Tag: zero trust

Defense-In-Depth: The Future of Data Security

Posted on by Nicole Tidwell

In a digital world brimming with cyber threats, adopting a “defense-in-depth” approach is a vital weapon in your arsenal against potential breaches and vulnerabilities. Rather than fixing security issues after the fact, defense-in-depth focuses on crafting technology with multiple layers of security included at each stage of development and implementation. This proactive approach has become imperative in the cybersecurity landscape, reshaping how we build and fortify our digital systems.

In this ever-evolving landscape, traditional perimeter-based security models often falter. Hackers exploit vulnerabilities, slipping through the gaps of systems designed to trust too much. While the idea of addressing security threats at the development level is not fundamentally new, the measures coded into many programs are themselves imperfect, leading to a false sense of security from users and developers alike. 

This is not to say that defense-in-depth has to be predicated on more layers of the same flawed technologies. On the contrary, reimagining this framework has led to revolutions within the cybersecurity world. 

Understanding the Value of the Defense-In-Depth Approach

At its heart, defense-in-depth embodies a philosophy where security is not an afterthought, but rather an integral part of the creation process. The core principles revolve around integrating security measures right from the inception of a technological solution. By baking security into every layer, from design to deployment, we create a robust and fortified environment to withstand potential threats.

Secure-by-Design Technology

Often, the far-reaching benefits of a combined defense-in-depth approach and DevSecOps lead to technology referred to as “secure by design.” As the name suggests, utilizing this approach entails considering security from the outset, minimizing vulnerabilities, and reducing the attack surface that malicious actors can exploit. This, in turn, leads to more resilient systems, enhancing the overall cybersecurity posture of organizations. Trustworthiness and reliability become hallmarks of the technology, inspiring user confidence.

Secure IoT Devices and Smart Systems

Secure-by-design technology does not have to refer exclusively to data storage solutions, either. This thinking can be applied to a wider variety of technologies, such as IoT devices and smart systems. While the potential vulnerabilities present in these systems are often overlooked, a true defense-in-depth approach accounts for all threat vectors, including seemingly innocuous peripheral technologies. 

Elements of a Defense-In-Depth Approach

Integrating security throughout the development lifecycle means that every step is taken with potential threats in mind. Secure coding practices ensure that vulnerabilities are not inadvertently introduced during the coding process. 

DevSecOps

In order to fully embrace a defense-in-depth system, security must be part of any discussion from the earliest stages of development. DevSecOps merges development, security, and operations into a unified approach. It emphasizes continuous security testing and collaboration throughout the software development lifecycle. DevSecOps is all about identifying vulnerabilities early and addressing them in real time, ensuring that security is not compromised while speeding up development.

Other Elements of Defense-In-Depth Security

As the development and implementation of security protocols progress, new layers are added at each step. For example, threat modeling identifies risks and guides decisions, while continuous security testing identifies and addresses weaknesses before they’re exploited.

Other elements commonly incorporated into a secure-by-design model include conventional perimeter security protocols and encryption safeguards. Perimeter security in a defense-in-depth system often entails more than simple passwords. More comprehensive verification methods can include a combination of elements, such as security questions, physical security keys, and biometrics. 

On the transit side, encryption safeguards sensitive data, both at rest and in transit, rendering it useless even if intercepted. Some seemingly secure transmission methods are erroneously considered to be an acceptable form of data security, but in reality, technologies like blockchain bring their own set of potential pitfalls — and should not be solely relied upon in place of a thorough defense-in-depth approach.

The Future of Secure-by-Design Technology

While all of the above elements are crucial aspects of defense-in-depth, each step still leaves gaps that can be exploited by knowledgeable, committed hackers. This is where zero-trust data security and self-protecting data solutions come into the picture. Rather than simply adding another layer of security, Sertainty self-protecting data technology introduces an entirely new type of data protection to a defense-in-depth framework. These technologies redefine data security, focusing on safeguarding data itself and ensuring its integrity in the face of ever-evolving threats. 

Unlike conventional security measures, zero-trust access protocols and data-level security solutions ensure that data remains protected from all sources, regardless of how files are accessed. This approach reshapes the data security landscape, ensuring that sensitive information remains under an impenetrable cloak, safeguarded against breaches and unauthorized access.

