Did you know that 88% of data leaks are caused by human error and not by external attacks? The security of your data faces its greatest threat within your own organization. Thousands of companies lose sensitive information every day because they lack basic protections for their critical data. Protecting your confidential information does not require complex measures. The right procedures and specific tools will allow you to safeguard your company’s critical data effectively. We will show you 5 practical and simple steps to prevent loss of sensitive information and keep your data protected. These steps will help you build a solid defense against the most common data leaks. Remember that our email address validation service checks for information leaks associated with verified email addresses.
Identify Critical Information
The identification of critical information determines the success of your data leakage strategy. Data has become one of the most valuable assets for any organization [1]. We will show you how to protect it systematically and effectively.
Classification of sensitive data
Remember that the first step is to establish a clear classification of your information according to its level of sensitivity. Critical data includes:
- Financial and commercial information
- Customer personal data
- Intellectual Property
- Strategic documentation
- Critical operational information
Without proper classification, your company will make mistakes when protecting your information [1]. This basis determines the effectiveness of your protection measures.
Mapping of information assets
Asset mapping allows you to document and control all valuable information resources in your organization. [16]. Este proceso fortalece la seguridad y resiliencia de tu empresa [16]. Para mapear tus activos de manera efectiva:
- Identify key departments
- Determines what information they handle
- Document data flows
- Establishes criticality levels
Collaboration with each department will help you understand what data is critical to their operations [17]. This will create a centralized view of your most valuable information.
Evaluation of potential risks
Do you know what threats your critical information faces? Many companies make decisions based on poor quality data, losing competitive advantages [15]. To assess your risks effectively:
- Identify vulnerabilities in your systems
- Evaluates threat probabilities
- Determines potential impacts
- Prioritize according to severity
- Develops specific protections
Keep in mind that most companies store data with errors, inconsistencies and duplicates in multiple systems [15]. Because of this, you should keep a detailed record of each critical asset, including location, owner and security measures [17].
Implement Access Controls
Access controls represent your main defense against information leaks. We will show you how to implement them correctly to protect your critical data.
User privilege management
We recommend that you manage user privileges as a first security measure. You should assign permissions based on the specific work needs of each employee, avoiding unnecessary access to confidential data [5]. To manage privileges effectively:
- Establish roles with specific functions
- Review permits on a quarterly basis
- Updates accesses when changing responsibilities
- Eliminates privileges upon termination of employment
Two-factor authentication
Remember that two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a crucial layer of security that significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access [6]. The most secure methods include:
- Physical keychain tokens
- Mobile push notifications
- Unique SMS codes
- Voice verification
The implementation of 2FA is especially important to protect sensitive information and critical resources of your company [7].
Activity monitoring
Do you know how to detect suspicious behavior on your system? Continuous monitoring allows you to quickly identify and respond to potential threats [8]. To maximize your monitoring system:
- Set up real-time alerts
- Document all accesses
- Periodic audit program
- Implements anomaly detection
Keep in mind that a system that is too restrictive may cause employees to look for ways to circumvent security [9]. On the other hand, a system that is too permissive leaves vulnerabilities exposed. Daily monitoring will help you detect signs of possible information leaks [10]. This includes checking for unusual access patterns, suspicious file transfers and modifications in user privileges.
Establish Security Policies
Security policies protect your company’s sensitive information. Statistics show that about 90% of data breaches occur due to human error due to lack of IT security knowledge [11].
Protocol development
We recommend that you establish a framework of protocols that includes:
- Detailed classification of confidential data
- Specific access policies
- Device and network standards
- Procedures for sensitive data
- Secure communication protocols
Keep in mind that your policies should be clear and easy to understand for all staff [12]. Regular updating will help you protect against new threats.
Staff training
Do you know how to keep your team prepared against threats? Training should be ongoing, not a one-time event [13]. Your program needs to include:
- Information on current threats
- Safe data practices
- Detection of risk signals
- Incident protocols
- Regular practical exercises
Studies confirm that effective training helps your staff understand their role in security and maintain vigilance with sensitive data [13].
