Tag: data privacy

The Ins and Outs of Cloud Security Frameworks: Safeguarding Your Data in the Cloud Era

Posted on by Nicole Tidwell

In today’s digital landscape, the cloud has become an indispensable tool for businesses of all sizes. However, this shift towards cloud storage and computing also introduces new security challenges. Data-centric cloud security frameworks offer a structured approach to mitigating these risks and ensuring the safety of your valuable data. 

Demystifying Cloud Security Frameworks

A cloud security framework is essentially a roadmap for securing your data in the cloud. It outlines best practices, establishes security controls, and provides guidance for managing risks associated with cloud adoption. 

These frameworks typically consist of several key components:

  • Security controls: Specific actions or procedures designed to safeguard data, such as encryption, access management, and incident response protocols.
  • Risk assessment methodologies: Processes for identifying and evaluating potential security threats in your cloud environment.
  • Compliance guidelines: Frameworks often align with relevant data privacy regulations, helping organizations achieve compliance with GDPR, CCPA, and other privacy laws.

Why Cloud Security Frameworks Matter

Cloud security frameworks offer a multitude of benefits for organizations leveraging the cloud.

Mitigating Shared Responsibility Risks

Cloud computing operates on a “shared responsibility model.” While the cloud service provider (CSP) secures the underlying infrastructure, the responsibility for data security ultimately rests with the customer. Cloud security frameworks help organizations fulfill their part of the bargain by providing a clear roadmap for securing data at rest and in transit.

Compliance Made Easier

Navigating the ever-evolving landscape of data privacy regulations can be daunting. Cloud security frameworks often align with these regulations, streamlining the compliance process and ensuring your organization stays on the right side of the law.

Best Practices for Secure Cloud Adoption

Cloud security frameworks aren’t just about compliance; they also establish best practices for securing your data in the cloud. These frameworks can guide your organization’s cloud adoption strategy, promoting secure cloud usage from the get-go. 

There are several popular cloud security frameworks available, each with its own strengths and focus areas. Some of the most widely adopted frameworks include: 

  • NIST Cybersecurity Framework (CSF): A comprehensive framework developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) in the US. The NIST CSF offers a flexible structure that can be customized to an organization’s specific needs. 
  • Cloud Security Alliance (CSA) Framework: Developed by the Cloud Security Alliance, a non-profit organization, this framework offers a broad range of cloud security considerations. It includes best practices for cloud provider selection, secure configuration, incident response, and more. 
  • ISO/IEC 27001 for Information Security Management: This internationally recognized standard provides a comprehensive approach to information security management. While not specific to the cloud, it can be adapted to address cloud security challenges. 

Frameworks and Public Cloud Repatriation

Sometimes, organizations decide to migrate data back from the cloud to on-premises infrastructure, a process known as public cloud repatriation. This can be driven by various factors, such as cost concerns, regulatory requirements, or a desire for greater control over data security.

However, public cloud repatriation can also introduce new security vulnerabilities.

  • Loss of Visibility and Control: When data resides in a cloud environment, the cloud service provider is responsible for implementing many security controls. Repatriation can lead to a loss of visibility and control over these security measures, making it more challenging to maintain a strong security posture.
  • Increased Risk of Human Error: Data transfer processes during repatriation are complex and can be prone to human error. Accidental data exposure or configuration mistakes can occur during migration, potentially compromising data security.
  • Compatibility Issues: On-premises infrastructure may not be readily compatible with data formats or security protocols used in the cloud. These compatibility issues can create vulnerabilities if not addressed properly.

The Need for Data-Centric Cloud Security Frameworks

While all of these frameworks provide a set of general guidelines for data security, they are still limited by the inherent limitations of conventional security measures. 

Traditional security approaches in the cloud often rely on a perimeter-focused defense strategy. This approach is becoming less effective as data becomes increasingly mobile, moving between cloud environments, on-premises infrastructure, and user devices. 

Beyond the limitations of traditional security and the complexities of shared responsibility, cloud security also faces challenges from evolving threats. The emergence of technologies like quantum computing poses a significant risk to traditional encryption methods. This is where self-protecting data technology steps in to strengthen your cloud security framework. This approach goes beyond the perimeter, focusing on data-centric security.

Unlike traditional methods that only secure the communication channels, Sertainty embeds security controls directly within the data itself. This means your data remains protected regardless of its location, whether in the cloud, on-premise, or in transit.

Reduced Reliance on Perimeter Security

By safeguarding the data itself, a data-centric system reduces the burden of securing complex communication channels. This not only simplifies security management but also mitigates risks associated with compromised network perimeters.

Likewise, these measures are inherently more “future-proof,” offering greater resilience against evolving threats because they do not rely on penetrable perimeters or hackable firewalls. 

Other Benefits of Data-Centric Security 

Data provenance, or the ability to track the origin and movement of data, is crucial in the cloud. Strong data provenance is essential for a number of reasons. 

Regulatory Compliance

Data privacy regulations like GDPR and CCPA often require organizations to demonstrate their ability to track data lineage. Self-protecting data technology facilitates this by providing an immutable audit log embedded within each data file. This log tracks all access attempts and data modifications, ensuring a clear record of data provenance. 

Security Breach Detection

Effective data provenance allows you to identify potential security breaches or data leaks more quickly. By tracing data movement and access attempts, you can pinpoint suspicious activity and take swift action to mitigate risks. 

Data Integrity

Immutable audit logs help ensure data integrity by preventing unauthorized modifications. Any attempt to tamper with data will be reflected in the audit log, allowing you to identify and address potential data integrity issues.

Building a Secure Cloud Future 

Cloud security frameworks provide a strong foundation for securing your data in the cloud. However, a truly comprehensive approach requires going beyond the framework itself. This is where data-centric security comes into play.

By combining the structured guidance of cloud security frameworks with proactive protection, you can achieve a holistic approach to cloud security. This powerful blend empowers you on multiple fronts. 

First, you can leverage the benefits of the cloud with confidence, knowing your data is protected wherever it resides. Second, data-centric security simplifies security management by reducing dependence on complex perimeter defenses. Finally, this combined approach future-proofs your data security by proactively addressing evolving threats, ensuring your information remains secure in the face of any challenge.

The future of cloud security is one of continuous improvement and adaptation. As new threats emerge and technologies evolve, your security posture needs to adapt as well. By actively incorporating data-centric security alongside cloud security frameworks, you can ensure your organization remains prepared to face the ever-changing cloud security landscape.

Securing Data in All Stages

In a world where data is the new currency, many organizations are paying increasing attention to data in transit. Secure data governance is the unsung hero that ensures this data remains safe, compliant, and trustworthy. 

With the changing nature of cybersecurity threats and the limitations of traditional security measures, organizations must adapt to stay secure. At Sertainty, we understand the critical nature of data security in today’s digital landscape. Our commitment lies in providing innovative data protection solutions that empower businesses to combat evolving cyber threats. 

Sertainty technology bridges the gap between cutting-edge security technologies like self-protecting files and zero-trust network access with a software development kit that can be seamlessly integrated into a wide range of applications. Explore Sertainty’s solutions to protect your data assets and position your organization to thrive in today’s digital world.

5 Things to Do Immediately Upon Discovering a Data Breach

Posted on by Nicole Tidwell

In today’s digital age, where businesses collect and store vast amounts of customer data, data breaches have become a constant threat. These security incidents can have devastating consequences, leading to financial losses, reputational damage, and legal repercussions. Even if you have the most cutting-edge security in place, it’s essential to have contingency plans for a swift and well-coordinated response. Today, we’ll look at five vital steps to take if you discover a data breach. 

1. Secure the Breach: Stop the Bleeding

Imagine a burst pipe flooding your house. Your first priority is to stop the flow of water – at its source. Similarly, when a data breach occurs, the initial focus should be on containing the incident and preventing further damage. 

Isolate Affected Systems and Networks

Should a breach occur, what comes immediately to mind is a quarantine or shut down of any compromised systems within your network. Isolating the places where attackers can operate prevents them from moving laterally within your network and accessing any more of your system. This can sometimes be achieved through firewalls or micro-perimeters, which are essentially security zones created around specific applications or data sets. 

In addition to creating these barriers, you should temporarily sever the connection between compromised systems and/or the broader network entirely. This disrupts the attacker’s ability to continuously exfiltrate data or launch further attacks. While creating silos like this is not an ideal long-term solution, these measures can provide a working stopgap until more comprehensive data-level security protocols can be implemented. 

2. Assess the Damage: Understanding the Impact

After containing the breach, an assessment of the extent of the damage is triggered. This involves a cause-and-effect analysis of how the breach occurred and what data may have been compromised. 