The essence of Sertainty’s zero-trust data security technology lies in its proactive stance. It does not merely shield the perimeter; it safeguards the very data at the core of your digital ecosystem. This technology empowers data with the ability to defend itself, rendering it useless if intercepted or tampered with. Whether data is at rest, in transit, or being processed, Sertainty UXP lets developers give data its own security, regardless of the environment.

This technology brings a paradigm shift in how we view data breaches. Rather than relying only on barriers to keep threats out, Sertainty UXP’s zero-trust data security technology empowers data files to monitor and protect themselves. Even if an attacker gains access, the protected data becomes an enigma, rendering their efforts fruitless. This also means that insider attacks, which are virtually impossible to mitigate, are a non-factor. 

Embrace Truly Secure-by-Design Technology Solutions with Sertainty

As a leader in self-protecting data, Sertainty leverages proprietary processes to ensure 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 what it means for data to be intelligent and actionable, helping companies move forward with a proven and sustainable approach to their cybersecurity needs. 

In an era where cyber threats continue to morph and infiltrate, Sertainty zero-trust data security technology shines as a sentinel of data integrity. As we gaze into the horizon of secure-by-design technology, 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.

Understanding and Responding to Different Types of Social Engineering Threats

Posted on by Nicole Tidwell

Social engineering is a deceptive and manipulative tactic used by cybercriminals to exploit human psychology and gain unauthorized access to sensitive information. In the current digital age, where personal and financial data is at risk, it is crucial to be aware of various social engineering threats and take steps to protect ourselves. 

Today, we’ll take an in-depth look at social engineering, explore some common types of social engineering attacks, and discuss solutions to protect your data from imposters. 

What Is Social Engineering?

At its core, social engineering is an art of deception. Instead of exploiting vulnerabilities in computer systems, social engineers manipulate individuals into divulging confidential information or performing actions that benefit the attacker. By preying on human psychology and trust, they gain access to personal, financial, or sensitive data. 

These types of threats can be particularly difficult to mitigate using traditional security systems because there is no “hole in the code” that can be patched to solve the issue. That’s not to say that there is no solution to social engineering attacks; rather, addressing them in a truly secure way requires a more holistic approach than simply increasing perimeter security. 

While they can vary greatly in tactics, most types of social engineering attacks have common goals. These typically involve gaining access to your systems in order to steal or tamper with valuable information, commit financial fraud, or compromise the security of individuals or organizations. 

Types of Social Engineering Threats

Before we discuss how to keep your data safe, it’s important to understand some of the types of social engineering attacks your data may face. While there is no end to the potential number of ways in which scammers can attempt to gain your confidence, the following are a few of the most common examples you may encounter. 

Phishing

Phishing is one of the most prevalent types of social engineering attacks. These attacks involve impersonating a trustworthy entity, such as a bank or a popular online service, to trick individuals into revealing sensitive information like usernames, passwords, or credit card details. Phishing attacks are typically carried out through emails, text messages, or fake websites designed to resemble legitimate ones.

Common phishing techniques include sending deceptive emails that mimic reputable organizations, creating fake login pages to steal login credentials, and using urgent or alarming language to prompt immediate action without stopping to assess the source of the message more thoroughly. 

Pretexting

Fundamentally similar to phishing, pretexting involves creating a false scenario to deceive individuals into sharing confidential information. The attacker creates a pretext to gain the target’s trust, often assuming a false identity to sell the narrative. They may pose as a co-worker, customer support representative, or contractor to manipulate victims into revealing sensitive data or performing actions that compromise security. 

Pretexting attacks often involve the scammer doing research and playing a slightly longer game to help them establish credibility. This allows them to leverage personal or emotional connections, and create a genuine sense of urgency. 

Baiting

Baiting attacks lure people into taking specific actions with an enticing or appealing offer. Unlike the previous two types of social engineering attacks, which primarily prey on fear, baiting exploits people’s natural curiosity or greed to trick individuals into compromising their security. 

Different forms of baiting attacks include leaving infected USB drives labeled as important files, offering free downloads of pirated software that contains malware, or enticing users with the promise of prizes or rewards in exchange for sensitive information. While this may seem somewhat far-fetched, research has shown that hardware-based baiting scams can be a particularly effective social engineering threat vector. 

Tailgating

Tailgating is an even more physical type of social engineering attack. Also known as piggybacking, these attacks involve an attacker gaining access to secure servers by physically following an authorized person through secured access points. This type of attack exploits the natural human tendency to hold the door open for others or be polite, allowing the attacker to gain unauthorized entry.

