Protecting your data in the ‘New Normal’
Data is one of the most valuable assets that any organisation has. Protecting your data should therefore be at the forefront of any digital strategy ensuring that it remains secure and backed up to prevent any potential leaks or data loss.
Cyber attacks can happen to an organisation at any time and have increased since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, with cyber criminals targeting less secure devices and networks as more of us than ever work from home.
Phoenix, in partnership with Dell Technologies, the Public Sector Executive and Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole Council (BCP Council), set out to understand the challenges organisations face of ‘where’, ‘how’ and ‘when’ to secure their data. How does the Public Sector ensure that the correct systems and processes are in place to identify, protect and enable them to deploy consistent best practice.
As we have mentioned cyber crime is widespread and creates issues for all organisations as they try to keep the criminals out, while ensuring that their vital data is kept safe and secure. So how do you keep your data safe?
Data Classification Policy
One of the first steps your organisation can take is to ensure that you have a good Data Classification Policy in place. Data classification is a vital component of any information security and compliance program, especially if an organisation stores large volumes of information. Surprisingly, we found that 23% of surveyed organisations do not have a Data Classification Policy. Find out what makes a good Data Classification Policy in our infographic
Business Continuity Planning
Another step to protecting your data having an up-to date and thorough Business Continuity Plan. Business continuity is another area that has been highlighted in the COVID-19 pandemic, wherein companies with a comprehensive and well thought-out plans have tended to be able to adapt and manage in the constantly changing environment. In spite of this we found that at least 1/3 of public sector organisations surveyed have no Business Continuity Plans.
Find out more about how to protect your data in our infographic
Isolating Data Copies
If your organisation does not isolate data copies, any requirement in the event of disaster recovery will simply carry forward any malware/ransomware. By protecting the data copies, restores can be assured as virus free. We found that 70% of organisations surveyed are already isolating data protection copies, however this does mean that 30% are still potentially putting their data at risk. The National Cyber Security Centre (NCSC) has published guidelines to help you gain a deeper insight into Mitigating Malware and Ransomware Attacks.
Discover our full findings
To read everything we discovered and to find out how you can keep your data protected as we transition in to the ‘New Normal’ download our infographic Protecting Data in the UK Public Sector.
