mobile device, web-based service, or email account, he is supposed to enter the username and password. The password is the first step in verifying and securing your identity. MFA (Multi-Factor-Authentication) is when it prompts the user to an additional factor to prove the identity.
Examples of multi-factor authentication include the OTP or the one-time password that is received as an SMS text on your mobile. This text contains a unique code that is used in the login process. This generated code will be different every time the user logs in. This MFA adds that extra layer of security against data thefts. Many services like Facebook, Google/Gmail, and plenty of other services, including banks, provide this service of MFA, often called the two-step authentication.
2. Deletion of Confidential Data
The main advantage for the hackers once they gain entry to the user account is the vast data available on it. The users, for reasons whatsoever, never delete the data that they think would put them at the risk of data theft. So pay particular attention to emails and documents which contain sensitive information and remove that as soon as possible from the account. The hacker can easily access data like bank statements, tax returns, or anything related to finance, and the best way to avoid this is to press that ‘delete’ button promptly only.
3. No Reuse of Passwords
Imagine a scenario where you have used the same password for any of your accounts. Of course, you have done it because you cannot manage passwords for multiple accounts. Now due to some recent data breaches, your password has fallen into the hacker’s hands. These hackers have automated tools that will use your password combination across hundreds of websites. When they get a hit, imagine the havoc that they cause by gaining entry either to your e-commerce website or banking account. The damage spreads quickly and easily even before you can comprehend the severity of it. So also though using different passwords is a tough task, it has to be followed diligently so that enterprise security is not at stake.
4. Passphrases and Not Passwords
Passphrases, of late, are becoming popular than the typical eight-character password filled with unique characters, alphabets, and numbers. The passwords, when loaded with all the above, are notoriously hard to remember and are increasingly becoming easier to hack. So then it is no surprise that practices are moving to passphrases. A passphrase is a few strings that you attach, which necessarily does not make sense to be a complete sentence. It is more significant than eight characters but makes complete nonsense to the hackers. It might be your favorite quote or a song or what your mom used to tell you often, which only you would be aware of. Passphrase also contains spaces in between or special characters or numbers and symbols. The difference is that while a password doesn’t make sense, a passphrase even though lengthier makes complete sense to the user.
These are the 4 basic ways to secure your enterprise, thus reducing data thefts and increasing Enterprise security; another security blanket can be in the form of Cloud Access Security Broker (CASB) solutions.