Tailgating attacks can occur in various settings, such as office buildings, data centers, or restricted areas. By blending in or exploiting moments of distraction, the attacker bypasses security measures and gains access to sensitive locations or systems.

Impersonation

A more in-depth alternative to tailgating is impersonation, where attackers assume the identity of legitimately authorized parties to gain access to your databases. Attackers may pose as employees, customers, and service providers in order to be let into places where they can then hack into your databases more easily.

Methods employed by impersonators can include using fake email addresses or phone numbers, manipulating caller IDs, or creating realistic social media profiles to establish credibility. 

Quid Pro Quo

Perhaps the most direct form of social engineering attacks, quid pro quo exploits involve an exchange of something valuable in return for sensitive information or access. Rather than tricking targets into unwittingly granting them access, attackers promise a benefit or favor in exchange for personal or confidential data. This type of social engineering attack often targets employees within organizations. 

Examples of quid pro quo schemes can include a scammer posing as an IT support technician offering free technical assistance in exchange for login credentials or an attacker promising a substantial discount or exclusive access to a service in return for sensitive financial information. 

Protecting Against Different Types of Social Engineering Threats

As we mentioned above, addressing social engineering threats requires a fundamentally different approach than other areas of cyber security. Increasing the strength of passwords or introducing measures to prevent software-based attacks such as cache poisoning is completely ineffective when hackers gain access to your databases using legitimate credentials. 

Contrary to popular belief, protecting your data from social engineering attacks also requires more than training. While employee training is a common step used to counter all types of social engineering scams, the human component often remains the weakest link in your security system. To this point, a 2022 study of different types of social engineering attacks concluded that “providing awareness against SE-based cyberattacks is not sufficient.” 

Zero Trust Data Security

The true key to solving all types of social engineering attacks is rethinking our entire approach to cybersecurity. Traditionally, the focus of digital privacy systems has been to keep outsiders from accessing the private networks and stores where data is hosted. While there will always be a place for maintaining this security perimeter, relying on this alone leaves all data within vulnerable to anyone who has already gained access to the servers or data files. 

This is where a Zero Trust framework for self-protecting data can be of the most use. Rather than simply trying to improve on perimeter measures, self-protecting data reimagines the entire approach to security. 

As the name implies, the goal of self-protecting data is not just to keep hackers out of your system but to create truly secure files. Instead of being left accessible to any “trusted” users, self-protecting files themselves are coded with the ability to recognize malicious activity and counter it immediately, regardless of who appears to be performing the action. 

Empower Your Data with Sertainty

Sertainty leverages proprietary and patent processes through its Data Privacy Platform and core technology that enable data to govern, track, and defend itself — whether in flight, in a developer’s sandbox, or in storage. These 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. 

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.

What Is the CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model?

Posted on by Nicole Tidwell

In recent months, the federal government has renewed its focus on digital security. The Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA) has been applying pressure on both the private and public sectors to increase commitment to digital security and Secure-by-Design Technology. 

While there is an eminent need for improved security protocols across the board, the technology to fill these needs in both government and civilian applications has already been successfully introduced in many industries. Rather than reinventing the wheel, the CISA Zero-Trust Maturity Model prompts federal agencies to introduce these tools to mitigate the weaknesses noted. 

The Need for Increased Cybersecurity

The world of cybersecurity is evolving rapidly. Yet, despite the constant emergence of new threat vectors, data protection in many critical areas is fundamentally lacking. From major social media platforms to federal agencies, conventional perimeter security remains the de rigueur.

While perimeter security will always be an essential element of a comprehensive data security plan, even the most sophisticated perimeter systems are vulnerable to attackers that have found ways to breach the layers of exterior security. Likewise, insider threats often go unmitigated by perimeter-based security measures, as malicious actors may already have legitimate access credentials.

These weaknesses mean that securing data behind firewalls and “secure” servers is essentially an arms race between network administrators and people attempting to break in. This is particularly problematic when the systems in use have been around for an extended period of time, such as in the relatively outdated systems that many government agencies continue to use. 

In recent months, these threat vectors have been highlighted by increasing AI-enabled threats. Even mainstream artificial intelligence programs can be used to exploit weaknesses in security perimeters. For example, hackers have already begun using programs such as ChatGPT to generate more effective social engineering attacks, exacerbating the extant threat to validated user credentials. 

