Is it time to refresh your data protection program?

As cloud technologies and artificial intelligence continue to evolve, organizations are collecting and storing more data than ever before. This expanding digital footprint raises the stakes for protecting sensitive information. Here are eight key strategies to help reduce both external and internal data security risks.

3 minute read

Key Takeaways

  • Protecting data starts with complete visibility—understanding what information your organization holds, where it resides and who has access to it.
  • Proactively manage insider related risks by fostering cyber awareness and ensuring employees have the guidance and controls they need to handle company data responsibly.
  • Consistently applying data monitoring practices, investing in employee training and conducting regular reviews strengthens your organization’s ability to stay ahead of evolving data risks.

With so much intellectual property, customer and employee PII, and other valuable data types flowing through the organization, maintaining clear insight into who can access information and where it resides becomes essential for strong data governance.

 

As more operations shift to cloud environments and integrate artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) capabilities, data now moves through a wider set of systems and tools. Each new pathway and use case underscores the importance of strong safeguards to keep information protected.

$4.44 million

 

Average global cost of a data breach, February 2025.1

“Fundamentals of a data protection program” Padlock superimposed on a field of circuit boards and digital connection points.
“Complete data discovery and inventory” A man and a woman reviewing a graph on a digital wall display.

 

Many organizations lack complete visibility into the types of data they possess and where they store it. Data discovery helps companies classify data types and segment out data that requires robust protection.

“Create and review data usage policies” A digital grid above an urban landscape at sunset.

 

Cloud deployments have contributed to decentralized data storage, which can elevate data breach risk and lead to more expensive breach response.3 Consider whether centralized data storage is feasible for your business practices and create policies that enforce your chosen storage approach.

“Track shadow data” Data servers in front of a blue sky with white clouds.

 

Shadow data is involved in one-third of recorded breaches and can also result in regulatory compliance violations.4Consider cloud data security solutions and inform employees about the risk of handling and storing data outside of established company policies.

“Enable and enforce identity and access management” A man’s hand holding a cell phone in front of a laptop computer.

 

Many data breaches begin when bad actors capture employee credentials and use them to access critical data and systems. Identity and access management supported by multifactor authentication, passkeys and other protections can mitigate this cyber-based threat.

“Invest in AI and ML-enabled security” A man and woman reviewing code on a vertical computer monitor.

 

Automated security and AI-driven analysis can help address the ongoing lack of security talent and contribute to lower data breach costs and shorter remediation times.5

“Encrypt all important data” Blocks of binary computer code intersected by red lines.

 

Your company should encrypt all proprietary and high-value data, or any data that could lead to regulatory, financial or reputational damage if it is stolen or lost. 

“Create a response plan for data breaches” Two women and a man looking at computer laptops in a conference room.

 

Every company is at risk of data breaches, so the best approach is to anticipate a data theft or loss event and create an actionable plan to detect the breach and minimize its effects. Identify key stakeholders, assign response tasks and update the plan regularly.

“Invest in employee training” A classroom with students and an instructor pointing at a whiteboard.

 

Educating your workforce about the threat of phishing, credential theft and data theft is among the most effective means to reduce the overall costs of data breaches.6 Emphasize the importance of cybersecurity and data protection across your organization.

While most companies have implemented data protection programs, another study found that 73% of cybersecurity leaders believe these programs’ guidelines are insufficient, and most believe their companies are not fully compliant with data protection laws.2

 

The combination of elevated risk and dynamic data creation and use means that data protection programs must continue to evolve. Your organization should regularly evaluate what data is essential, who uses it, how it is protected, and how the organization will respond in the event of a data breach.

 

While every organization’s approach will have unique features, the considerations above can help you create, review and maintain a data protection program that supports security and benefits your business operations.

1  IBM, Cost of a Data Breach Report 2025.

2  Palo Alto Networks, Code 42 Annual Data Exposure Report, 2024.

3  IBM, Cost of Data Breach Report 2025.

4  Ibid.

5  Ibid.

6  Ibid.

 

Fraud & Cybersecurity

New threats emerge every day that can negatively impact transactions and businesses. Explore the latest insights and resources to help prepare and protect you and your business.

Explore more

How to manage third-party cyber-risk across your organization

Businesses increasingly rely on external suppliers and partner organizations to operate. With cyber threats increasing, here’s how your organization can prepare and stay resilient.

3 min read