The cybersecurity landscape is undergoing a major shift, with new players emerging and a wave of acquisitions of Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) startups by major tech companies—six deals in the last 13 months. At the same time, organizations are often struggling to keep up with the fast-evolving risks and technologies. Data breaches surged nearly 500% in the first half of 2024, and there’s growing pressure to protect data used in AI models and algorithms, driving demand for innovative, tailored security solutions.

While large vendors offer comprehensive solutions, these often lack the flexibility to meet the unique needs of different organizations. Security spans four main layers—identity, data, application, and infrastructure—each requiring distinct solutions with varying levels of detail and classification. This complexity explains why all-in-one solutions fall short, and why many organizations prefer integrating best-of-breed solutions into a unified system. When done properly, such integrations address tool sprawl while still providing robust protection. The heightened focus on data security underscores the value and challenges of protecting sensitive data, why breaches are occurring, and how organizations can stay ahead in securing their data.

// Cras eget sem nec dui volutpat ultrices.

Data: The Most Valuable Asset  

Data has become organizations’ most valuable asset, making it an attractive target for cybercriminals. This year alone, companies like AT&T, Change Healthcare, and Ticketmaster have suffered some of the largest breaches in history. As the amount of sensitive data grows, so does the risk, especially as data is moved, copied, and accessed. From financial records to health data, organizations manage a wide range of sensitive information, which requires customized protection. Additionally, the rise of multi-cloud environments has added complexity, as companies must protect data scattered across multiple clouds. Advanced security solutions help organize and safeguard data wherever it resides, reducing the potential attack surface.

Breaches Are Inevitable  

Organizations face an overwhelming task: not only defending against cyber threats but also proactively securing their data, as cyberattacks are considered inevitable. Stricter regulations, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and new rules from federal agencies, are holding organizations accountable for breaches. The advent of AI has also raised new compliance concerns, with the EU’s AI Act requiring transparency into the data used for training models and adherence to privacy laws to prevent data poisoning. To meet regulatory requirements and effectively manage risk, organizations must implement comprehensive data security measures. Failing to secure data can lead to compliance violations, reputational damage, and loss of trust.

Organizations Can’t Protect What They Can’t See  

Shadow data—data lacking proper security—poses serious risks, especially as companies transition to the cloud. Shadow data increases security and compliance risks while also driving up cloud storage costs. An IBM study found that shadow data played a role in 35% of breaches last year, resulting in a 16% rise in breach costs and extending the time to detect and contain these incidents. Data classification helps address this issue by focusing resources on protecting the most critical data. Sensitivity varies across industries, so customized data security measures that include classification are essential for identifying and managing hidden data and reducing the largest risks.

// Cras eget sem nec dui volutpat ultrices.

Implementing Data Security Strategies  

Developing a data security strategy starts with discovering and classifying all data. This process is essential for understanding an organization’s data environment, assessing risks, applying controls, monitoring threats, responding to incidents, and ensuring compliance.

Given the volume of data generated, moved, and duplicated daily, manual classification is nearly impossible. Technologies like DSPM and DDR tools automate this process, providing visibility into data sensitivity, risks, and vulnerabilities, and enabling proactive protection. Leaders should also ensure employees stay updated on the latest cybersecurity best practices.

Different industries have unique data types, volumes, and compliance needs, which means one-size-fits-all security solutions won’t suffice. By adopting tailored data security tools and educating employees, organizations can protect their data effectively, especially in sectors with distinct security challenges.