How to improve data visibility and control with DSPM

Confidential information is always at risk, and as more companies move to cloud environments, the challenge of data protection grows. Despite all the benefits of the cloud, protecting data in these environments presents many challenges as organizations navigate complex environments, changing threats and regulatory requirements while trying to maintain their data is secure and available.

One of the most pressing issues is data visibility. As organizations depend on multiple cloud providers, it becomes more difficult to track where their data is and who has access to it. This lack of visibility can create security gaps, leaving sensitive information unprotected. Without full control, it is difficult to ensure that all data is properly protected across platforms.

Another challenge is compliance with data protection regulations. The process is never simple, and as laws such as GDPR in Europe or CCPA in California continue to develop, compliance can be a moving target. To solve this problem, companies need solutions that provide real-time reporting and tools to align their security policies with the latest regulatory requirements.

In addition, cyberattacks are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and attackers are constantly inventing new methods to circumvent traditional defenses. Threats as fileless malwareransomware and zero-day exploits are becoming increasingly difficult to detect and defend against. To stay one step ahead, companies need reliable threat detection, fast response times and constant monitoring.

Security management, especially for smaller organizations or those with limited cybersecurity budgets, is another challenge. A lack of cybersecurity skills means there may not be enough skilled professionals to handle the complexities of a comprehensive data security strategy.

Here’s where Data security management (DSPM). By providing better visibility and control over data, DSPM helps organizations protect their valuable information.

At its core, DSPM is about understanding and managing the state of data security in cloud environments. This helps companies gain complete visibility into where their data is stored, who has access to it, and whether it is at risk. By detecting vulnerabilities, preventing unauthorized access, and maintaining compliance with evolving regulations, DSPM gives organizations the tools they need to prevent threats and control their data.

Gain control and visibility over data

One of the biggest benefits of DSPM is that it gives companies real-time visibility into the security of their data, especially in complex multi-cloud environments. Here’s how DSPM tools improve data visibility and control:

Automated detection and classification of data

Managing data can be a huge challenge, especially when it is spread across multiple cloud platforms. DSPM tools automatically detect and classify data to identify sensitive information such as personally identifiable information (PII) or payment card details. This helps to properly protect data through encryption, masking or other security measures.

For example, DSPM can scan large data sets across multiple environments and flag data that requires special handling based on regulatory requirements or potential exposure risks. This allows security teams to maintain a complete and accurate data inventory and ensures compliance with relevant regulations.

Detection of anomalies and detection of threats

Another important benefit of DSPM is its ability to detect anomalous behavior that may signal a security event. Using advanced algorithms to analyze data, DSPM solutions detect patterns that do not correspond to typical behavior, such as strange network traffic or unauthorized access attempts. This real-time detection helps security teams react quickly to potential threats and limit the impact of a breach.

For example, a DSPM tool can flag a sudden data spike or multiple failed login attempts, giving teams the opportunity to investigate before the situation escalates.

Predictive threat analytics

DSPM can also predict future risks. By analyzing historical data, DSPM tools can detect potential vulnerabilities before they are exploited. This could be identifying network vulnerabilities or predicting likely attack vectors, helping companies prioritize their security efforts and address potential issues early.

An example would be these tools, which flag a system that shows early signs of vulnerability to a particular type of attack, allowing it to be remediated before an incident occurs.

Dynamic access control

With sensitive data distributed across multiple systems, it’s possible to control who has access to what’s critical. DSPM platforms provide dynamic access control that adjusts based on user behavior, location, and business role. This way, only the right people have access to the right data, reducing the risk of unauthorized access or insider threats.

A well-implemented DSPM solution not only helps companies deal with these challenges, but also has many other benefits.

These platforms typically have a centralized dashboard to manage data security. By integrating detection, classification, risk assessment and policy enforcement in one place, these platforms make it easier to monitor and manage security in cloud environments.

With continuous monitoring and risk assessment, DSPM solutions provide real-time accessiaffects the organization’s data security status. This includes identifying potential threats, understanding attack paths, and prioritizing vulnerabilities based on their likely impact.

Robust DSPM tools come with built-in compliance templates and reporting capabilities that can significantly reduce the time and effort required to maintain regulatory compliance.

Also, DSPM should not work in isolation. When integrated with other cloud-based security tools, such as Cloud Native Application Protection Platforms (CNAPP), this creates a holistic approach to security that spans all layers of a business’s cloud infrastructure.

Data breaches are unfortunately inevitable; The only way to limit their impact is to take a proactive approach to data security. DSPM offers a powerful way to protect data, improve visibility and comply with changing regulations.

By integrating DSPM into the broader security framework, security teams can reduce risk, protect their data, and ensure their organizations stay ahead of emerging threats.

About the author:
Kirsten Doyle has worked in the technology journalism and editorial space for nearly 24 years, during which time she has developed a great love for all aspects of technology, as well as for words themselves. Her experience spans B2B technology with a strong focus on cybersecurity, cloud, enterprise, digital transformation and data center. She specializes in news, thought leadership, reporting, white paper and PR writing, and is an experienced editor for both print and online publications. She is also a resident writer at Bora.