Why Real-Time Data Visibility Matters More Than Ever
Cybersecurity discussions often focus on external actors – cybercriminals, malware, phishing attacks; however, the reality is more complex. Some of the most damaging data breaches don’t begin with a malicious outsider, but with a simple, human mistake. A misplaced file, an accidental drag-and-drop, or a misconfigured access setting can quickly escalate into a serious security incident.
A Near Miss That Could Have Cost Millions
Consider this scenario: a global financial institution is finalising a high-stakes merger. Legal documents, financial forecasts, and internal risk assessments are securely stored in encrypted folders. Everything is on track – until a small misstep changes everything.
Under deadline pressure, a senior analyst downloads a confidential document. While reorganising project files, they accidentally drag it into a shared workspace. Suddenly, highly sensitive merger information is exposed – not just to unauthorised employees, but potentially to external actors as well.
AI in Action: Preventing a Breach
Incidents like these are more common than many organisations would prefer to admit. Fortunately, in this case, disaster was averted. The organisation’s File Activity Monitoring (FAM) system, powered by AI and embedded in the Thales CipherTrust Data Security Platform, detected the anomaly.
When the system registered the appearance of sensitive content in an unusual location, it triggered an automated response: the file was instantly encrypted, access was revoked, and the security team was alerted. This swift intervention highlights the importance of intelligent, proactive data security.
Unstructured Data, Structured Risk
Unstructured data – from emails and chat logs to media files and documents – accounts for around 90% of the world’s data. It also holds some very sensitive business information. Unlike structured databases, however, it’s far harder to monitor and protect.
Introducing Thales File Activity Monitoring
That’s why the recent launch of Thales File Activity Monitoring is so timely. As the latest enhancement to the CipherTrust platform, FAM offers organisations real-time visibility and control over their unstructured data across on-premises, hybrid and multicloud environments.
Key capabilities include:
- Continuously discover and classify sensitive data
- Monitor file activity to flag suspicious behaviour, such as unauthorised copying or sharing
- Apply dynamic, contextual risk intelligence to detect and mitigate threats
- Automatically trigger protective measures like encryption and access lockdown
Leveraging GenAI for Smarter Security
FAM also features built-in GenAI capabilities, allowing teams to generate custom audit reports, query file activity, and streamline compliance tasks – all through natural language commands. It’s a smarter, faster way to manage risk without overburdening IT and security teams.
Human Error Is Inevitable – Data Exposure Doesn’t Have to Be
Cybersecurity is no longer solely about defending against external threats. Increasingly, it’s about managing internal risks – particularly those caused by unintentional human actions. This shift underpins the growing emphasis on Data Security Posture Management.
By adopting solutions that combine real-time monitoring with intelligent automation, organisations can prevent small mistakes from escalating into costly incidents. In today’s data-driven environment, that level of protection can make a substantial difference.
Consider the following:
- Can your organisation detect data mishandling in real time?
- Are you relying too heavily on people to spot errors before they cause harm?
- How are you securing the unstructured data that makes up the bulk of your digital estate?
Security today is about anticipation, not just reaction. With one click able to trigger a crisis, now is the time to ask: are we really prepared?
By Philippe Vallée, Executive Vice President, Cybersecurity and Digital Identity at Thales