Identify the Source of the Breach

Uncovering the root cause of the breach is essential for closing access and preventing similar incidents in the future. This might involve analyzing logs, identifying system vulnerabilities, or even engaging forensic investigators. Understanding how the attacker gained access allows you to patch vulnerabilities and tighten your security posture. 

While one may indeed find a software vulnerability that needs to be patched or a backdoor that needs closing, it’s important to remember that,v- in the overwhelming majority of cases, the weakest element of any security system is the people using it. Therefore, it’s suggested to conduct a thorough audit of user interactions to identify any potential cases of social engineering or even insider attacks. 

Proactive measures like vulnerability scanning and penetration testing are invaluable in identifying weaknesses before they are exploited. Regular vulnerability assessments are like security check-ups for your IT infrastructure, helping you identify and address potential security gaps before attackers can leverage them. 

Evaluate Compromised Data

Determining the type of data exposed in the breach is critical for understanding the severity of the incident and any legal notification requirements. Was it customer names and email addresses or more sensitive information like Social Security numbers or financial data? The classification of the exposed data dictates the appropriate course of action. 

Here’s where data lineage comes into play. Data lineage tracks the movement of data throughout its lifecycle, from origin to destination. Having a clear understanding of data lineage enables pinpointing exactly which data sets were compromised and who may be impacted. This facilitates a more targeted response and communication strategy. 

3. Respond with Transparency: Communication Is Key

In the aftermath of a data breach, transparency and clear communication are paramount. As tempting as it can be to keep things under wraps for as long as possible, keeping stakeholders informed demonstrates your commitment to addressing the situation and helps rebuild trust. 

Timely notification allows affected individuals to take necessary precautions, such as changing passwords or monitoring for fraudulent activity. Depending on the nature of the breach, you may need to notify regulators, law enforcement, customers, clients, insurers, and even third-party vendors. 

A well-crafted communication plan that outlines the scope of the breach, the steps being taken to address it, and the resources available to affected individuals demonstrates a commitment to responsible data stewardship. 

4. Mitigate Future Risks: Lessons Learned

A data breach, while a serious incident, can be an opportunity to learn and improve your company’s security posture. Here’s how to turn this setback into a stepping stone for a more secure future. 

Implement New Security Measures 

Following a breach, it’s vital to patch any vulnerabilities identified as entry points. However, a comprehensive approach goes beyond simply fixing the immediate problem. Consider enacting additional security measures based on the findings of your breach investigation. 

This might involve strengthening access controls, deploying data encryption solutions, or implementing multi-factor authentication protocols. Data-centric security, which focuses on protecting data itself rather than just network perimeters, can be a valuable tool. By encrypting data at rest and in transit, data-centric security renders it unusable even if intercepted, significantly reducing the potential impact of a breach. 

Train Staff on Updated Protocols

Your employees are often the first line of defense against cyberattacks. Security awareness training empowers employees to identify suspicious activity, such as phishing attempts, and report them promptly. Regular training sessions ensure that your staff is equipped with the knowledge and tools to recognize and respond to potential threats. 

5. Seek Expert Help: Partnering for Recovery

While the initial response to a data breach is crucial, the recovery process can be intricate and overwhelming. Consider partnering with data security professionals who can offer valuable expertise and support throughout this challenging time. These professionals can guide you in developing a comprehensive incident response plan that outlines the steps to take in case of a breach. They can also help execute the plan, ensuring a swift and coordinated response that minimizes damage.

Data breaches can also trigger legal and regulatory reporting requirements. Data security professionals can help you navigate these complexities, as well, and ensure compliance with relevant data privacy regulations. These trained professionals can also help you develop a communication strategy that addresses relevant concerns and rebuilds trust.

Long-Term Data Security Planning

Discovering a data breach can be a stressful experience, but by following these five critical steps, you can minimize the damage and take control of the situation. A swift, well-coordinated response, coupled with expert guidance, can help your organization recover from a data breach and emerge stronger. 

In sum, data security is an ongoing process, not a one-time fix. Implementing robust security measures, fostering a culture of cybersecurity awareness among your staff, and continuously monitoring your systems remain crucial in today’s ever-evolving threat landscape. By prioritizing data security best practices and adopting a proactive approach, you can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and safeguard your valuable information. 

Complete Data Security with Sertainty

As a leader in data-level security and self-protecting data technology, Sertainty leverages proprietary processes that enable data to govern, track, and defend itself. These protocols mean that even if systems are compromised or accessed from the inside, all data stored in them remains secure. 

At Sertainty, we know that the ability to maintain secure files is the most valuable asset to your organization’s continued success. Our industry-leading Data Privacy Platform has pioneered data solutions that are intelligent and actionable, helping companies move forward with a proven and sustainable approach to their cybersecurity needs. 

As the digital landscape evolves and networks become more widely accessible, Sertainty is committed to providing self-protecting data solutions that adapt and grow to defend sensitive data. Security threats may be inevitable, but with Sertainty, privacy loss doesn’t have to be. 

CAIQ Demystified: The Consensus Assessments Initiative Questionnaire’s Role in Your Cybersecurity Strategy

Posted on by Nicole Tidwell

In today’s data-driven world, organizations collect, store, and analyze vast amounts of information. Here, the cloud offers undeniable advantages like scalability, agility, and cost-efficiency. However, just like any valuable storage space, cloud environments require robust security measures to protect sensitive information. This is where CAIQ, the Consensus Assessments Initiative Questionnaire, comes into play as a critical tool for navigating challenges and securing any cloud environment. 

Understanding CAIQ: A Standardized Approach to Cloud Security Assessment

Developed by the Cloud Security Alliance (CSA), CAIQ is a standardized questionnaire designed for two key audiences: 

  • Cloud Service Providers (CSPs): CAIQ provides a framework for CSPs to document their existing security controls. This transparency fosters trust with potential customers and demonstrates their commitment to securing their cloud infrastructure. 
  • Cloud Customers: By utilizing CAIQ, cloud customers gain valuable insights into the security posture of potential cloud service providers. This standardized format allows for easy comparison between different providers, simplifying the selection process and ensuring a baseline understanding of their security practices. 

CAIQ’s Role in Cloud Computing

CAIQ offers a multitude of benefits for both cloud service providers and customers. For one, this standardized framework ensures a level playing field for both cloud customers and providers. Customers benefit by having a clear and consistent way to compare the security controls offered by different CSPs. This simplifies the selection process and empowers them to make informed decisions based on a common security baseline.

Transparency is another key benefit. By completing the CAIQ, CSPs demonstrate their commitment to security and data privacy. Customers gain valuable insights into the specific controls used to safeguard their data, fostering trust and strengthening the relationship between both parties.

Clarity and ease of comparison also encourage continuous improvement. By comprehensively reviewing their security measures through the lens of the CAIQ framework, CSPs can identify areas for improvement and enhance their overall security posture. This ongoing focus on security ultimately leads to a more secure cloud ecosystem for everyone.

Aligning CAIQ with Ethical Data Use Standards

The ODNI (Office of the Director of National Intelligence) Data Strategy emphasizes the importance of ethical and responsible data practices within the intelligence community. This aligns perfectly with the core principles of CAIQ, which can be leveraged to ensure that cloud adoption aligns with the ODNI’s data ethics principles. 

CAIQ sections like “Security and Risk Management” and “Data Provenance and Traceability” provide insights into the CSP’s data handling practices. This allows users to understand how their data will be stored, accessed, and used within the cloud environment. By carefully evaluating these sections, CSPs can ensure that they adhere to ethical data governance principles.

Accountability and Confidence

CAIQ responses from potential CSPs should detail their data security incident response procedures and data deletion processes. This level of accountability is crucial for ensuring that the data is protected from unauthorized access, misuse, or accidental loss. A robust CAIQ response demonstrates the service provider’s commitment to responsible data stewardship, aligning with the ODNI’s emphasis on ethical data practices.

Similarly, while CAIQ doesn’t directly address data minimization, it does provide insights into the CSP’s data residency practices. Understanding where data will be stored geographically can help determine if a cloud environment aligns with an organization’s, overall data policies. Such views help organizations choose a CSP with data residency locations that comply with relevant data privacy regulations. This, in turn, fosters greater trust and transparency, allowing organizations to leverage the cloud’s full potential while upholding the highest ethical standards for data governance.

CAIQ in Context

CAIQ provides a valuable baseline for evaluating cloud service providers. That said, grasping the true impact of each CAIQ answer requires understanding the tenets of data security that CSPs must strive to meet.

The “CIA Triad”

In addition to leveraging CAIQ, it’s important to understand the broader landscape of data security principles. One essential framework is the “CIA Triad.” Not to be confused with CAIQ — or the Central Intelligence Agency — the CIA Triad of cybersecurity stands for Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability. 

