The Importance of Data Security in 2024
Introduction An organization comprises several sectors or departments. And the synchronization of all their activities makes the organization functional. How does the importance of data security come into play?. Data is an important part of every business and organization. It‘s use is versatile and broad. Organizations make use of data to know the pain points of their target audience, scope out the competition and do marketing. This article reveals the basics of data security and highlights its importance. Read on. What is Data Security? Data security is the process an organization takes to keep data safe from compromise, cyber attacks, mishandling, and other woes. All businesses, whether large, medium, or small, are at constant risk of data breaches—emphasis on ‘constant’. While SMEs think they aren’t on the target list, that couldn’t be more false. Small and medium businesses have proven to be easier targets of cyberattacks because they don’t have a comprehensive data security system. As a matter of fact, statistics show that SMEs will make up a large percentage of the total victims of attacks in 2024. Large corporations are not left out either, but they usually have better ways of securing data. Regardless, the financial implications of a successful data breach frustrate the big guns. The importance of data security goes beyond the one stated above. It is a legal requirement under several data protection laws, like the GDPR, NDPR, and the Data Protection Act of 2023. These laws mandate organizations to secure the personal data of employees and clients against unauthorized access, loss, and compromise. Failure to comply with the data security requirements of these laws incurs severe penalties. Differences Between Data Security and Cyber Security While the application of these terms overlaps, they cannot always mean the same thing. Data security is simply concerned with safeguarding data; on the other hand, cyber security protects the entire digital assets and computer system of an organization. For better comprehension, cybersecurity is the fence protecting the building (digital assets and computer systems) and data security is the door protecting a room (databases) in the building. Types of Data Security There are several ways you can safeguard data as an organization. You can use any combination of these methods you find suitable for your business. Below are some of the most common types of data security. Data encryption Data encryption is the logical scrambling of a dataset to prevent unauthorized parties from understanding it. This is perfect because hackers and other vile people cannot read it without a decryption key. Data erasure Data erasure is exactly as the name implies. After processing data for the intended use(s), you’ll need to get rid of them in accordance with the GDPR and NDPA. This method gets the job done without leaving a trace. Data backup Data backup involves storing another copy of the information on a secure external database. Do not mix it up with data storage. When you lose the original copy, you can easily retrieve the secondary copy as a replacement. This ensures data resiliency (continuity of data after loss or compromise). Data masking Although similar to data encryption, this method is a bit different. Rather than scrambling the data, some characters in the data are replaced with entirely different characters. This makes the information unreadable without the password. Authentication This is probably the most important type of data security. Here’s how it works. To access a particular data or database, authorized users must prove that their identity is accurate. This can be done with a login and password system. Biometrics like fingerprints and rectinal scans are further steps to authentication—two-factor authentication. Firewalls A firewall secures data by blocking access from certain IP addresses. importance of Data Security The importance of data security cannot be overemphasized. These are some reasons why you should take data security seriously in your organization. Unnecessary expenditure Businesses are always on the receiving ends of data insecurity. The reason why is that corporations have to spend significant amounts of money to reverse the damages inflicted during data loss, compromise, and theft. Aside from that, the owners of compromised data can seek to file lawsuits against the institution careless enough to lose data. Such actions take a toll on the company’s pocket. Automated attacks The importance of data security shows itself here. Hackers found an easier way to attack in the form of BOT attacks. It’s an automated system with which they can consistently raid your database without breaking a sweat. To combat this, all businesses need to update their data security systems. Reputational damage Absolutely no one would trust a brand known to always lose their data. Most data held by organizations is very personal and sensitive. Examples are names, bank details, health status, social media passwords, etc. The illegal release of such data is dangerous to its owners, as impersonations, targeted attacks, and online scams will be issued against them. Therefore, organizations need to secure data to protect brand image. Data integrity The integrity of data relies on its reliability and accuracy. This means that for data to maintain its integrity, it must be void of compromises or variations as much as possible. You can maintain data integrity through the centralization of data storage and putting it on various servers. This ensures that uncompromised data is available at all times. GDPR Compliance The General Data Protection Regulation is the law that guides organizations towards data protection in the EU. Although an EU law, the GDPR is regarded as the most comprehensive data protection regulation in the world. organizations In compliance with the GDPR, businesses and organizations have to implement foolproof data security systems. Why? The law penalizes defaulting entities with fines, sanctions, and even outright bans. Conclusion In 2024, data security will be a must for all organizations—small, medium, and large. With it, you can prevent financial loss and reputational damage in addition to complying with legal regulations like GDPR. endeavor to mount more data security methods in your organization; you’ll be better for it. Want more info on
The GDPR Compliance Requirements Checklist.
