Data Breach Prevention

Data breach prevention

Effective data breach prevention programs are built using a multi-layered defense
comprised of technology and processes. Following are several of the many
components of a data breach protection defensive strategy.

Education and training

The leading cause of data breaches is an attack that starts with a human vector.
Because of humans’ inherent weaknesses, they are widely considered to be the
weakest link in any data breach prevention strategy.

To combat this, security training is imperative. Employees require training to

recognize and avoid attacks (e.g., phishing) as well as learn to handle sensitive data
to prevent accidental data breaches and leaks.

Endpoint threat detection and response

Endpoint detection and response (EDR), also known as endpoint threat detection
and response (ETDR), provides an integrated solution for endpoint security. EDR
helps prevent a data breach by combining real-time continuous monitoring and
collection of endpoint data with rules-based automated response and analysis
capabilities to identify and neutralize cyberattacks.

Identity and access management (IAM)

Identity and access management (IAM) solutions offer a strong defense against a
data breach. Features of IAM solutions include strong password policies, password
managers, two-factor authentication (2FA) or multi-factor authentication
(MFA), single sign-on (SSO), and role-based access. These technologies and
processes help organizations prevent data breach attempts that use stolen or
compromised credentials.

Incident response plans

Preparation is one of the best defenses against a data breach. An incident response
plan provides detailed instructions on how to handle a breach—before, during, and
after a confirmed or suspected incident.

An incident response plan includes explanations of the roles and responsibilities

along with step-by-step processes for each phase.
An incident response plan has been proven to be an effective tool in data breach
defense plans. It can expedite the time to resolution and recovery as well as reduce
the cost of a data breach.

Multi-factor authentication (MFA)

Using multi-factor authentication (MFA) helps overcome the inherent weakness of
users and passwords. With MFA, the user must go through a multi-step account
login process rather than simply entering their username and password.

MFA requires the user to complete additional steps to verify their identity. For
instance, a user may be asked to enter a code sent via email or text message,
answer a secret question, or perform a biometric scan (e.g., fingerprint, facial,
retinal).

Penetration testing
Penetration testing, also referred to as pen testing or ethical hacking, helps prevent a
data breach by simulating cyberattacks to test systems and identify any exploitable
vulnerabilities. Penetration testers use the same tools, techniques, and processes as
cybercriminals to simulate real-world attacks that could result in a breach.

Software updates and security patches

Software and operating systems (OS) updates and patches should always be
installed when they are made available. These updates frequently include patches to
fix vulnerabilities that could lead to a data breach.

Strong passwords
Using strong passwords eliminates a common cyberattack vector. Knowing that
people often use weak passwords, cybercriminals frequently launch attacks (e.g.,
password spraying) that exploit them. Strong passwords, combined with policies that
require users to frequently change their passwords and use different passwords for
services and applications, support an effective defense against data breach
attempts.

Zero trust security approach

A zero trust security approach assumes that no user or system should be trusted,
even if they are inside a network. Key components of a zero trust security approach
include:

 Continuous authentication, authorization, and validation of any user or system

that attempts to access a network or a network resource
  Least privileged access, which allows only the minimum access needed for a
task or role
 Comprehensive monitoring of all network activity

Data breach mitigation

A swift and comprehensive response is critical when a data breach is identified. Here
are five key steps to follow:

1. Minimize the impact of the breach.

Stop the spread by isolating impacted systems or networks and locking any
compromised accounts, including those that were used to access data. This
stops additional information from being exposed and hinders lateral
movement across networks.
2. Perform an assessment.
Identify the cause of the attack to determine if there are additional risks
associated with the initial intrusion, such as compromised user or system
accounts or dormant malware lying in wait.
3. Restore systems and patch vulnerabilities.
Use clean backups and, in some cases, new systems to rebuild and restore
affected systems. At this time, any available security updates should be made
to remediate the vulnerability that led to the data breach.
4. Notify affected parties.
Once the scale and scope of the breach have been determined, notifications
must be made to affected parties. Depending on the type of organization and
the information that was compromised, this could range from notifying
executives and employees to notifying all customers and issuing a public
statement.
5. Document lessons learned.
To help prevent a future data breach, it is important to document information
and knowledge gained from the breach. This information should be used to
update existing systems and practices as well as safeguarded for future
reference.

Preparation limits data breach

risks
Data breaches are widely considered to be one of the most common and expensive
types of cybersecurity incidents. Impacting organizations of all sizes without
geographic boundaries, data breaches can cause widespread damage that result in
financial and physical harm.
The best defense against a data breach is preparation. This includes having strong
technical and process-based defenses in place to ensure early detection and
response.

Organizations with strong data breach defense systems and response plans have
repeatedly been shown to recover faster with more limited damage.

In addition to implementing the right tools and procedures, it is important to test all
systems. This proactive approach identifies vulnerabilities before a data breach
occurs. Taking steps to identify and remediate vulnerabilities along with developing
and practicing response plans go a long way to protecting sensitive information from
a data breach.