Within the world of data security exists a singular truth: Not all data is created equal. However, companies have a habit of treating all data in the same way. This means that the most sensitive data is being protected at the same level as the least sensitive data.
Data security needs to become a business enabler, support business agility, and support new digital business processes that are not sustainable without it. And for that, data security needs to be business goal driven and led.
Consult business stakeholders
When IT departments create data rules without consulting business stakeholders, the result can be as confusing. For example, data security governance fails when data is tagged or classified inconsistently, automated processes are inconsistent, and users misinterpret the differences between confidential and highly confidential data.
Secure data in a business-oriented manner
As data storage evolves, data security must investigate how data moves throughout the enterprise to prevent loss and leakage. The goal should be to “create an ecosystem of data” without leaking sensitive information. The goal is to secure the point of creation, as opposed to the more traditional approach of securing how the information is being sent.
Essentially, companies should focus less on creating secure pipelines and more on using smart information that knows where it is supposed to be. This will allow the right person to access the right data to enable desired business outcomes.