The CIA Triad provides valuable context for understanding how CAIQ helps assess a cloud provider’s ability to meet core security principles. This concept emphasizes the three fundamental objectives of any data security strategy: 

  • Confidentiality: Ensures that only authorized individuals and systems have access to your data. This includes protecting your data at rest within the cloud environment and in transit during transfer. 
  • Integrity: Guarantees that your data remains accurate and unaltered. This involves safeguarding your data from unauthorized modification or corruption, ensuring it remains trustworthy and reliable. 
  • Availability: Ensures that authorized users can access your data whenever they need it. This means protecting your cloud environment from disruptions or outages that could prevent access to critical information. 

Beyond CAIQ: Understanding Data-Centric Security

CAIQ offers a valuable standardized framework for assessing cloud security. However, a comprehensive data security strategy necessitates looking deeper than this initial evaluation. 

As we’ve already noted, cloud computing thrives on data mobility. To access the full benefits of cloud computing, data must venture beyond the perimeter of secure networks. This movement creates numerous opportunities for data breaches. Even in a cloud environment, traditional security approaches focus on robust fortifications guarding network perimeters and the communication channels through which data travels. 

Self-protecting data technology, however, offers a more robust solution for securing data in transit. Safeguarding the files themselves, self-protecting data practices mitigate the risks associated with compromised communication channels. By embedding security controls directly within the data, we can transform files into active participants in their own defense. This ensures that data remains protected regardless of its location — whether residing in a corporate network, stored in the cloud, or in transit to a partner site. This not only safeguards against external threats but also protects against insider actions or accidental data breaches.

This approach is particularly valuable in the context of CAIQ. While CAIQ can help you assess the security measures in place for data storage within a cloud environment, data-in-transit security is a separate consideration. By implementing these data-centric security measures in addition to CAIQ-informed cloud practices, you can build a truly secure framework for your cloud data, empowering you to leverage the cloud’s potential with total confidence. 

Complete Data Security with Sertainty

As a leader in data-level security and self-protecting data technology, Sertainty leverages proprietary processes that enable data to govern, track, and defend itself. These protocols mean that even if systems are compromised or accessed from the inside, all data stored within remains secure. 

At Sertainty, we know that the ability to maintain secure files is the most valuable asset to your organization’s continued success. Our industry-leading Data Privacy Platform has pioneered data solutions that are intelligent and actionable, helping companies move forward with a proven and sustainable approach to their cybersecurity needs. 

As the digital landscape evolves and networks become more widely accessible, Sertainty is committed to providing self-protecting data solutions that adapt and grow to defend sensitive data. Security threats may be inevitable, but with Sertainty, privacy loss doesn’t have to be.

The Role of Secure Data Governance in a ‘Data as a Product’ Strategy

Posted on by Nicole Tidwell

In an era where data reigns supreme, businesses are undergoing a transformation. They’re not just handling data, but treating it as a product. This shift in perspective has given rise to the Data as a Product strategy, sometimes abbreviated as DaaP. In this data-driven landscape, the significance of secure data governance cannot be overstated. So, let’s embark on a journey to understand the role of secure data governance in this intriguing strategy. 

Understanding Data as a Product

Like any tangible product, like a car or a smartphone, data has value as something that can be acquired, used, or sold. Organizations are no longer merely collecting data; they’re packaging it, enhancing it, and offering it to consumers – be it internal teams or external clients. 

This approach is attractive to a wide variety of organizations in the modern business landscape, and to some degree, DaaP-like strategies have even been adopted by intelligence agencies. There are various reasons that this way of thinking has gained traction. For one, viewing data as a product allows organizations to derive more return from the information they collect. Secondly, and perhaps even more transformatively, employing a DaaP strategy fosters data-driven decision-making, a cornerstone of success in the modern business world. 

The Critical Role of Secure Data Governance in DaaP

Secure data governance forms the bedrock upon which data products rest anytime information is collected, stored, or accessed. It’s like the security system of a high-tech vault, ensuring that valuable data assets remain intact, confidential, and compliant.

Data security is paramount in a world where data breaches make headlines all too often. Secure data governance is about creating a robust framework that safeguards sensitive data from unauthorized access, leaks, or misuse, building trust among data consumers.

Ensuring Data Protection

Secure data governance revolves around ensuring data protection. Think of it as a guardian angel for your data assets. It involves deploying measures like encryption, access controls, and data-centric security. These techniques work together to guarantee that only authorized personnel can access specific data and that they do so securely.

For instance, data encryption converts data into an unreadable format for anyone without the decryption key. Access controls, on the other hand, determine who can access the data and what actions they can perform. Data-centric security focuses on the data itself, ensuring that it remains protected even if the surrounding infrastructure is compromised.

Privacy Compliance

In today’s data-centric world, privacy compliance is non-negotiable. Secure data governance plays a pivotal role in helping organizations adhere to stringent privacy regulations. It assists in data minimization, ensuring that only necessary data is collected and stored. 

Consent management mechanisms enable organizations to obtain clear and informed consent from individuals before using their data as a product or otherwise. Moreover, secure data governance supports data subject rights, empowering individuals to have more control over how their data is used. 

Building Trust with Data Consumers

Trust is the cornerstone of any successful relationship, and this is no different in the corporate world than in interpersonal dealings. Secure data governance helps build trust with data consumers, whether they are internal stakeholders or external clients. When data consumers know how data-as-a-product is collected, stored, and used, they’re more likely to trust the organization handling it. 

Data lineage, another component of secure data governance, acts like a genealogy chart for data. It traces the data’s journey, providing insights into its origins and transformations. This transparency enhances credibility, making data consumers feel more at ease.

Data Quality and Integrity

Building on the concept of trust, goodwill, and a sense of reliability is only worthwhile if you can genuinely back your claims up. Secure data governance maintains data quality and integrity, ensuring that your promises to clients are rock-solid guarantees, not debatable claims. 

In this context, data quality refers to the accuracy, consistency, and reliability of data. It ensures that decisions made based on data are sound. Data integrity, on the other hand, focuses on preserving the overall accuracy and reliability of data throughout its lifecycle. Secure data governance employs methods and checks to ensure that data is always in its best possible state.

Scalability and Adaptability

A data strategy must be scalable and adaptable, just like a thriving business. Secure data governance is designed to scale with an organization’s data growth. It’s like adding more buildings and neighborhoods as a city expands.

This adaptability is crucial because data landscapes are ever-evolving. New data sources are constantly emerging, and as technology grows and changes, regulations are periodically updated in line with these developments. Secure data governance ensures that an organization’s DaaP strategy remains agile and can seamlessly accommodate these shifts.

Implementing Best Practices for Secure Data Governance

Advanced data security technology plays a pivotal role in bolstering secure data governance for DaaP strategies, notably within the context of zero-trust security. Zero-trust security marks a profound transformation in network security strategies. In stark contrast to traditional models that place trust in users and devices within the network, zero-trust mandates an ongoing process of verification and authentication for all users and devices, irrespective of their location. 

This approach ensures that trust is never assumed, with access granted solely based on real-time data and context. By embracing zero-trust principles, organizations can adeptly fortify their networks against external threats and insider vulnerabilities.

Furthermore, the introduction of self-protecting files aligns seamlessly with the zero-trust paradigm. These dynamic files intricately embed security measures directly into the data fabric itself. They possess the intelligence to discern the identities of those seeking data access, the when and where of these requests, and the context in which they occur. Should any facet of this access deviate from preset policies, these self-protecting files wield the capability to instantly revoke access or implement other safeguarding measures. 

This inherent data security supplements the conventional yet flawed perimeter defenses that have traditionally protected information of all kinds. Adding self-protecting technology to files bestows data owners with unprecedented control and privacy, permitting them to meticulously specify how their data is accessed and employed. This level of precision in data security represents a groundbreaking development for organizations spanning diverse industries.

Harmonized with zero-trust security principles, these technologies can empower organizations to elevate their data security posture, proactively mitigate risks, and ensure regulatory compliance. This fortified security framework not only bolsters the safeguarding of data but also cultivates an environment where a Data as a Product strategy can thrive.

True Data Security with Sertainty

In a world where data is the new currency, many organizations are turning to the art of DaaP. Secure data governance is the unsung hero that ensures this data remains safe, compliant, and trustworthy. It’s the guardian of your data vault, allowing you to reap the benefits of this transformative strategy. With the changing nature of cybersecurity threats and the limitations of traditional security measures, organizations must adapt to stay secure. 

Sertainty technology bridges the gap between cutting-edge security technologies like self-protecting files and zero-trust network access with a software development kit that can be seamlessly integrated into a wide range of applications. Explore Sertainty’s solutions to protect your DaaP and other data assets, and position your organization to thrive in today’s digital world.