Addressing Weaknesses in Conventional Data Security

In spite of the vital nature of private data in government hands, many federal agencies continue to rely on outdated legacy systems to collect, store, and access their information. The implicit trust built into these systems is based on perimeter security protocols, where access and authorization are infrequently assessed based on fixed attributes. 

To address the above (and other) weaknesses, a full rethink of how to secure data is required. Fortunately for the vulnerabilities plaguing many critical sectors, an entirely new generation of cybersecurity does exist: 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 a Data-File or Datasets, Sertainty leverages patented processes to govern, track, and defend data by the data itself. 

Instead of the file’s security being based on granted privileges to access the network directory where the file currently resides, Sertainry Self-Protecting Data files protect themselves against malicious activity immediately.  With these protocols, the data remains secure even when systems are compromised. 

Prompted by the now-exposed cybersecurity realities, regulators recognized the shortcomings inherent to the state-of-the-art cybersecurity protocols. A 2021 Executive Order titled “Improving The Nation’s Cybersecurity” outlined the need for US federal agencies to move on to something better – a Zero-Trust Architecture.

Executive Order 14028 and the CISA Zero Trust Maturity Model

In April 2023, CISA published what is known as the Zero Trust Maturity Model (ZTMM). This security model is designed to overcome many of the inherent assumptions built into modern networks, contributing to their cybersecurity weaknesses. 

This new focus is not simply a function of natural evolution but an answer to federal demands for better security. Executive Order 14028, “Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity,” requires all federal agencies to develop a plan to implement a Zero-Trust Architecture to address real shortcomings in current sensitive data storage. 

Already, some agencies have been proactive in introducing a Zero Trust concept. In 2021, Representative Dr. Mark Green (R-TN) of the House Committee on Armed Services successfully incorporated the Sertainty language regarding data security into the Department of Defense 2020 DoD Strategy. Rather than calling for generic security measures, the language of the DoD Strategy favors the functionality that Sertainty technology can offer. 

Private Sector Application of the Zero Trust Maturity Model 

Regarding growing threats to data security, the private sector has not escaped direct scrutiny, either. This year, CISA director Jen Easterly criticized tech companies for their failure to prioritize the safety and privacy of consumers. While Director Easterly’s criticism was aimed primarily at technology companies, organizations in all industries are in need of enhanced data security. 

While the CISA ZTMM model was specifically developed for federal agencies, many in the private sector took notice. The model provides an approach for any organization to achieve continued modernization efforts related to zero trust — which is crucial in a rapidly evolving technology landscape.

This need for Secure-By-Design technology goes hand-in-hand with the ability to create files with self-protecting abilities. Tools such as the Sertainty Data Privacy Platform allow developers to utilize cutting-edge methods and protocols in their applications from the outset, as well as apply them to existing systems. 

Sertainty Data Privacy

As a leader in self-protecting data, 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 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.

How Self-Protecting Data Creates Truly Secure Files

Posted on by Nicole Tidwell

Technology has taken leaps and bounds forward in the last few decades. This growth has expanded our capabilities and access to computing power. As data applications have become more widespread and versatile, our reliance on secure files has also increased. 

Cybercrime has been quick to interject itself with the exponential growth of unstructured data files. Network computing today, whilst truly innovative, is replete with major attacks aimed at shutting it down. The motivation behind these breaches has ranged from simple thievery and greed to catastrophic acts of global cyberterrorism. Moreover, the Dark Web continues to be populated with tools and malware that make this onslaught continuous and dire. 

As much as both private companies and government agencies work to secure files and networks, hackers are never far behind. Often, the tools that make sensitive networks so accessible and valuable are also their Achilles heels. 

The Limits of Traditional Security

The vast majority of the most complex security systems operate on the same basic principle: to keep malicious actors or programs out of your secure files. Marketing claims notwithstanding, most of these systems approach cyber security issues with a similar method, almost invariably using some form of perimeter security. 

To date, the concept of perimeter security has been the de facto standard for data security, even predating the firewall. Even the earliest computers that operated on closed networks kept themselves secure by restricting who could use the computer terminal. This then advanced to dedicated user accounts and passwords. With the advent of the internet, securing networks became an even greater priority. Reliance on tools such as an IP address and verification and multi-factor authentication serve as the primary ways to ensure that private information stays private. 

