Data Centric Security – protecting information first. A guide to the future security strategy

Current security solutions are inadequate. Many organizations invest heavily in firewalls and intrusion detection, but often forget about their most valuable asset – their information. Addressing modern cyber threats requires a new approach, shifting the focus from infrastructure to information.

How safe is our information when today’s cyber intrusions go unnoticed, hidden behind seemingly secure firewalls and locked networks? Many organizations believe that a protected environment means their information is safe, but the reality is otherwise. On average, it takes over 200 days for a breach to be discovered, and another 70 days to bring it under control. During these months, hackers have free access to systems and sensitive information, without anyone even noticing.

Synkzone offers a solution that makes security simple. Instead of adding more layers of sophisticated systems, our focus is on keeping the information itself secure – no matter where it is or who has access. At the heart of our approach is data-centric security (DCS), where information is protected even in the face of breaches and hacker attacks.

A security model for all organizations

Protecting your information is a given for all organizations, regardless of size. New regulations such as NIS2 place higher demands on companies to work proactively with information security as a basic standard – not only for organizations with advanced security needs. Traditional security solutions that focus primarily on protecting networks and infrastructure have proven to be flawed and often cannot support the new business processes that involve collaboration with partners, customers and suppliers.

Data-Centric Security is a principle that not only enhances security but also better supports business needs. It is flexible enough to work effectively for both small and large organizations. By focusing on the protection of data rather than infrastructure, DCS creates opportunities to securely manage and share information, fostering collaboration and business development. Organizations such as NATO and other major players have already begun implementing these principles to minimize risk and enable collaborations that were previously unthinkable – and more are quickly following suit.

Everyone has sensitive information that needs to be protected – customer data, business-critical documents or internal policies – and the risk is too great to leave security to chance. No one wants to see their information in unauthorized hands, and with new-generation security solutions, any company, regardless of size or industry, can achieve a level of protection that should be standard in today’s digital world.

Build a strategy for data-centric security

Strengthening security does not have to be complicated. Start by protecting the information itself using modern encryption techniques that provide fast and effective basic protection, then companies can take a few simple steps to gradually increase the level of security. Here are five basic principles to keep in mind:

  • 1. Classification
    All organizations have sensitive data and information that can cause significant damage to the business if destroyed in a cyber attack. Start by creating a baseline protection for ALL data, and then identify which information is most worth protecting. Classify it, restrict access, and then work down the security pyramid. This creates a solid and effective foundation for security work.
  • 2. Encryption
    Encryption is a crucial part of the security strategy. By encrypting information both in storage and transmission, it remains protected. When the company itself owns the keys to the encryption (so-called zero knowledge), no unauthorized person – not even third-party providers – can access the information.
  • 3. Access control
    By implementing strict access controls, the company can ensure that only authorized users can access sensitive information. For security to be robust, it is important to isolate data in separate zones, so that even authorized users cannot automatically access everything within the same system.
  • 4. Data masking, anonymization and lifecycle management
    With data masking and anonymization, companies can protect sensitive information even when it is shared externally. Equally important is to actively manage the data lifecycle, with clear guidelines for archiving and deletion. Information that has lost its purpose should not be stored forever, but should be permanently deleted when it is no longer needed.
  • 5. Monitoring, auditing and traceability
    Finally, continuous monitoring and traceability is a central part of DCS. By logging all data access and following up on changes in authorizations, companies can quickly act on suspicious activities. Traceability helps create accountability and provides full visibility into data management, further increasing security.

A simple way to secure your business

Cybersecurity doesn’t have to be about complicated systems and endless layers of security. With Synkzone, businesses get a solution that combines efficiency with simplicity – focusing on protecting the most valuable thing, the information itself.

Take the first step towards a safer future. Contact us today to discover how data-centric security can empower your business.