Protecting sensitive information through proactive review, encryption, and a culture of cybersecurity
In today's interconnected digital landscape, information sharing is a fundamental aspect of business operations. However, the exchange of data comes with inherent cybersecurity risks, making it vital for organizations to adopt robust measures to protect sensitive information. This installment of the "Reducing Risk" series focuses on how careful review and encryption of sensitive data before sharing with external parties can mitigate cyber threats, safeguard your business, and strengthen trust with clients. Let's explore this essential topic in depth.
Sharing data with external parties can be both necessary and also beneficial for your business, but without proper safeguards, it opens the door to potential data breaches and cyberattacks. Ensuring sensitive data is reviewed, redacted if necessary, and encrypted when shared is a proactive step that can significantly reduce exposure to threats.
Sensitive information, also referred to as personally identifiable information (PII) or non-public personal information (NPI), includes data that could uniquely identify, contact, or locate an individual. This type of information, such as Social Security numbers, financial records, or medical details, is highly coveted by cybercriminals, making its protection a top priority.
Failing to secure shared information can have severe repercussions, including:
Adopting rigorous data-sharing protocols delivers tangible benefits:
To secure your organization's information-sharing processes, consider these actionable steps:
Building a culture that prioritizes cybersecurity involves more than implementing technical safeguards. It requires ongoing collaboration between teams, regular training sessions, and fostering a mindset where security is everyone's responsibility.
In an era of increasing digital threats, safe data-sharing practices are indispensable to reducing cybersecurity risks. By reviewing and encrypting sensitive information, your organization not only protects itself from potential breaches but also demonstrates a commitment to ethical and responsible data handling. These measures not only ensure compliance with regulatory standards but also strengthen client trust, creating a competitive advantage.
By taking proactive steps today to enhance your information-sharing processes, you can better protect your business, safeguard your reputation, and strengthen relationships with your customers in an increasingly complex threat landscape.
Bruce Phillips is Senior Vice President and Chief Information Security Officer for MyHome.