While perimeter security continues to serve an important purpose in protecting secure files, this form of traditional data protection is fundamentally flawed. When an organization’s defense relies purely on perimeter security, identifying and addressing vulnerabilities becomes a game of whack-a-mole between hackers and network administrators. 

Irrespective of how good your administrators are, ways into a system will always exist. Once a private system’s perimeter has been breached, users can do as they please. This means that not only are compromised credentials a threat, but conventional perimeter security systems are exceedingly vulnerable to inside attacks. 

How Does Self-Protecting Data Work?

Rather than simply trying to improve on inherently flawed concepts, self-protecting data is the result of rethinking our security fabric. As the name implies, the goal of self-protecting data is not simply to keep hackers out of your system but to create truly secure files. 

While the mechanisms of self-protecting data are extremely intricate, the fundamental concept is fairly straightforward. Instead of being left accessible to “approved” users, the files themselves are coded with the ability to recognize malicious activity and counter it immediately, regardless of who performed the action. 

Operating on a Zero-Trust basis connotes that basic perimeter security like password-protected logins becomes a first layer of defense rather than the sole source of protection for your files. Enhancing your defenses with the Sertainty Self-Protecting-Data (SPD) not only stops an outside actor who has infiltrated the system from wreaking havoc, but it also prevents insiders from creating chaos. 

Types of Threats to Secure Files

To better understand how SPD creates truly secure files, we must consider what attackers are attempting to accomplish. Let’s take a look at some types of attacks and see how SPD identifies and negates \ mitigates them. 

Ransomware

In ransomware attacks, hackers will create a program that has the ability to block access to secure files or a system, usually threatening to delete data if an organization does not comply with a specific set of demands. In a conventional security system, a user or program that has gained the ability to execute code within your network has the power to deploy malware in a system to exact ransomware. 

SPD files, however, are given the ability to recognize when a malicious program is attempting to gain control over it and block access to it whilst alerting system admins by themselves. Not only does this prevent the ransomware from harming secured files, but it can also provide valuable metadata about the attempt, giving insights needed to strengthen an organization’s security system further and factor continuity of operations to maintain resiliency. 

Social Engineering

Unlike “direct attacks,” where malicious programs are created to exploit a specific weakness in a security system, social engineering attacks attempt to trick employees or other legitimate users into compromising their credentials. These can come in the form of phishing emails or phone calls, malicious links, key tracking software, and other forms of trickery. 

Once they have captured the appropriate login credentials, hackers are free to do as they please within your system until you catch them and lock them out again. Because Sertainty SPD embeds a Zero-Trust framework within files, malicious actions are blocked and reported, even if they’re taken by a party with valid credentials but out of context and geographical location.  

Insider Attacks

Because insider attacks come from parties who already have legitimate access to a system, any form of perimeter security is, by definition, useless. But with the Sertainty SPD, even fully legitimate and “trusted” members of your organization are defended against by the files themselves. This not only prevents rogue parties from stealing or destroying valuable data, but it also protects against accidental actions that can harm your secure files. 

Truly Secure Data with Sertainty

As a leader in self-protecting data, 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 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. Open-source security breaches may be inevitable, but with Sertainty, privacy loss doesn’t have to be. 

Understanding Self-Protecting Data Governance

Posted on by Nicole Tidwell

In the modern era, data governance plays a greater role than ever before. Businesses across industries, infrastructure, and government services all rely on a constant stream of accurate, up-to-date information to function. 

With each passing year, both the volume and depth of information being gathered and stored grow exponentially, increasing the need for top-notch data governance in turn. While the levels of automation and capability available today far surpass past data management options, when it comes to securing that data, many organizations still operate in the “dark ages” of cybersecurity. 

What Is Data Governance?

According to the Data Governance Institute, data governance is a “system of decision rights and accountabilities for information-related processes, executed according to agreed-upon models which describe who can take what actions with what information, and when, under what circumstances, using what methods.”

Put more simply, data governance refers to any actions that your organization takes to input, track, share, secure, and dispose of the information you gather. Sometimes, all data governance functions are handled by a single, comprehensive system. There are certain advantages to the simplicity of a single, unified platform, but more sensitive data often requires a more specialized approach. 

Regardless of whether all data within a system is taken in, stored, shared, and accessed within a single platform, security is one notorious pain point in many data governance systems.  

Why Does Secure Data Governance Matter?