Response procedures
Remember to clearly document your response procedures. The law requires you to notify the Data Protection Authority within 72 hours of an incident [14]. Your action plan should include:
- Identification of origin
- Notification to affected parties
- Containment measures
- Incident Record
- Subsequent analysis
Regular assessments will allow you to detect vulnerabilities and adjust training as needed [13]. Security training should be integrated from day one so that new employees know your specific protocols [13].
Protect Technical Infrastructure
Your technical infrastructure represents the ultimate barrier against information leaks. Did you know that only 3% of information leaks involve encrypted data? This demonstrates the importance of implementing robust technical measures [15].
Data encryption
Remember that encryption is the basis of modern data security. [16]. Te recomendamos implementar estos tipos de cifrado:
- Symmetric encryption for local files
- Asymmetric encryption for communications
- End-to-end encryption for data in transit
- Encryption at rest for storage
Proper implementation of encryption minimizes the economic impact of potential leaks [17]. This step is especially crucial for data in the cloud, where information is more exposed to unauthorized access.
Network security
How do you protect your network against lateral movement during a breach? Network segmentation is critical [15]. We will help you strengthen your security by implementing a zero trust model, where data is the new perimeter [15]. Role-based access control and multi-factor authentication form the basis of a secure network. DLP(Data Loss Prevention) technologies show you how your employees use enterprise data [15].
Updates and patches
Operating systems and applications need regular updates to fix security flaws [18]. Para proteger tu infraestructura:
- Program regular updates
- Prioritizes according to critical level
- Test before implementing
- Document each update
- Set up automatic updates
Keep in mind that 70% of breaches occur due to unpatched vulnerabilities [19]. Keep your systems up to date, especially those that handle sensitive information. Patch automation helps you maintain consistent security. However, you must balance updates with system stability by testing before each deployment [20].
Manage Third Parties and Suppliers
Did you know that the average company shares sensitive data with more than 583 third-party vendors [4]? Effective third-party management determines the security of your information.
External risk assessment
We recommend that you conduct a thorough risk assessment for each supplier. The data is alarming: 98% of organizations have worked with suppliers that suffered security breaches [4]. Evaluate these critical aspects:
- Data security practices
- Privacy Policy
- Continuity plans
- Incident history
- Regulatory compliance
- Financial stability
Confidentiality agreements
Remember that confidentiality agreements are your first legal defense. Your agreement should specify:
- Definition of confidential information
- Limits on use and disclosure
- Protection obligations
- Duration of the agreement
- Penalties for noncompliance
Keep in mind that these agreements must remain in place during and after the business relationship [2]. Protection should cover all sensitive data, both physical and electronic.
Security audits
How do you verify that your suppliers meet the agreed standards? Regular audits are essential. However, 80% of organizations devote minimal resources to auditing suppliers, although 65% rely significantly on third parties [3]. To audit effectively, implement:
Initial evaluation:
- Verification of credentials
- Policy review
- Technical evaluation
Continuous monitoring:
- Indicator tracking
- Verification of compliance
- Incident evaluation
Audits need defined periods and specific resources [3]. Adjust their frequency according to the risk level of each supplier. We suggest implementing a rating system to prioritize suppliers that handle critical information. High-risk suppliers require more frequent evaluations [21]. Risk management does not end with the signing of the contract. Maintain constant monitoring and update your security measures to adapt to new threats.
Conclusion
We have shown you how to protect your business information through an approach that combines technical measures, clear policies and the involvement of your staff. The five steps presented will help you build a solid defense against data leaks. What is the key to success? We recommend maintaining a balance between security and usability. Remember to update your protocols regularly, train your team and evaluate the effectiveness of your protection measures. Keep in mind that threats are constantly evolving. However, with these well-implemented strategies, your company will be able to face current and future challenges in the protection of sensitive data.
FAQs
Q1. What are the key steps to prevent information leakage?
Key steps include identifying critical information, implementing robust access controls, establishing clear security policies, protecting technical infrastructure, and properly managing third parties and vendors.