Getting Ahead of the “Bad Guys”: Why the Future of Data Protection Isn’t Only About Secure Network Communications

Posted on by Nicole Tidwell

As cybersecurity wallows, particularly in the world of cloud security, the next step in securing sensitive data mandates the implementation of data that can defend itself, including self-protecting digital identities. 

Throughout much of history, safeguarding data privacy has centered on securing both access to private information and the encryption of the information itself. Encoding information was a straightforward, albeit effective strategy. However, as electronic communications began to dominate in the 20th century, there was a paradigm shift. The focus veered more exclusively toward securing transmission channels because the increased communications volume made uniquely encrypting individual messages unmanageable. The concept hinged on the belief that as long as those communications channels were impenetrable, so was the data inside. 

On a completely parallel track, as computers started taking over more and more functions in the 1960s, data storage became a problem to overcome. The industry went from punch cards to digital files stored on reel-to-reel tapes, hard drives, and other evolutions, culminating in today’s cloud storage mechanisms. Unfortunately, security wasn’t an initial concern when the transition from punch cards to digital files occurred. Since then, the critical cybersecurity question has been “How do we protect the mechanisms that control digital files?” not “How do we protect the digital file itself?”

The trajectory of digital files and cryptography first collided with the realization that computers needed to pass information between themselves to further computing capabilities. There is little to no technical difference between transporting other digital signals and computer-to-computer transmissions. Hence, computer networking (and the entire internet) was built on the telecommunications infrastructure that was fundamentally the same as it had been in the 1970s and ‘80s — all the way back to the early modems that first brought the internet to millions of homes through programs like Prodigy, Compuserve, and AOL. 

The complexity of the data security puzzle is perfectly represented by Amazon’s entry onto the scene in 1995 as an online bookstore. That introduced the world to the idea of “e-commerce.” While the value of secure online data transmission was not novel to shopping, the sharing of payment information over the internet put the safety of these transmission channels into the public consciousness on a far greater level. 

As these changing needs emerged, firewalls evolved from simple database perimeters to focus on a variety of micro-perimeters for more effective and secure transmission networks. Today, advanced firewalls classify traffic access and connect application usage to IP addresses and user identities. 

However, this approach, while having served us well for decades, is increasingly showing its limitations. Even the most secure transmission channels and data storage locations are vulnerable to sophisticated cyberattacks. The threat landscape is not static; it is dynamic and increasingly menacing, particularly with the threats posed by the advent of AI and quantum computing. These combined technologies, with their immense computational powers, have the potential to unravel even the most robust network-based security protocols. 

Within this context, I believe the time is ripe for a “back to basics” approach that encompasses not only data security but the very basics of digital data storage. This re-imagined approach means encoding and securing the data files directly rather than solely relying on the security provided by the devices or constructs acting as perimeters in the Defense-in-Depth construct. If security is directly embedded into the data (or data file), we ensure that it remains protected irrespective of the channel through which it travels or where it is stored.

This approach is not just a nod to the past but a strategic adaptation for the future. Cloud computing tests the older paradigm as it increases the rate at which data moves through communications channels — traversing from on-premises infrastructure to cloud servers, between various cloud services, and back to end users. Each of those movements exposes the data to numerous threat vectors. A back-to-basics approach can potentially obviate swaths of threat vectors rather than attempting to address them one at a time. 

Data security at the file level can transform each piece of data or file into a self-protecting entity capable of defending itself in a landscape where traditional perimeters are increasingly irrelevant. This method not only provides a more robust defense against current threats but also can make data far more resilient against emerging threat vectors like quantum computing, which renders the newer asymmetric encryption method largely ineffective while at the same time leaving the traditional symmetric method relatively sound. 

It is crucial to continue innovating and advancing our cybersecurity technologies and practices, but we must simultaneously question and keep sight of the foundational principles that have long governed the realm of secure information. In the current and foreseeable landscape, where threats are evolving at an unprecedented pace, the status quo has proven incapable of being countered. Embracing data-level security represents both a return to basics and a leap forward into the future of cybersecurity.

About Rich Streeter

Richard Streeter is the Operations Director of Sertainty Federal. Previously, he spent almost three decades in the intelligence community between the US Navy and the private sector. 

DevSecOps: The Future of Built-In Cybersecurity

Posted on by Nicole Tidwell

In today’s volatile world of ever-emerging cybersecurity threats, effective security solutions are more essential than ever before. In the past, cybersecurity was perceived as ancillary to Information Technology activities, but developers are increasingly turning to new methods that blend such more effectively like DevSecOps—which is a process and not technology. It’s a cultural and engineering practice that breaks down barriers and opens collaboration between software development, security, and operations to instill a rationale oriented around automation and delivery. 

What Is DevSecOps?

In the domain of cybersecurity and software development, modern challenges are being met by a strategic approach known as DevSecOps. In essence, it’s a cohabitation encompassing Security and Operations development. DevSecOps embodies a philosophy that seeks to integrate security practices seamlessly into the software development lifecycle. 

DevSecOps promotes a cultural shift that shatters traditional silos, fostering a shared responsibility for security across the development pipeline. This means that security isn’t merely an add-on or a final checkpoint. It becomes a proactive and integral part of every phase: planning, coding, testing, and deployment. Vulnerabilities and risks are identified early, allowing for timely mitigation and reducing the potential impact of security breaches.

While it may seem simple to code security into your programs, not all factors are necessarily in a user’s control. Today, many companies employ in-house software engineers, albeit, much of the code is programmed by open-source developers. In fact, a 2019 report found that 96% of codebases contain at least some open-source code. While using open-source code does not negate the possibility of DevSecOps, it does mean that security solutions must account for all code, including programming written by other developers. 

DevSecOps, in its essence, promotes harmony, collaboration, and a shared sense of responsibility among development, security, and operations. It envisions a world where security isn’t an obstacle but a guiding principle, enabling organizations to build resilient, secure, and high-quality software while maintaining agility and speed. In this paradigm, security is no longer a checkpoint — it’s the guiding star that illuminates the path to digital resilience.

The Current State of DevSecOps

According to the 2023 Application Development Software Global Market Report, the application development software market is expected to grow from $334.86 billion this year to $915.96 billion in 2027. Not only are those numbers significant, but they represent an average Combined Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of well over 28%. 

Enterprises and IT Integrators are continuously looking to stage projects along five phases: business modeling, data modeling, process modeling, application generation, and testing and turnover. Applying cryptography from the start has been difficult due to a dependency on a key management system that encrypts and decrypts an application or data and generates latency in the process.  

The Growing Importance of Inherent Security

Perhaps the greatest value of DevSecOps lies in its commitment to continuous improvement and learning. Teams that analyze security incidents and feedback are able to evolve their practices to stay ahead of emerging threats. This iterative loop empowers organizations to adapt quickly, enhancing their security posture in a landscape where cyber threats evolve at a rapid pace. 

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, the significance of DevSecOps has taken center stage, marking a pivotal turning point in the world of cybersecurity and software development. This is especially true in today’s landscape of emerging AI-enabled threat vectors. 

In the past year—2023—organizations have found themselves navigating an increasingly complex and perilous cybersecurity terrain, where the threats have become more diverse, dire, and persistent. It is in this dynamic environment that the DevSecOps approach emerged as twin pillars of resilience and adaptability. 

Regulations and Compliance

Gone are the days when security could be an afterthought—a mere hoop to jump through at the end of the development cycle. During 2023, the stakes and exposure to cyberattacks rose exponentially in which breaches Breaches led to severe financial losses, regulatory penalties, and the erosion of customer trust, thereby blurring a  traditional divide between development, security, and operations and making it no longer tenable or viable to work in a siloed mode. 

Henceforth, organizations are embracing digital transformation and cloud environments, microservices, and IoT devices, all of which introduce new attack vectors. The sheer diversity and complexity of these technologies demand a proactive security approach. DevSecOps advocates for the integration of security from the earliest stages, ensuring that vulnerabilities are identified and addressed before they can be exploited.

Failure to sufficiently protect data can subject companies to regulatory hot water. For instance, in the United States, all information related to individual health is protected under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA). Compliance with HIPAA regulations is dictated by the US Department of Health and Human Services and enforced by the Office for Civil Rights. Non-compliance with privacy laws such as HIPAA, CCPA legislation in California, or the GDPR (pertaining to EU subjects) is prone to penalization. 

In short, effective and dynamic security is necessary to stay on the right side of data protection laws. The DevSecOps approach becomes a catalyst for such agility. It empowers teams to respond swiftly to emerging threats, adapting their strategies in real-time. The iterative nature of DevSecOps ensures that security remains an evolving practice, aligned with the ever-changing threat landscape. 

The Future of DevSecOps

As we navigate the uncharted waters of 2023 and beyond, DevSecOps stands as a cornerstone of resilience, enabling organizations to not only weather the storms of cyber threats but also emerge stronger, more secure, and more adaptable than ever before. But how can businesses and agencies adopt a DevSecOps approach?