Some organizations simply rely on network firewalls and secure access protocols to keep their information secure, but these measures are often woefully inadequate. When dealing with any information, whether it be for a small private business or a high-level government intelligence agency, proper data protection is absolutely essential. 

Overall, good information security is valuable for innumerable reasons. That said, from a data governance perspective, there are two primary concerns stemming from infosec: accuracy and privacy. 

For one, if the data collected and stored within a system is to be of any use, it needs to be precisely and verifiably accurate. If files can’t be tracked at every step, with only approved users making verified changes to them, attempting to rely on the information therein carries significant risk. The fallout from making decisions based on faulty data can range from moderately damaging to catastrophic, depending on the source and nature of the inaccuracy. 

Of equal concern to many organizations are the regulations surrounding the data they collect and handle. HIPAA, CCPA, GDPR, and many other forms of legislation both in the United States and abroad enforce the need for secure data files with steep consequences. 

Following a number of high-profile data breaches, the maximum fines for noncompliance in many of these areas are increasing. In some cases, criminal charges may even be laid if a company is determined by the court to have been negligent in its secure data governance policies. In some instances, security noncompliance can even lead to issues of national security. 

As such, any data governance strategy needs to include a comprehensive security plan. Even within an ostensibly secure network, if users within a system have unfettered access to data stores, the files therein are susceptible to tampering. This is where self-protecting data and Zero-Trust protocols enter the picture. 

The Role of Self-Protecting Files in Data Governance

As we mentioned above, when it comes to securing sensitive information, many organizations — even those handling potentially volatile private data — often still rely on fundamentally outdated types of perimeter security. 

Traditionally, the focus of digital privacy systems has been to keep outsiders from accessing the private networks and stores where data is hosted. While there will always be a place for maintaining this security perimeter, relying on this alone leaves all data within vulnerable to anyone who has already gained access to the servers or data files. Although new upgrades are constantly being made to firewalls and user authentication systems, attempting to truly protect data with this type of security framework is a perpetual game of catch-up. 

This is where a Zero-Trust framework for self-protecting data can be of the most use. Rather than simply trying to improve on perimeter measures, self-protecting data reimagines the entire approach to security. As the name implies, the goal of self-protecting data is not just to keep hackers out of your system but to create truly secure files. Instead of being left accessible to any “trusted” users, self-protecting files themselves are coded with the ability to recognize malicious activity and counter it immediately, regardless of who appears to be performing the action. 

Because these systems operate on a Zero-Trust basis, basic perimeter security like password-protected logins becomes a first layer of defense rather than the sole source of protection for your files. This allows for data governance solutions that can be relied upon to be both accurate and secure.  

Creating Secure Data Governance Solutions

While implementing a self-protecting data framework independently of other data governance tools is possible, built-in security is often a smoother, more elegant solution. For this reason, Sertainty UXP technology goes beyond simple “plug-and-play” security options. Sertainty is pioneering a new, innovative Self-Protecting Data Governance category to address the unique needs of data privacy programs. 

Corporations and institutions facing data leakage, compliance issues, and Personal Identifiable Information (PII) theft can all benefit from unique, tailored solutions, and with the Sertainty Software Development Kit, novel information security programs can be created to not only meet but surpass other, less optimized data governance solutions. 

Truly Secure Data Governance with Sertainty

As a leader in self-protecting data, 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 evolve and grow to defend sensitive data. Threats to security may be inevitable, but with Sertainty, privacy loss doesn’t have to be.

Could Zero-Trust Security Prevent Famous Data Breaches?

Posted on by Nicole Tidwell

Many security systems claim to be trustworthy, but when it comes to data security, few things are more important than real-world results. Ever-evolving claims of improved interfaces and threat detection software, “next-generation” systems, and many other promising developments, have been around for as long as we have been using computers. Yet, despite these claims, major data breaches occur all the time. Sophisticated infiltration methods match or exceed the pace of conventional security development, and social engineering and phishing scams are increasingly prevalent. 

While looking to the future is crucial to creating better data privacy solutions, security experts begin by examining the past. New systems have to not only provide solutions for emerging problems but address historic threats with meaningful changes. 

Types of Data Security

While there are many different methods and tools used to protect data, most of these measures are aimed at achieving one of two goals: keeping malicious actors out of private data systems, and ensuring that organizations are protected in the event of a breach. 

