Discover in this article, the benefits of a Data Centric Security strategy.

A Data Centric Security strategy is an approach to cyber security that prioritise the protection of data rather than focusing on networks or infrastructure. The objective of this model is to secure data, wherever it resides, by ensuring its confidentiality, integrity and availability at all times. 

What are the components of Data Centric Security? 

Data Centric Security covers all data, whether it is: 

• At rest: Data is stored in its storage space: physical server, hard disk, Cloud, etc.
  
  
• In use: Data is currently being used in applications or systems.
  
  
• In transit: Data is moving from one point to another, for example between two users. 

Data protection is based on several fundamental principles: 

• Encryption: This process involves making data stored or in transit unreadable. Cyber criminals managing to access the storage space or intercept data exchanges will not be able to view the data. This ensures the confidentiality of information, even in the event of theft or intrusion.
  
  
• Access controls: Data must be protected from fraudulent login attempts. A multifactor authentication (MFA) solution verifies the identity of the user attempting to access it... and blocks malicious requests. Moreover, the principle of least privilege limits access to sensitive data to the smallest possible number of users. The principle is simple: each user only has access to the data they need to perform their tasks, with all other data made inaccessible to them.
  
  
• Logging: Any action related to data is recorded, whether it involves access, deletion, modification, etc. This information is essential for investigating security incidents and detecting potential threats. Logging can be carried out using a Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) system.
  
  
• Backup and replication: Backup creates secure copies of data so that it can be restored in the event of a disaster, loss or cyber attack. Replication duplicates and stores data in different locations to protect it against local incidents. 
  
  
• Endpoint protection: Devices must be secured to prevent unauthorised access to the data they contain. Protecting them requires the installation of antivirus software, using firewalls and effective management of security patches to avoid exposure to vulnerabilities. 

The benefits of a Data Centric Cyber Security strategy 

Implementing Data Centric Security offers several advantages: 

• Intrinsic data protection: Most security measures are directly applied to the data, such as encryption, logging and backups. Even if an attacker manages to access the data, it remains secure.
  
  
• Granular control: This approach allows for very detailed levels of data access. This fine-grained control provides precise management of access privileges, thereby reducing internal risks.
  
  
• A flexible model: Data Centric Cyber Security focuses on data, regardless of its storage location or the type of IT infrastructure within your organisation. This approach adapts to hybrid environments and remote work.
  
  
• Simplified compliance: The measures deployed as part of a Data Centric Security strategy are, for the most part, imposed by regulatory frameworks such as the GDPR or the NIS2 Directive. Adopting these solutions not only increases your level of security, it also advances your compliance efforts.  

How to implement Data Centric Security strategy? 

1. Map your data: Where is it stored? How is it used? What are the different data flows?
   
   
2. Classify  data according to its sensitivity level to determine the security measures to apply to each category.
   
   
3. Control  access to your data by defining user permissions according to the principle of least privilege. Implement multifactor authentication (MFA).
   
   
4. Protect  your data by adopting encryption, logging, backup and endpoint protection solutions.
   
   
5. Improve your Data Centric Strategy continuously by regularly monitoring data access and usage, and reassessing security controls as the infrastructure evolves.

The CIO plays an essential role in implementing this strategy. Responsible for the overall governance of the company's data, the CIO must work closely with the CISO to ensure that data is properly protected at all levels. This involves overseeing classification, access control and security processes.

By focusing on data protection, Data Centric Security's strategy offers a flexible, effective and scalable approach to security. Our endpoint security solutions Cryptosmart Mobile and Cryptosmart PC are fully aligned with this philosophy, as is our collaborative solution Cryptobox, which ensures end-to-end encryption of your data.