GDPR compliance is not a foreign concept. But, many organizations do not know what GDPR is, nor do they know how to comply. Compliance with the GDPR should not be regarded as just a legal obligation. Considering that 47% of users have changed providers due to data privacy concerns, it’s also a perfect growth strategy for all businesses. This article contains an overview of the GDPR and a 9-step GDPR compliance checklist. GDPR Overview As the digital era approaches its peak, the value of data has become immeasurable. Businesses of all scales and types now depend heavily on the use of data. From marketing and research intents to sizing up the competition, data has deeply ingrained itself into the global setting. As a result, data protection—from accidental loss or compromise and cyberattacks—became paramount. What Is The GDPR? The GDPR stands for General Data Protection Regulation. It’s the European Union’s effort towards personal data protection of its citizens. Enacted in 2018, it grants individuals (data subjects) control over their personal data and holds organizations accountable for data protection. GDPR compliance benefits are numerous. First, you avoid the hefty penalties imposed. Yes, there are penalties for non-compliance with the GDPR. In fact, as of 1 March 2024, a total of 2,086 fines (+510 in comparison to the GDPR Enforcement Tracker Report 2023) have been recorded. Next, it fosters brand trust and attracts more clients from the EU, which is impressive. Basic Requirements of the GDPR The GDPR requires certain actions from organisations or data handlers towards data protection. These requirements are referred to as the principles of the GDPR. alternatively called the principles of data protection, it is necessary to know these principles to achieve maximum GDPR compliance. Companies processing personal data: Must be transparent about the whole process. Must do so for legitimate and clear reasons We must not collect more data than is necessary. Relative to the purpose of data processing Must make sure collected data is accurate and correct all inaccuracies immediately. Must keep data for as long as necessary. Must protect data from unlawful access and processing. Must be able to show their compliance with the GDPR. Aside these basic principles, some other GDPR requirements exist, such as; Data subject rights, risk assessments for data protection, and consent. The GDPR principles are a large part of the GDPR compliance checklist. Who Does the GDPR Apply To? The GDPR applies to every organization that processes personal data belonging to EU citizens and residents. The organization doesn’t have to be in the EU; it can be anywhere in the world. For example, a healthcare centre in Africa is subject to the GDPR when it treats an EU citizen. The same goes for online businesses, as they can’t know for sure the location of their clients. Who Is Responsible for GDPR Compliance? For GDPR compliance, there a “data controller vs. processor” tug of war going on. While both data controllers and processors have obligations to data protection, the controller is held responsible for GDPR compliance. Comprehensive GDPR Compliance Checklist According to Cybersecurity Ventures, the global annual cost of cybercrime is predicted to reach $9.5 trillion in 2024 and $10.5 trillion by 2025. This is enough motivation for you to tighten data protection in your organization. While you might feel invisible as an SME, you aren’t off the radar. In Nigeria, for example, SMEs were majorly hit by cyberattacks in 2022. To reduce the chances of your organisation falling victim, you should consider GDPR compliance. How? Here’s a comprehensive GDPR compliance checklist to help you get started. Step 1: Know Your Data. You can’t fight what you don’t know, can you? Of course not. Likewise, data protection. As an organisation, take a step back and understand what you aim to protect. With this, you can find the best protection measures. What data are you collecting? What category does it fall under? How sensitive is it? Step 2: Practice safe data collection procedures. When it comes to GDPR compliance, the best foundation is built on data collection best practices. Per the GDPR principles, ensure you communicate the precise purpose of the data processing. Consent is another box to tick. Although you have communicated the purpose with the data subjects, sometimes data processing can only happen with their full consent. So, explain how the data will be used and stored. Obtain explicit consent (make use of forms and checkboxes, not pre-ticked) when necessary. Keep records of the consent. It’ll serve as evidence of compliance. Better still, implement a capable privacy consent management system in place. You need to know that the GDPR has its own standard for valid consent. So learn how to write a GDPR consent statement. Step 3: Facilitate data subject rights. The GDPR gives data subjects certain rights, which are: Right to be informed: this is in line with step 2 above. Ensure you communicate the data processing procedure. Right of access: be ready; at any time, data subjects can request a copy of their personal data. Also ask for information to help understand what you’re doing with their data. Right to erasure: data subjects can request that their personal data be erased. Terms and conditions apply here, though. Rectification rights: individuals have a right to have inaccurate data corrected. Right to restrict processing: under the GDPR, individuals can limit how an organization uses their data. Objection to processing: data subjects have the right, under the GDPR, to stop controllers from processing their data. Data portability: Individuals have the right to obtain the personal data they have supplied to a controller in a structured, widely used, and machine-readable format. Also, they can ask the controller to transfer this data directly to another controller. Automated decision-making rights: Individuals have the right not to be subjected to decisions that rely entirely on automated processing (including profiling) and that have legal consequences for them. This part is very important to tick “done” on the GDPR compliance checklist. Step 4: Appoint a DPO Article 37 of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) mandates the appointment
