Cyber attacks are becoming more frequent and complex, making data resilience a critical component of cybersecurity. Protecting business data is important for sustainability and revenue generation, as most cyber risks are related to data availability, integrity and confidentiality.
Organizations today collect, reference and process large amounts of data. This data is exclusive to the organization and cannot be easily re-collected or reconstructed. As businesses rely on both their own and third-party hosted digital infrastructure, their ability to recover and continue operations during data risks is crucial. We try to explore the facets of data resilience, particularly in the context of information security.
What is Data Resilience?
Data resilience refers to an organization’s ability to withstand, recover and continue operating after experiencing data related disruptions. These disruptions can result from natural disasters, hardware and software failures, human errors or cyber-attacks. Effective data resilience ensures business continuity is maintained while minimizing the financial and reputational impacts of such events.
Key Strategies for Data-Resilience
- Risk Profiling and Data Categorization: Periodic analysis and categorization of business data into risk levels (e.g., critical, sensitive, regulatory, private) help in planning, designing, and defining protection systems according to their risks and potential impacts.
- Data Backups and Archival: Implementing regular, automated backups and replications to off-site and cloud-based locations ensures timely and accurate data restoration after an attack or breach. Periodic restoration drills are essential to check and adjust recovery parameters.
- Cyber-Secure Backups: Despite advanced security tools like firewalls, IPS, SIEM, and encryption, breaches can still occur. Modern technologies like immutable backups and off-site storage ensure data recovery in any situation.
- Employee Training: Continuously educating employees about cyber risks and safe practices reduces the risk of phishing and social engineering tactics. Skilled and aware employees are crucial for managing and operating security technologies effectively.
- Incident Response Planning: Developing and regularly updating a data incident response plan (IRP) prepares businesses to respond effectively to cyber incidents, minimizing downtime and data losses.
- Regular Audits and Testing: Conducting regular reviews, tests, and audits of data-resilience strategies ensures their effectiveness and up-to-date status, allowing for quick adaptation to emerging risks and changes.
Data-resilience is a fundamental aspect of modern business strategy, ensuring continuity against adverse events and increasing cyber risks. By prioritizing data-resilience plans and systems, businesses can protect against data-breach induced losses, maintain operational continuity, and ensure regulatory compliance. Implementing risk-adjusted cybersecurity measures, resilient backups, employee training, and robust incident response plans are essential strategies for achieving practical data-resilience.