Enter self-protecting data solutions, such as Sertainty’s cutting-edge technology. By embedding intelligence directly into data files, self-protecting data can recognize and counter malicious activities, even in the absence of known vulnerabilities or patches. As a pioneer of this approach, Sertainty redefines how information is protected to ensure data privacy where perimeters fail. Using cutting-edge protocols and embedding intelligence directly into sensitive data files or datasets, Sertainty leverages patented processes to govern, track, and defend data through the files themselves. 

Instead of database security based on privileges to access the network directory where the file currently resides, Sertainty Self-Protecting Data technology empowers the files to defend themselves against malicious activity immediately. Sertainty UXP Technology recognizes itself through a Zero-Trust framework that contextualizes the environment, behavior, and action of the intended receiver — whether human, machine, or application. With these protocols, the data remains secure even in situations where systems have been compromised. 

Government agencies are recognizing the importance of this approach. In fact, an executive order from last year demands that all US federal agencies adopt a Zero-Trust security model to improve data security efforts. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has also been applying pressure on both the private and public sectors to increase commitment to digital security and Secure-by-Design Technology. 

Empower Your Built-In Security with Sertainty

Sertainty Technology automatically bakes in security at every phase of the software development lifecycle, enabling the development of secure software in a Waterfall or Agile construct. This enables the secure automation of processes, standardizations, protections, and contextualization of data. Moreover, Sertainty UXP Technology demonstrates homomorphic capabilities, specifying what needs to be decrypted and worked on. This is a huge operational gain, streamlining processes and touchpoints.

Through its UXP Technology, Sertainty leverages proprietary processes that enable data to govern, track, and defend itself — whether in flight, in a developer’s sandbox, or in storage. These UXP Technology protocols mean that even if systems are compromised by AI tools or accessed from the inside, all data stored in them remains secure. 

At Sertainty, we know that maintaining secure files is the most valuable asset to your organization’s continued success. Our industry-leading Data Privacy Platform has pioneered what it means for data to be intelligent and actionable, helping companies move forward with a proven and sustainable approach to their cybersecurity needs. 

As the digital landscape evolves and networks become more widely accessible, Sertainty is committed to providing self-protecting data solutions that evolve and grow to defend sensitive data. With the proliferation of human and AI threats, security breaches may be inevitable, but with Sertainty, privacy loss doesn’t have to be. 

The Future of Data Security: AI, Self-Protecting Files, and Zero-Trust

Posted on by Nicole Tidwell

In today’s digital landscape, the future of data security is at the forefront of every organization’s concerns. With the constant evolution of cyber threats and the increasing complexity of our interconnected world, traditional security measures are no longer enough to safeguard sensitive information. 

Today, we’ll delve into the changing nature of information security threats, the limitations of conventional cybersecurity methods, and how innovative solutions like self-protecting files and zero-trust network access are shaping the future of data security. Join us on this journey as we explore the path to a more secure digital future, where organizations can protect their data with confidence.

The Evolution of Data Security

From the earliest days of computer networks, information security primarily focused on building robust perimeter defenses. Firewalls, intrusion detection systems, and access control were the standard tools in the cybersecurity arsenal. However, as technology advanced, so did the strategies of cybercriminals. The rise of sophisticated cyber threats has exposed the inadequacies of traditional security models. 

Limitations of Traditional Security Measures

The limitations of traditional security measures are evident in their inability to adapt to the evolving threat landscape. These methods often rely on static rules and predefined patterns to detect anomalies, making it challenging to detect novel attack vectors. Organizations find themselves in a constant game of catch-up, struggling to defend against new, innovative cyber threats.

Most traditional cybersecurity methods lean heavily on perimeter-based security. While firewalls and intrusion detection systems create a barrier between an organization’s internal network and the outside world, this approach has its limitations. Cybercriminals often exploit vulnerabilities to infiltrate this perimeter, making perimeter-based defenses an incomplete solution. Legacy systems and password-based authentication methods have become especially easy targets for attackers, as outdated software and weak passwords can provide cybercriminals with an open door to an organization’s sensitive data.

Insider threats pose another significant challenge. Malicious or negligent employees can bypass perimeter defenses, leading to data breaches from within.

Zero-Trust: Redefining Network Security

Zero-trust network access is a fundamental shift in the way we approach network security. Unlike traditional models that trust users and devices within the network, a zero-trust approach demands rigorous proof of legitimacy.

Zero-trust emphasizes the continuous verification and authentication of all users and devices, regardless of their location. This approach ensures that trust is never assumed, and access is granted based on real-time data and context. As a result, organizations can effectively protect their networks from both external threats and insider risks.

The Evolving Regulatory Landscape

Recognizing the need for a paradigm shift in cybersecurity, the United States government has taken significant steps to enhance data security. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has introduced the “Zero-Trust Maturity Model,” a framework designed to help organizations transition to zero-trust security. This model emphasizes continuous verification and authentication, ensuring that trust is never assumed, even within the network perimeter.

Executive Order 14028, titled “Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity,” reinforces the government’s commitment to strengthening national cybersecurity defenses. The order highlights the importance of modernizing cybersecurity defenses and underscores the significance of implementing zero-trust principles. By aligning with government initiatives, organizations can stay ahead of cyber threats and contribute to a more secure digital landscape.

The Future of Data Security

Amid the evolving threat landscape, a revolutionary concept has emerged — self-protecting files. These files are not your typical data containers. Instead, they are intelligent, dynamic entities that possess the ability to protect themselves and the data they hold. 

Self-protecting files utilize cutting-edge technology to embed security directly into the data itself. They can determine who is accessing the data, where, when, and under what circumstances. If any aspect of the access does not align with pre-defined policies, the file can instantly revoke access or take other protective actions. 

Self-Protecting Data vs. Traditional Security

The advantages of self-protecting files over traditional security methods are profound. With self-protecting files, data protection becomes intrinsic, eliminating the need for perimeter defenses to protect data at rest. They also offer enhanced privacy and control, as data owners can define precisely how their data is accessed and used. This level of granularity in data security is a game-changer for organizations across various industries.

Other Emerging Security Technologies

Another type of emerging technology leverages advanced AI-driven algorithms to proactively identify and neutralize potential threats. They excel at detecting vulnerabilities that often evade traditional security measures, making them a vital component in safeguarding sensitive data.

One common focus of these technologies is securing the “edge territory” of networks, an often-ignored critical area where cyber criminals can exploit weaknesses. By concentrating on fortifying this network segment, these emerging solutions provide an additional layer of defense that is instrumental in today’s complex digital ecosystem.

Furthermore, these technologies are increasingly integrating with other cutting-edge security solutions, such as Sertainty’s technology and its Digital IDs. This integration not only enhances their capabilities but also fosters collaboration in creating dynamic ecosystems where data is both protected and empowered.

These pioneering approaches are setting a new industry standard for data security, coupled with a data-centric orientation. In a world where data security is paramount, these collaborations exemplify the potential of combining AI-driven security technologies to provide comprehensive protection in the digital age.

While these may seem fundamentally different than zero-trust, Sertainty technology can play an integral role in these platforms as well. For example, GuardDog AI‘s AI-powered Protective Cloud Services (PCS) platform employs cutting-edge technology to constantly scan and analyze network traffic in concert with the Sertainty software developer toolkit. 

This integration brings a unique fusion of technologies. Sertainty, a global data security leader, is known for its Data Privacy Platform, which empowers data files to protect themselves using a zero-trust methodology. This approach prioritizes data-centric security, ensuring privacy and integrity even in situations where traditional security measures may fall short.

Truly Secure Data with Sertainty

The future of data security lies in innovative solutions like self-protecting files and zero-trust network access. With the changing nature of cybersecurity threats and the limitations of traditional security measures, organizations must adapt to stay secure. 

Sertainty technology bridges the gap between technologies shaping the future of data security (self-protecting files and zero-trust network access) with a software development kit that can be seamlessly integrated into a wide range of applications. As we navigate the digital future, the path to a more secure data environment becomes clear — a path paved with innovation, adaptability, and trust in the face of evolving threats. 

Explore Sertainty’s solutions and embark on this journey towards a safer digital world.

Emerging Data Security Threats to Watch in 2024

Posted on by Nicole Tidwell

In today’s digital world, data is the lifeblood of organizations. It fuels decision-making, drives innovation, and is at the heart of every successful operation. However, as we march forward into 2024, the landscape of data security is more challenging and dynamic than ever before. New data security threats, both technological and human-driven, are on the horizon, demanding heightened vigilance and innovative solutions. 

The ability to proactively recognize and mitigate these threats is key to both protecting your most vital assets and maintaining regulatory compliance. In this article, we’ll examine some of the most prominent emerging data security threats to watch in 2024 as well as how organizations can comprehensively address them. 