What Is Database Activity Monitoring (DAM)? Benefits, Features, Techniques And Software
All organizations have one major life source in common: data, and it’s constantly under siege with cyberattacks by malicious actors. A successful instance of such attacks leads to data breaches, which typically spell doom for businesses. Eventually, the consequences of data breaches, such as identity theft, online scams, financial implications, and reputational damage, pushed organisations to data protection. As a key component in protecting data from external threats, organizations emphasize data security. Data security is a very complex procedure, and owing to the large database most entities possess, the risk of a data breach is almost 100%. Common threats to databases are: SQL Injection: The use of malicious SQL codes to manipulate databases for information access. These are one of the most common web hacking techniques. Malware Attacks: These use software embedded in the database to disable it or steal information. Denial of Service attacks involve flooding a database with queries to stunt or shutdown its performance. In this article, you’ll find information on Database Activity Monitoring, its architectures, features, examples, and a DAM solution checklist. What is Database Activity Monitoring? Any solution used to monitor and analyze database activity in real-time. It is a compilation of tools that help identify and report illegal and negative activities with minimal impact on user operations. The process of monitoring database activity has gone past analyzing user activity in and around related database management systems. Nowadays, DAM works by combining several methods like memory scraping, network sniffing, database audit logs, and reading system tables to paint an accurate picture of the database activities. Why Do Organisations Need DAM? Most databases have one problem, It’s the lack of records. Should a cybercriminal wiggle his/her way into the database, they have enough access to carry out their crimes and wipe out all traces undetected. Considering that data breach discovery already takes too much time, the case above further lengthens the time frame. So, organizations, especially the large ones, need a system that actively monitors each and every activity on databases in detail. Benefits of Database Activity Monitoring Keeps a log of database activities; every activity is recorded, including the identity of the person. Ensures compliance: This is an aspect overlooked by many organizations. DAM is important, since 137 out of 194 countries have laws and regulations to guard the data of their citizens. DAM helps organizations comply with laws like NDPR, CCPA, and the revered GDPR. These regulations carry serious penalties, such as fines and sanctions for non-compliance. Implements division of labor amongst data administrators Generates alerts for data breaches: a lot of times, data breaches occur at the hands of unauthorized entities. DAM alerts the administration of instances of unauthorized access in real time. Key Features of Database Activity Monitoring There are certain features that define DAM. Some of them are as follows: Enhanced data privacy: proactively identifying vulnerable data Automatic identification and classification of different types of databases, such as RDBMS, NoSQL, in-memory, distributed, and big data systems. Safe storage and auditing of database activities and logs in a location separate from the monitored database. Better insight into application traffic and greater accountability for end users. Facilitation of informed decision-making through advanced analytics and reporting. Cross-Platform Compatibility: Supports on-premises, cloud, and hybrid environments. Common Challenges In Database Activity Monitoring Although DAM has been established as an essential part of data security, there are a few hurdles that make its implementation difficult. Encrypted Data: many data are encrypted to prevent unauthorized access. While it’s a welcome data security practice, it can mask both legitimate and suspicious activity. Large Volume of Data: some organizations hold large volumes of data. This may strain database activity monitoring systems. System Performance Impact: use of profilers, logging, and agents can slow down the performance of the database system. Database Activity Monitoring Tools and Techniques Database Profilers: These tools help to understand the database workload by tracking performance metrics such as; CPU Usage Memory usage User sessions Resource pools Connection statistics Query performance Buffer Cache details System and user errors Automated Monitoring Solutions: Examples, Datadog and Nagios, are perfect for continuous oversight of databases. They watch over performance metrics non-stop and give red alerts for suspicious activities. Common Database Activity Monitoring Architectures There are 3 main architectures to implement DAM, which are