Q2. Why is it important to train personnel in information security?
Staff training is crucial because most information leaks are caused by human error. An effective training program helps employees to understand their responsibility for the security of the company and to remain vigilant when handling sensitive data.
Q3. What technical measures are essential to protect sensitive information?
Essential technical measures include encrypting data, implementing robust network security, and keeping all systems and applications up to date with the latest security patches.
Q4. How can the risk associated with external suppliers be effectively managed?
To manage risk from external suppliers, it is important to conduct thorough risk assessments, establish robust confidentiality agreements and conduct regular security audits to verify compliance with agreed standards.
Q5. What role does two-factor authentication play in preventing information leakage?
Two-factor authentication is an additional layer of security that significantly reduces the risk of unauthorized access. It is especially crucial for protecting access to sensitive information and critical company resources.
References
[1] – https://www.incibe.es/sites/default/files/contenidos/guias/doc/guia_ciberseguridad_gestion_fuga_informacion_0.pdf [2] – https://www.aprendaredes.com/titulo-descifrando-la-importancia-de-los-activos-de-informacion-critica-10-ejemplos-clave/ [3] – https://www.aprendaredes.com/estrategia-para-identificar-activos-de-informacion-critica/ [4] – https://www.computerweekly.com/es/cronica/Identificar-informacion-critica-con-gestion-de-datos-maestros-permite-impulsar-los-negocios [5] – https://learn.microsoft.com/es-es/compliance/assurance/assurance-data-exfiltration-access-controls [6] – https://www.microsoft.com/es-es/security/business/security-101/what-is-two-factor-authentication-2fa [7] – https://auth0.com/es/learn/two-factor-authentication [8] – https://seon.io/es/recursos/monitoreo-de-actividad-de-usuarios/ [9] – https://www.incibe.es/empresas/blog/recomendaciones-gestion-identidades-eficiente
[10] – https://www.syteca.com/es/product/user-activity-monitoring
[11] – https://www.hillstonenet.lat/blog/seguridad-de-la-red/importante-capacitar-al-personal-de-tu-empresa-en-seguridad-informatica/
[12] – https://www.datos101.com/blog/como-implementar-politica-de-seguridad-efectiva-para-proteger-tu-empresa-de-ataques/
[13] – https://latam.kaspersky.com/resource-center/definitions/what-is-security-awareness-training?srsltid=AfmBOoqonJdbuYHMRKIFpPMIXxvTZejincuzRmar0cE-bsS30ykFJn71
[14] – https://iabspain.es/wp-content/uploads/2017/07/guia_practica_adaptacion_reglamento_general_de_proteccion_de_datos.pdf
[15] – https://www.checkpoint.com/es/cyber-hub/network-security/what-is-network-security/network-security-best-practices/
[16] – https://latam.kaspersky.com/resource-center/definitions/encryption?srsltid=AfmBOorXrDhAFi7mn4RUGUSRYk0pPm3zltK8KOyJMKIQqnHasJN4l8cW
[17] – https://www.sealpath.com/es/blog/cifrado-encriptacion-datos-empresas/
[18] – https://www.incibe.es/ciudadania/tematicas/configuraciones-dispositivos/actualizaciones-de-seguridad
[19] – https://www.isc.cl/conoce-la-importancia-de-aplicar-los-parches-de-seguridad/
[20] – https://www.ciberseguridad.eus/ciberpedia/buenas-practicas/parches-de-seguridad-y-actualizaciones
[21] – https://secureframe.com/es-es/blog/vendor-risk-assessment
[22] – https://www.ccn-cert.cni.es/publico/seriesCCN-STIC/series/800-Esquema_Nacional_de_Seguridad/821-Normas_de_Seguridad_en_el_ENS/821-Normas_de_seguridad-abr13-NP50.pdf
[23] – https://blog.orcagrc.com/procedimiento-de-auditoria-para-proveedores
[24] – https://www.servicenow.com/es/products/governance-risk-and-compliance/what-is-third-party-risk-management.html