Top Emerging Data Security Threats in 2024

AI-Powered Cyberattacks: The Rise of Adversarial AI

Artificial intelligence (AI) is a double-edged sword. While it powers many of our conveniences, it can also be harnessed for malicious purposes. In practical terms, AI technology has given rise to two distinct data security threats.

Firstly, generative AI’s ability to create convincing, human-like personas has made social engineering threats increasingly difficult to detect. The newfound accessibility of sophisticated machine learning tools also makes it easier for hackers to set an AI program to break through firewalls by trying endless combinations of possible credentials in “brute force” style attacks. 

This is not to say that AI is all bad news for cybersecurity. New tools, such as the innovative Protective Cloud Services (PCS) platform from GuardDog AI, can scan and analyze network traffic, proactively automating incident response steps to save precious time when responding to perimeter breaches. 

The Ransomware Evolution: Double Extortion and Beyond

Ransomware is evolving, and it’s not just about encrypting your data anymore. Ransomware capabilities and tactics have undergone a significant transformation in recent times, extending beyond the conventional act of encrypting data and posing even more potent threats to organizations. 

One notable evolution in this malicious strategy is the adoption of “double extortion” tactics. Instead of merely locking data away, cybercriminals are now leveraging the stolen data as an additional weapon in their arsenal. This entails a two-pronged approach. Alongside encrypting the victim’s data, attackers also threaten to publicly expose sensitive information unless a ransom is paid. This strategic shift underscores a fundamental realization made by cybercriminals — that data is not just valuable to the targeted organizations, but can be equally valuable to the attackers themselves. 

Supply Chain Vulnerabilities: Data Risks Beyond Your Control

The global digital supply chain is intricate, and data flows through it like a circulatory system. But it’s also a point of vulnerability. Attacks on this supply chain can have catastrophic repercussions, extending far beyond the organization directly targeted. 

The interconnected nature of supply chains means that a breach in one part of the network can potentially impact the data and operations of countless partners, creating a domino effect of data risks. As supply chains become increasingly global and digitally driven, safeguarding sensitive data throughout this intricate web has become crucial.

IoT and IIoT Devices: A Growing Attack Surface

The Internet of Things (IoT) is expanding exponentially, but so are its security risks. This is true in both private applications and the Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT). These devices collect and transmit data, which, while extremely useful, also widens the network edge, increasing the number of potential entry points into your system. 

Improperly secured IoT and IIoT devices can quickly transform from convenient tools to potential entry points for cybercriminals seeking to exploit vulnerabilities. These devices frequently lack robust security measures, leaving them susceptible to a variety of threats. Whether it’s a smart thermostat in a home or a sensor controlling a vital manufacturing process in an industrial setting, the security of these devices is paramount. 

Quantum Computing: A New Frontier for Cyber Threats

Quantum computing, once a realm of science fiction, is now becoming a reality. As we inch closer to practical quantum applications, the implications for data security are profound. Current encryption methods, which rely on the computational difficulty of factoring large numbers, may crumble in the face of quantum algorithms. 

Data security has traditionally provided a layered defense against intrusions. This is largely predicated on the assumption that a sufficiently layered defense-in-depth framework can counter intrusions. However, these defenses are built on computational limitations that quantum computers are poised to obliterate. Once useable quantum computing capability reaches the hands of malicious actors, the standard security algorithms that guard much of our most sensitive data today could be effortlessly decrypted. 

Insider Threats: The Danger Within

Insider threats, whether due to malice or negligence, are a persistent concern. These dangers even emanate from people you trust — your employees, contractors, or business partners. The issue with insider threats is that they’re not easy to spot because they’re coming from within your trusted circle.

Whether it’s someone intentionally leaking sensitive data to competitors or a well-meaning employee accidentally clicking on a malicious link, the result can be disastrous. When addressing insider threats, it’s not about securing your network’s external perimeter; it’s about safeguarding your internal secrets from those you trust the most.

The New Foundation of Data Resilience

As we move into 2024, the evolving data security landscape is both promising and perilous. New technologies bring unprecedented opportunities, but they also open doors to novel threats. In this era of data-driven decision-making, one thing is clear: improving data security to match these emerging threat vectors is not a luxury, but a necessity.

In the face of these powerful new data security threats, incremental improvements to existing network perimeters are insufficient. Instead, leaders are looking toward a new paradigm of data security. 

To address these and other mounting data security threats, leaders have begun to approach data as not just something to be safeguarded by perimeters, but as a vigilant protector in its own right. This means that data takes on an active role in looking after itself. So, whether your data is sitting safely within your company’s computer systems, floating up in the cloud, or traveling to another business, it’s always watching out for threats. 

By integrating data-level security into your cyber defense strategy, you create a resilient fortress around your most valuable asset — your data. In the face of quantum computing, AI-powered attacks, evolving ransomware, complex supply chains, IoT vulnerabilities, insider threats, and regulatory mazes, data-level security remains your constant and reliable guardian. Instead of relying on outer defenses, you have an inner champion that keeps your data safe no matter where it is.

In the words of Sertainty CSO Amir Sternhell, “The Sertainty UXP Technology is setting the standards in the IIoT world by protecting and maintaining the integrity of a sensor command to overcome the acceleration in phishing, fakes, and sabotage, attributed to adversarial AI. Rest assured that this upcoming year will witness a glut of holistic Data-Chain-of-Provenance and Digital Twin implementations — premised on the Sertainty Zero-Trust design principles — to quell intrusions into our Industrial Control Systems (ICS) and ransomware attacks.” 

Staying Ahead of Data Security Threats with Sertainty

As a leader in data-level security and self-protecting data technology, Sertainty leverages proprietary processes that enable data to govern, track, and defend itself. These protocols mean that even if systems are compromised or accessed from the inside, all data stored in them remains secure. 

At Sertainty, we know that the ability to maintain secure files is the most valuable asset to your organization’s continued success. Our industry-leading Data Privacy Platform has pioneered data solutions that are intelligent and actionable, helping companies move forward with a proven and sustainable approach to their cybersecurity needs. 

As the digital landscape evolves and networks become more widely accessible, Sertainty is committed to providing self-protecting data solutions that adapt and grow to defend sensitive data. Security threats may be inevitable, but with Sertainty, privacy loss doesn’t have to be. 

The Quantum Leap: Why Data-Level Security Is the Vanguard Against the Next Wave of Cybersecurity Threats

Posted on by Nicole Tidwell

In the ever-evolving theater of cybersecurity, the proliferation of quantum computing presents a formidable challenge to our current defense-in-depth strategies. While conventional data security has traditionally provided a layered defense against intrusions, it is largely predicated on the computational limitations that quantum computers are expected to obliterate. The stark reality is that the standard security algorithms that guard much of our most sensitive data, today, could be effortlessly decrypted, tomorrow, using quantum machines. 

The solution to this looming tidal wave is not in fortifying the walls of our sandcastles, but in looking toward a new paradigm enshrining data security. Henceforth, despite the still-nascent nature of these risks, the technology required to address quantum security threats actually exist. True, whilst industry giants like Microsoft are only beginning to discuss the nature of these threats, the military, enterprises and leaders in cybersecurity are looking toward a data-level security approach such as exemplified by the Sertainty Self-Protecting Data technology. The novelty behind Self-protecting data encryption is that it allows each data file to become a cryptographically micro-perimeter and secure object that can defend itself, irrespective of the system it resides in. 

This type of self-protecting data that can resist quantum threats was recently discussed by my colleague Dr. Behzad Nadji in his whitepaper, “Quantum Computer Threats Against PKI Data Security and a Digital-ID Based Self-Protecting-Data Solution.” 

The similarity between quantum-enabled security threats and the recent surge in AI-enabled cybersecurity breaches perfectly illustrates how self-protecting data has the potential to address quantum threats. Like quantum encryption-breaking, machine learning algorithms can be commanded to simulate a“brute force” attack in which the sheer computational might foreseen in a quantum computer will break traditional cryptographic defenses in concert with AI algorithms that will identify the vulnerabilities that apply Shor’s Law. 

Likewise, generative AI’s rapidly growing capability to produce social engineering attacks — creating more sophisticated phishing attempts that can fool the most vigilant — is a precursor to the scale of disruption quantum computing will bring on the classical computing paradigm premised on Moore’s law. 

A data-level security approach addresses today’s Quantum Encryption and AI challenges by embedding a symmetrical – lattice-like protection scheme within the data itself. This implies that even if a quantum computer could process intercepted data, or an AI  fakes legitimate access of a user, the data will remain secure. The reason is that the Sertainty Self-Protecting Data mechanism requires authentication at the data layer, which is a significant departure from perimeter-based security models.