The first and most common focus in data protection is to create a secure storage environment. Tools for securing databases can include physical hardware security, passwords, firewall, proxy servers, user authentication, and more. All of these together form what is commonly referred to as perimeter security. Data destruction and proper sanitization of old devices can also play a role in protecting the integrity of data centers. 

While perimeter security is aimed at keeping criminals out, however,  traditional digital security is more reactive and perpetuates the vulnerabilities. Data backups and other redundant systems do help a company recover information in the event of ransomware and other attacks. However, it is always preferable to prevent attacks in the first place. To blaze new trails in the creation of cutting-edge data privacy measures, such as Zero-Trust methodologies, are a must if we are to preempt cyberattacks. 

Revisiting Recent Data Attacks

Perimeter security and data backups are standard measures, but neither provides a fully-integrated and comprehensive solution. This is evidenced by the fact that all of the organizations discussed below employed these methods and still suffered breaches. 

Zero-Trust protocols, on the other hand, prevent hackers from gaining the power to steal any sensitive data, even if outsiders do find a way past corporate firewalls — or are based on the inside. To understand how much of a difference Zero-Trust can make, let’s examine some of the highest-profile data breaches of the last decade and assess whether or not Zero-Trust security could have prevented these attacks. 

Yahoo

Over the course of two instances, Yahoo suffered the largest recorded data breach to date. Two attacks, one occurring in mid-2013 and the other in late 2014, were belatedly reported by the company in 2016. The breaches were accomplished using cookie-based attacks, which allowed hackers to enter the system as authenticated users. This attack has been largely attributed to “state-sponsored” agents (with many pointing fingers at the Russian government). 

Overall, over 3 billion user accounts were affected by the breaches. The fallout from these attacks not only led to class action lawsuits but also reduced the acquisition price of the company by Verizon by $350 million. 

SolarWinds

A more recent example of a high-profile breach occurred in 2020, when SolarWinds, a major US information technology firm, was the subject of a sophisticated cyberattack. Hackers broke into SolarWinds’ system and added malicious code that was later sent out as part of a routine update to clients of SolarWinds. Once installed, hackers were able to gain access to all manner of sensitive information in those customers’ own systems, including US government agencies like the Department of Homeland Security and the Pentagon. 

Facebook/Meta

Meta is no stranger to large-scale data breach incidents. The most recent known attack on Facebook was revealed in 2021 when private data from 533 million user accounts appeared on a public internet forum. While the attack was dismissed by Meta as the result of Open-Source Intelligence (OSINT) scraping, it was later revealed that hackers had accessed the information by exploiting vulnerabilities in Facebook’s Contact Import feature. This followed a June 2020 incident where Facebook accidentally shared private user data with third-party developers. 

Truly Secure Data with Zero-Trust

While each of these attacks was achieved using different methodologies, the common thread between them all (and most other data leaks) was in hackers finding a way to access private databases. This access could be the result of compromised user credentials, such as, in the case of Yahoo, code attacks on client transmission and patching (i.e., SolarWinds), system loopholes (Facebook), or even simple mistakes. 

The findings suggest that regardless of which method is used to gain entry, the real damage is done once malicious parties are inside the security perimeter. Even if backups are used to prevent data destruction or ransom, the damage of leaked private information is irreversible. 

Both, conceptually and in practice, Zero-Trust addresses data privacy’s greatest weaknesses. Rather than relying on security perimeters  – with the assumption that users within a system have the right to access its information, Zero-Trust security enables data files to protect themselves through independent verification. In a Zero-Trust security framework, users are continuously verified and authenticated, ensuring that data remains secure even if the system is compromised. 

Zero-Trust Security from Sertainty

With heightened information security threats, securing sensitive data in all sectors is more crucial than ever. Traditional perimeter security is becoming increasingly inadequate in the face of smarter, more motivated attacks. 

Sertainty has redefined how information is protected to ensure data privacy even where firewalls fail. Using cutting-edge protocols and embedding intelligence directly into data files and datasets, Sertainty leverages proprietary processes that enable data to Govern, Track, and Defend itself. These protocols mean that the data remains secure even if systems are compromised.

At Sertainty, we know that data 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 your crown jewels. Instead of focusing on your network’s inherent shortcomings, we enable you to safely and confidently embrace the potential of a new online-oriented world. Data breaches may be inevitable, but with Sertainty, privacy loss is moot.

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