Secure Data Management is the method of establishing standard procedures and company policies that ensure the security and integrity of data over time. This includes limiting data access by using passwords, strong encryption tools and the requirement of two-factor authentication for all logins. It is also crucial to ensure that databases are set up with the best practices to protect against attacks, minimize loss in the case of breaches and make it simpler for users to identify the data that has been compromised.
It is important to remember that this is a process and that businesses should make it a top priority to follow the guidelines at all times, or risk facing the consequences of not being accountable for their customer data. This could result in lawsuits, bad publicity, and even the chance to lose customers who have switched brands in the wake of a data breach.
Step 1 – Inventory All Users and categorize – This involves defining all of the groups of users who must interact with the system and define the basic rights they have to be. This doesn’t have to be an exact science however, it should be as precise as is possible to ensure that access controls are not too wide and useless.
After this is completed once this is done, it’s time to create a chain of custody for all interactions with the system as well as any changes to data. This will make it easier to defend any future lawsuits and will provide peace of mind for customers who are concerned about their personal data being shared with the wrong parties.