Continual data protection in the cloud

At the heart of all digital transformations is data. And as data grows across users, devices and cloud applications, so does the need for security and compliance.

In fact, cybersecurity and data privacy are two of the top issues on the 2024 board agenda, because as the cloud makes data easier for business teams to access, it also creates risk for data breaches, exposure of sensitive data, and regulatory challenges.

That’s why progressive companies develop an approach to data protection before moving it to the cloud. They determine ways to embed security, privacy, and compliance in their target operating model — including processes, behaviors, technology, and other areas.

These companies also consider how to continue integrating and protecting data after the launch of a cloud platform, as the business evolves. Some are getting help from leading managed services providers, who have deep expertise in data security, cybersecurity, and regulatory compliance.

These providers can help companies continually optimize their approach to data protection, with key actions such as:

• Classifying the different kinds of data in the enterprise: With organizational data growing at an exponential rate, the best providers determine the right security approach by evaluating which data is mission-critical, the degree of sensitivity and privacy, the location, the compliance requirements, and the appropriate level of access. And since much of the data lives in cloud applications, these applications should be continually tested for vulnerabilities. 
• Embedding data protection into development: In addition to testing applications, it’s important to embed data security into the development of them. This enables organizations to deploy applications quickly — whether it’s a new customer app or a real-time collaboration tool — with confidence that data is being protected.

Leading managed services providers can also embed data privacy into AI development processes and training data, as regulators are increasingly concerned about the mining and harvesting of personal data for AI algorithms.

• Continually integrating data: For real-time analytics, it’s becoming essential to move data to the cloud, but with each launch of a cloud platform, companies must also be prepared for ongoing work in data integration, security, and systems connectivity. Savvy managed services providers can take responsibility for these domains as part of the long-term optimization of cloud platforms. They also have expertise in data lineage and other parts of data governance, which are drawing heightened scrutiny from regulators.

As data proliferates across the enterprise through the cloud, companies need an operating model for continually protecting it. Managed services can be a compelling option.