Thus, the data becomes its own sentinel, capable of making decisions about who can access it, when, and under what circumstances. This is akin to a biometric system that not only knows who you are but also understands the context of your request. If the context is inappropriate — say, during an AI-driven brute force attack or a quantum-decryption attempt — the data remains locked.

As we stand on the precipice of a quantum future, it is clear that a paradigm shift in our approach to cybersecurity is not just warranted but essential. The Sertainty approach to data-level security provides an archetype for the quantum age, ensuring that data can stand resilient against the foreseen formidable capabilities of quantum computers and AI-driven cyber threats. We must transition from defense-in-depth to data-in-depth, focusing on making the data itself an active participant in its defense. This is not merely a strategic choice; it is the cornerstone upon which the future of digital security must and will be built. 

About Amir Sernhell

Amir Sternhell, Chief Strategy Officer of Sertainty Corporation, has thirty years of experience in the Global IT and Corporate Learning Industries. Amir spearheads the strategic direction to set “Self-Protecting-Data” as a new global standard in the data protection space. He oversees Sertainty’s strategic thrusts and partnerships into Enterprises, Critical Infrastructure, and Defense.  

He has held senior positions whilst working for a leading IT company – close to two decades – that represented Harvard Business Publishing in the Latin American markets for fifteen years, whereby he became a Chief Learning Officer as well as a pioneer in the Corporate Learning world and was the first to deploy over fifty blended programs on Leadership, Innovation, and Creativity utilizing content from Harvard Business Publishing as means to generate ‘Leadership at every Level’. He was awarded the Most Valuable Distributor Award three times. 

Amir founded the first non-profit organization that assisted Israel’s burgeoning incubator system, later becoming the Vice Chairman of the American-Israel Chamber of Commerce and Industry, overseeing its High-Tech initiatives for two decades. Amir currently sits on multiple Advisory Boards and continues to help execute groundbreaking initiatives in the Tech Industry. He is a Keynote and Panelist at major industry and cybersecurity events. 

Beyond Defense-in-Depth: Why It’s Time to Embrace Data-Level Security

Posted on by Nicole Tidwell

As we enter a new age of cybersecurity threats, our defense practices need more than a simple tactical change — we need a strategic evolution that promises to streamline cybersecurity, reduce costs, and enhance protection. That’s why shifting from a reactive, perimeter-focused defense-in-depth strategy to a more proactive, data-centric security approach is becoming a matter of necessity. 

Defense-in-depth has been the bedrock of our cybersecurity strategy for decades, providing a sophisticated, layered approach to security. However, this model is fundamentally reactive, and as time has progressed, it has become increasingly complex and siloed. Because the defense-in-depth model operates on the premise that breaches will occur at the outer layers, it demands multiple fallbacks. While each layer has its role, the complexity and isolation of these systems can create gaps that savvy attackers exploit — including both malicious and inadvertent risks from insiders, who represent an increasing threat vector today. 

However, if data itself is our central focus, it becomes both the perimeter and the endpoint, behaving as an active participant in its own defense. When adopting this model, security measures are embedded within the data itself, ensuring that it remains protected regardless of its location — whether within the corporate network, in the cloud, or in transit to a partner site. 

Envisioning data as the new perimeter means recognizing that data traverses beyond the traditional bounds of enterprise control. It makes its presence known in the cloud, across devices, and through various networks. By embedding security controls directly within the data, we create a dynamic, mobile perimeter that offers protection wherever the data resides or travels. This approach ensures continuous protection and addresses the critical pain points of the private sector, where agility and responsiveness to threats are paramount. 

Simultaneously, viewing data as the new endpoint emphasizes the need for protection at the point of use. Whether it’s personal information or intellectual property, the data endpoint is where the value — and the vulnerability — lies. By encrypting data, we ensure that even if it falls into the wrong hands, its confidentiality and integrity remain intact. 

Acknowledging this, it’s time to recognize the role of data-level security in the coming age. This data-centric methodology offers a more streamlined and efficient security process, significantly reducing the need for extensive security teams and layers of protection. This approach also translates to a direct impact on organizations’ bottom lines — not only saving on costs but also on personnel and complexity, as well as eliminating the data silos that a conventional defense-in-depth approach inadvertently creates. These benefits are especially vital when the current cybersecurity landscape is marked by drastic increases in security spending and a shortage of qualified personnel. 

As the world shifts toward adopting a data-as-a-product (DaaP) approach to information, securing this product is paramount. This perspective is not limited to data-centric businesses but is a universal value across all sectors. A data-centric security approach is not just about defense but also about empowerment. This transformation anticipates and preempts emerging threats, such as those enabled by machine learning, and, in the near future, quantum computing, constructing a more intelligent, data-first line of defense. 

The transition to a data-level security approach represents a strategic reorientation that can simplify, secure, and streamline corporate cybersecurity. It’s a shift that addresses the current landscape of threats and the evolving regulatory environment, recognizing data as the invaluable asset that it is. It’s time for cybersecurity leaders to align themselves with this shift, to not only defend but to empower data to protect itself and, by extension, the enterprises that depend on it. 

About the Author

Jeff Snyder is a senior Sertainty Advisory Board member and cybersecurity expert, boasting over twenty years of experience. His career is marked by significant Cyber contributions to both federal agencies and the private sector. He has been instrumental in the strategic acquisition and growth of over 20 companies in the cybersecurity industry. 

Additionally, Jeff is a sought-after speaker regarding a spectrum of pressing topics, from the

Zero-Day Exploits: What They Are and How You Can Prepare

Posted on by Nicole Tidwell

Zero-day exploits are among the most elusive and dangerous cyber threats in today’s digital landscape. These sophisticated attacks target undisclosed vulnerabilities, leaving organizations defenseless and scrambling for solutions. In this article, we will explore the world of zero-day exploits and their profound impact on data security. 

What Are Zero-Day Exploits?

Zero-day exploits refer to cyberattacks that take advantage of undisclosed software vulnerabilities. The term “zero-day” indicates that organizations and their developers have no time to prepare for these attacks, as the vulnerabilities are exploited before any patch or fix is available to the flaws. These exploits pose significant challenges to cybersecurity, as they leave victims defenseless against unseen threats.

Zero-day attacks emerged around 2006, due to the collaboration between the United States NSA and Israel’s 8200 Unit which berthed a 500Kb computer worm called Stuxnet. This worm featured a design and architecture that were not domain-specific and could be utilized for attacking modern SCADA and PLC systems. This made Stuxnet capable of infecting Iranian nuclear centrifuges that were enriching weapons-grade Uranium as part of its Nuclear program.

It was the first time that a Zero-Day cyber attack was used for military purposes. This opened the floodgates for competition in the cyber arena through en-masse weaponization of zero-day attacks as part of the military doctrine of China, Russia, Iran, and North Korea. Or, as an integral part of the Forward Defense activities of the US, UK, and Israel, to keep the cybersecurity arena from escalating further. 

Thereafter, the potential of zero-day exploits—whether by malicious organizations, nation-states and their proxies, or individual hackers—began to seep into the psyche and operations of the DoD and IT world. The threat of zero-day attacks have underlined the need to mitigate any software security vulnerabilities as soon as they are discovered. 

How Zero-Day Exploits Work

Zero-day exploits follow a well-defined technical process that malicious actors use to infiltrate systems. Attackers tirelessly search for undisclosed vulnerabilities, knowing that these are the keys to high-impact attacks. Once found, they skillfully exploit these weaknesses, gaining unauthorized access to systems, stealing sensitive data, or disrupting critical operations.

Identifying Zero-Day Vulnerabilities

Researchers and hackers use various methods to identify zero-day vulnerabilities. Vulnerability research involves analyzing software code to uncover potential weaknesses. Bug bounty programs encourage ethical hackers to report zero-day vulnerabilities in exchange for rewards. The dark web also plays a role, serving as a marketplace where hackers buy, sell, or trade information about undisclosed vulnerabilities.

The Implications of Zero-Day Exploits

The consequences of zero-day exploits can be devastating. Real-life examples have shown how these attacks compromise the security and privacy of individuals, organizations, and even critical infrastructure. The financial impact can be significant, with remediation costs and potential legal liabilities. Furthermore, the reputational damage resulting from a successful zero-day exploit can tarnish an organization’s image for years to come.

Significant Historical Zero-Day Exploits

While Stuxnet is perhaps the most widely-publicized example of a zero-day exploit, other threats of this nature have only increased in the nearly two decades since it first made waves. In fact, a 2022 report found that a shocking 40% of all zero-day exploits that happened between 2012 and 2021 happened in 2021 alone. 

Let’s take a look at some significant zero-day exploits from the last decade to better understand how these types of threats can affect your business. 