interception-based, memory-based, and log-based. Interception-Based Most DAM systems in the present day monitor databases by intercepting the communication between database server and client. This interference can happen at several points, like, Database memory level Network level Operating system level Database library level This type of architecture can prove too slow to catch unauthorized queries. Memory-Based Some DAM systems use a small, simple tool that links to secure databases. This tool constantly checks a part of the system where data is stored (SSystem Global Area-SGA) to collect and monitor SQL commands as they run. This approach provides comprehensive coverage of all database transactions. It can also be used to secure databases regardless of their locations (cloud or any IT infrastructure). Log-Based Some Database Activity Monitoring (DAM) systems can retrieve valuable information by inspecting the logs that record changes to the database. These logs keep track of all the changes and can provide useful details about the transactions that have occurred. By analyzing these redo logs, they can gather a lot of important data. A downside of this architecture is that not all the data needed for DAM is stored in redo logs. Therefore, the system will need augmentation from native audit trail information. Database Activity Monitoring Tool Checklist This is a checklist organizations can use to select a DAM tool most suitable with minimal effects on their databases. Should provide real-time ongoing monitoring of all SQL traffic, including network-based SQL traffic. Should be able to start a TCP when blocking a session to ensure the database remains unchanged. Should be able to send alerts over multiple channels. Should use minimal network bandwidth when checking incoming SQL statements to the gateway. Should not take up more than 3% of CPU and disk resources. Top Database Activity Monitoring Tools Varonis IBM Guardium SolarWinds Database
How to Choose the Right Data Protection Service Consultancy In Nigeria
is a necessity for every functioning organization. While it is important, most organisations need assistance in the form of data protection service consultancy. In this article, you will learn what a data protection service consultancy is, its needs, the services, and how to choose the right consultancy. What is a Data Protection Service Consultancy? It’s a service that provides organisations with expert advice on how to protect sensitive data from loss, compromise, or unauthorised access. Data protection service consultancy includes a general assessment of the existing system. It is compliance with data protection regulations and the identification of potential data breaches. Also, data protection practices are implemented. This service may also include employee training on safeguarding data. What is the Need for Data Protection Service Consultancy? Data collection, processing, and use form the core of every organisation, small or large. In recent times, there has been a rise in ransomware and phishing attacks on companies’ databases. Hence, the need to protect data from such threats, mishandling, and loss. Due to the importance of data protection, several laws and regulations have been established. These guide businesses on how to protect the sensitive information of their clients, making the process more complex. On one hand, organisations need data protection; on the other, they do not know how. This is where data protection service consultancy comes in. At a cost, organisations can have their entire data security system appraised and updated by agencies well-versed in the area. Services Covered by Data Protection Consultancy 1. Data Protection Audits This is the process that takes a critical look at the data protection practices of an organisation to determine its effectiveness. Data Protection Audits are important for businesses to identify inadequacies in their protection systems. Are data protection audits compulsory? Yes, they are. As a matter of fact, the ICO (Information Commissioner Office) has the power to carry out compulsory audits of organisations according to S146 of the Data Protection Act, 2018. So, if you know anything about protecting data, you might want to have an audit as soon as possible. 2. Data Protection Impact Assessment (DPIA) Data protection impact assessment is a process that helps identify and reduce the data protection risks associated with a project. DPIA is carried out when a project is large, deals with personal data, or processes the data of sensitive individuals. Resource: Why You Need A DPIA A data protection service consultant will determine the risk and provide a solid plan on how to reduce it to the smallest. Not sure if you need a DPIA? Check the ISO checklist. 3. Data Protection Training Data protection training is an important part of data protection service consultancy, where staff and stakeholders of organisations are educated on the laws and best practices in data protection. The scope of data protection training largely depends on what the business needs.For example, a company unable to follow GDPR will undergo GDPR compliance training. It is also important that data protection training be conducted at reasonable intervals. 4. GDPR Compliance The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a set of rules made to protect the data of European Union (EU) citizens. The consequences of non-compliance with these rules can be dire—up to 4% of annual global turnover, or €20 million. As part of the activities covered, a consultancy will check your organisation’s data protection system for inadequacies and offer help to ensure it becomes GDPR compliant. 5. Outsourced Data Protection Officer (DPO) Data protection consultancies also help organisations with compliance and data protection regulations like the GDPR by assigning a professional well-versed in the laws and practices of data safety. Outsourced DPO services are beneficial to small businesses, especially. Since they don’t have the internal resources to fulfil the role. Resource: Why You Need a DPO Another benefit of this service is that businesses can avoid the extra cost of hiring a full-time employee. Also, they gain full access to expert guidance at the same time. The roles of a DPO include: Monitoring Compliance: Ensures the organization adheres to data protection laws and policies. Advising on Legal Obligations: Provides guidance on compliance with data protection regulations. Risk Assessment: Identifies and mitigates data protection risks in organizational processes. Conducting Audits: Evaluates internal practices to ensure alignment with data protection standards. Liaison with Authorities: Acts as the point of contact for supervisory authorities like data protection regulators. Employee Training: Educates staff about their responsibilities regarding data protection. Data Protection Impact Assessments (DPIAs): Oversees and advises on DPIAs to evaluate the impact of processing activities on data protection. Handling Data Breaches: Manages and reports data breaches as required by law. Fostering Data Privacy Culture: Promotes awareness of data protection principles across the organization. 6. Data Localization Data localisation is the act of keeping data in the region it originated from. For example, if an organisation gets data from Nigeria, they store the data in Nigeria. In times when data can be transferred over the internet at lightning speed, the movement of data and its use have the interest of all data protection stakeholders. Consultancies help businesses localise data by offering data centres or cloud services that have data centres in the required locations. This data protection service reduces the cost of setting up several data centres from scratch for businesses operating in many countries and offers premium data protection. 7. Data Breach Management Many enterprises fall victim to data breaches once in a while. What is more important is how it is managed. Data protection consultancies offer this service to help organisations overcome such occurrences by creating and initiating an incident response plan, assembling an incident response team, and sending public notifications. 8. Data Digitization Data digitisation is the process of converting analogue information to digital format. Organisations handling significant amounts of sensitive data must use this service. These include financial institutions, legal practices, and medical facilities. The digitisation of data makes it easier for them to protect the personal data of their clients. How to Choose the Right Data Protection Service Consultancy When it comes to data protection, one size does not fit all. For that, selecting the right consultancy is
A Fresh Look for Johan Consults Ltd.: Introducing Our New Logo!
Over the years, Johan Consult Nigeria Limited has been a trusted resource for Nigerians seeking the best data protection and compliance. This commitment to excellence has helped put many top organisations in a safe and secure position, ensuring the highest standards of data privacy. As we continue to evolve and lead the way in data protection, we’re excited to unveil a brand new look that reflects our ongoing dedication to this vital field. This new logo reflects our commitment to remaining at the forefront of data security and compliance. Why the Change? Our previous logo served us well, but we felt it was time for another look that better represents our brand. However, our new logo is designed to be: Modern: Data protection and compliance practices are constantly changing and our new logo reflects that spirit. Its clean lines and modern look convey our sense of expertise. Memorable and Impactful: Our new logo is visually appealing and easy to remember. This is good for making a strong lasting impression. and help us solidify our position as a trusted leader in the data protection space. Professional and Trustworthy: At the heart of everything we do at Johan Consult is a commitment to data security and our client’s privacy. This new logo is meant to inspire and help reassure our clients that they are dealing with a company that is serious in what they do. Enhanced Brand Recognition: The new logo better represents our name, Johan Consult. This will help strengthen our brand identity and make us easier to identify. Improved User Experience: The logo is clear and concise, improving the user experience on our website and other platforms. Aligning with Our Values: Lastly, our new logo reflects our core values, innovation, reliability, and precision. Continuing Our Commitment With a Seamless Transition As you must have been already, our new logo is gracing our website, media, and social media posts and platforms. Regardless, this will not in any way affect our operations and services to you. We are always available to help with your data protection and compliance needs. We remain passionate about helping businesses navigate the ever-changing data landscape and ensure the highest level of security for their sensitive information. You can contact us or book a free 3-minute consultation. We hope the new logo resonates with you as much as resonates with us. As we continue to innovate and expand our services, we’ll keep you informed.