Yahoo (August 2013)

Though it’s been eight years since the Yahoo attack, this zero-day incident remains one of the most prominent to date. In 2016, the company revealed that more than 3 billion accounts had been accessed by hackers in the attack. In addition to exposing user data, the incident caused Yahoo’s value to drop significantly in the midst of a potential acquisition. 

LinkedIn (June 2021)

Another notable incident occurred in 2021 when LinkedIn reported that it had been hit by a zero-day attack that affected over 90% of its user base (700 million users). In this attack, a hacker scraped data by exploiting the site’s API. Before being taken down by law enforcement, the group responsible for CVE-2021-1879 publicly released a data set of around 500 million users. 

Microsoft (July 2023)

In July of 2023, Microsoft confirmed a shocking 132 security vulnerabilities across its product lines, including six confirmed zero-day exploits. One of these zero-days was remote code execution found within Microsoft Office and Windows HTML that could allow hackers to create Microsoft Office documents enabling them to perform remote code execution in victims’ devices.

While patches for significant exploits like these are typically quickly released, as of July 21st, Microsoft has yet to release a patch for CVE-2023-36884. The company is instead offering mitigation steps for affected users. 

Defense Strategies Against Zero-Day Exploits

Mitigating the risks posed by zero-day exploits requires a proactive approach to cybersecurity. Vulnerability management and prompt patching are essential in reducing the attack surface and limiting the window of opportunity for attackers. However, traditional security measures may not always be enough. 

Leveraging Self-Protecting Data for Zero-Day Exploit Defense

Enter self-protecting data solutions, such as Sertainty’s cutting-edge technology. By embedding intelligence directly into data files, self-protecting data can recognize and counter malicious activities, even in the absence of known vulnerabilities or patches. While firewalls and secure networks are essential elements of any complete information security plan, truly guarding data against all attacks requires Self-Protecting Data. 

As a pioneer of this approach, Sertainty redefines how information is protected to ensure data privacy where perimeters fail. Using cutting-edge protocols and embedding intelligence directly into sensitive data files or datasets, Sertainty leverages patented processes to govern, track, and defend data through the data itself. 

Instead of database security being based on granted privileges to access the network directory where the file currently resides, Sertainty Self-Protecting Data (SPD) technology empowers the files themselves to protect themselves against malicious activity immediately. The Sertainty Data Privacy Platform technology recognizes itself through a Zero-Trust framework that contextualizes the environment, behavior, and action of the intended receiver — whether human, machine, or application. With these protocols, the data remains secure even in situations where systems have been compromised. 

Zero-day exploits represent a constant and formidable challenge to data security. As cyber threats evolve, organizations must stay ahead by adopting proactive defense strategies. Sertainty Self-Protecting Data technology offers a powerful shield against the unseen dangers of zero-day exploits. By embracing innovative solutions and staying vigilant, we can fortify our data defenses and navigate the ever-changing cybersecurity landscape with confidence. Protecting our data is not just a matter of staying one step ahead — it’s a commitment to safeguarding what matters most.

Truly Secure Data with Sertainty

At Sertainty, we know that the ability to maintain secure files is the most valuable asset to your organization’s continued success. Our industry-leading Data Privacy Platform has pioneered what it means for data to be intelligent and actionable, helping companies move forward with a proven and sustainable approach to their cybersecurity needs. 

As the digital landscape evolves and networks become more widely accessible, Sertainty is committed to providing self-protecting data solutions that evolve and grow to defend sensitive data. Cyber threats may continue to advance, and security perimeter breaches may be inevitable, but with Sertainty, privacy loss doesn’t have to be. 

Data Chain Custody Part 2: AI Data Security History, Flaws, and Emerging Solutions

Posted on by Nicole Tidwell

Recently, we discussed emerging open-source AI threat vectors, including the proliferation of potential open-source threats to private servers and data chains. Today, we’ll take a closer look at the history of AI data governance and discuss whether emerging trends in the marketplace can address them. 

When it comes to data security, AI presents a whole new field of dangers. But despite the high-tech nature of the data protection industry, even leading companies and government agencies are burying their heads in the sand and relying on existing security protocols to manage these threats. Regardless of whether or not your organization is on board with AI, these tools are here to stay. Reports have predicted that the AI market will experience a shocking Combined Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of between 20.1% and 32.9%. As such, data privacy methodologies must pivot to take these AI tools into account.

AI Data Gathering and Security 2013–2023

While the underlying principles of artificial intelligence have existed for a long time, the widespread emergence of usable AI tech is less than a decade old. Depending on your definition, you may consider early algorithms introduced in the 1990s to be a precursor to current machine learning tools, but many experts generally regard 2013 as the origin of usable “deep learning,” as we now know it. 

The primary revolution at this stage was the use of five convolutional layers and three fully-connected linear layers and parallel graphics processing units (GPUs), as well as the introduction of a more efficient rectified linear unit for activation functions. 

The following year, in June 2014, the field of deep learning witnessed another serious advance with the introduction of generative adversarial networks (GANs), a type of neural network capable of generating new data samples similar to a training set. Essentially, two networks are trained simultaneously: (1) a generator network generates fake, or synthetic, samples, and (2) a discriminator network evaluates their authenticity.

2017 saw the introduction of transformer architecture that leverages the concept of self-attention to process sequential input data. This allowed for more efficient processing of long-range dependencies, which had previously been a challenge for traditional RNN architectures. 

Unlike traditional models, which would process words in a fixed order, transformers actually examine all the words at once. They assign something called attention scores to each word based on its relevance to other words in the sentence.

Generative Pretrained Transformer, or GPT-1, was introduced by OpenAI in June 2018. Since then, the program has gone through numerous evolutions. While OpenAI has not disclosed the specifics, it is assumed that the current iteration, GPT-4, has trillions of parameters. 

Emerging Trends in AI Data Security

On the other side of the same coin, some data security companies have already introduced tools utilizing the same AI protocols. These programs utilize the information-gathering and analytical capabilities of machine learning to identify potential threats and suggest courses of action to mitigate them. 

However, it’s important to note that — despite the use of new, powerful machine learning technology — the fundamental premise of this solution is based on a conventional understanding of data security. The system’s proactivity only extends as far as any traditional perimeter security and threat analysis (albeit in a more efficient manner). 

This inherent inadequacy means that even the most sophisticated form of conventionally-minded AI security can (theoretically) be exploited or circumvented by the same means as their predecessors.  

As such, truly addressing all potential threat vectors requires a complete rethink of how secure data governance is handled, rather than applying new technology to existing systems. 

AI-Informed Secure Data Governance 

Though many “leading” commercial tools rely on outdated security structures, a better solution is already available. Unlike traditional data privacy, Zero Trust security provides a proactive method for mitigating attacks. 

The key differentiator between Zero Trust and other, more traditional solutions is letting go of the (incorrect) assumption that sensitive databases can be secured simply by keeping malicious actors out. Rather than rely on a series of firewalls and trust that those with access are legitimately allowed to be there, Zero Trust security gives data the ability to protect itself. 

Following this methodology, Sertainty has redefined how information is protected to ensure data privacy even where firewalls fail. Using cutting-edge protocols and embedding intelligence directly into datasets, Sertainty leverages proprietary processes that enable data to govern, track, and defend itself. These protocols mean that even if systems are compromised, data remains secure. 

With specific regard to emerging AI threats, the core Sertainty UXP Technology empowers data chain custodians to opt in or out of the use of Personal Identifying Information (PII) by AIs like ChatGPT. This ensures that organizations exposed to ChatGPT — as well as their employees and clients — maintain privacy, regulatory compliance, and protection in all scenarios. 

Sertainty UXP Technology also allows developers working with open-source AI programs like those from OpenAI to maintain their own privacy commitments by giving data files the ability to protect themselves and generating repositories of those who approve the processing or those who wish to opt out of data sharing.

Even regulators have taken notice of the shortcomings inherent in today’s cybersecurity paradigm and expressed interest in this new way of approaching data privacy. Prompted by both real and potential dangers, including AI threat vectors, an Executive Order titled “Improving The Nation’s Cybersecurity” has outlined the need for US federal agencies to move toward a zero-trust security model. 

Sertainty Data Privacy 

In the current landscape of trendy tech and buzzwords, concrete solutions are more vital than ever. Sertainty Zero Trust technology enables secure data governance and the training of AI models with a tried-and-true multi-layer security solution.

Sertainty leverages proprietary processes through its UXP Technology that enable data to govern, track, and defend itself — whether in flight, in a developer’s sandbox, or in storage. These UXP Technology protocols mean that even if systems are compromised by AI tools or accessed from the inside, all data stored in them remains secure. 

At Sertainty, we know that the ability to maintain secure files is the most valuable asset to your organization’s continued success. Our industry-leading Data Privacy Platform has pioneered what it means for data to be intelligent and actionable, helping companies move forward with a proven and sustainable approach to their cybersecurity needs.