NDPR: An Overview of The Nigeria Data Protection Regulation
Organizations all over the world are facing a great challenge, “how to safeguard data”. The process of safeguarding data, known as data protection, is a delicate one. Companies, small, medium, and large, are exposed to data threats like cyberattacks, accidental loss, and compromise. Where the wrong persons access data, forgeries, targeted attacks, and impersonations are some of the consequences. This pushed countries—Nigeria included—to lay ground rules to guide organizations through protecting the data of their citizens. Examples are the NDPR, GDPR, UK GDPR, etc. In this article, you’ll learn all there is to know about the Nigerian Data Protection Regulation(NDPR) What is the NDPR? The full NDPR meaning is NIGERIAN DATA PROTECTION REGULATION. It is a set of rules guiding the protection of Nigerian data by organizations. The Nigerian Data Protection Regulation has four objectives, which are: Territorial scope of the NDPR Just like most data protection laws, its reach extends beyond Nigerian borders. The NDPR applies to any organization processing the personal data of Nigerian citizens (home or abroad), regardless of its geographical location. For instance, If an organization in the EU wants to process the personal data of a Nigerian citizen, it has to follow the NDPR. When was the NDPR Established? The establishment of the Nigerian Data Protection Regulation occurred in January 2019 by the National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA). Who Regulates NDPR? In the initial stages, the NITDA was the regulatory body. However, there was a need to create a separate body for the NDPR. The NITDA was stretched beyond what was necessary. The Nigeria Data Protection Bureau (NDPB) was established as the regulatory body. The purposes of NDPB are: Principles of the NDPR The Nigerian Data Protection Regulation has some principles guiding organizations (data controllers) Consent Organizations must get the full consent of the data subjects before collecting, processing, and storing data. The subjects must give consent freely with no trace of foul play. The data subjects also have the right to withdraw their consent. Lawfulness Data can only be collected for lawful purposes. Organizations must clarify the reasons for data collection, processing, and storage. Such purposes should be clearly disclosed to the data subjects. Accuracy Another principle is Accuracy. All the data collected by organizations must be correct. Any inaccuracy should be rectified immediately. Data minimization Data collected can only be processed for the stated purposes. It is unlawful to process data for any reason contradicting the initial purposes. Security Organizations must take specific precautions to ensure data security. This includes measures against unauthorized access, disclosure, loss, and alterations of personal data. Rights of data subjects. Also, the NDPR has provisions for data subjects. Individuals have the clear right to halt the processing of their data. They can also request access, erasure, and correction. Differences between the NDPR and NDPA. NDPA stands for the Nigerian Data Protection Act. Its issuance was in February 2023. The NDPA is the current data protection law in Nigeria. Its issuance did not completely overrule the previous laws—NDPR and the Data Protection Bill. Rather, they were placed under its umbrella. While the NDPA covers most of the NDPR, it lacks the specificity of the latter. The major difference between the two lies in the definition of terms. In summary, the NDPA and NDPR are more similar than different. In times where there is a conflict between the two, the NDPA is supreme. NDPR and GDPR The Nigerian Data Protection Regulation (NDPR) and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) are the regulations for data protection in Nigeria and the EU, respectively. When it comes to it, the penalties are different. Non-compliance with the GDPR comes with a fine of up to 4% of the annual global profit or €20 million, whichever is higher. The NDPR non-compliance penalty is less severe. A fine of up to 2% annual global profit or 10 million Naira, whichever is greater. Nigerian Data Protection Regulation is an adaptation of the GDPR. GDPR is more comprehensive, with a broader scope. In conclusion The Nigerian Data Protection Regulation is important for safeguarding data in Nigeria, and meeting international standards while addressing local needs. Compliance with the NDPR will help organizations avoid penalties and foster trust among the client community. Are you an organization looking to scale up your NDPR and GDPR compliance? You can reach out to us at Johan Consults and be sure to get the best.
