Data-Centric Security | Data Bill of Materials
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What is Data-Centric Security (DCS)?


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Data-centric security refers to an approach where data is protected at the core level, focusing on securing the data itself rather than just the perimeter or network infrastructure. This strategy aims to ensure that even if unauthorized users gain access to the data, they cannot use or exploit it due to encryption, access controls, and other security measures. This method involves:

  • Encryption:Protecting data at rest, in transit, and in use with strong encryption techniques.

  • Access Control: Ensuring only authorized users have access to sensitive data.

  • Data Masking and Tokenization: Concealing sensitive information to reduce exposure risks.

  • Data Monitoring: Continuously tracking and auditing data access and usage to detect anomalies or unauthorized actions.

Benefits of Data-Centric Security:

  • Protects data across various environments (on-premises, cloud, hybrid).

  • Reduces the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access.

  • Enhances compliance with regulations and standards such as GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA.

What is a Data Bill of Materials (DBoM)?


The Data Bill of Materials (DBoM) records the ownership, sharing history, storage and collection purpose of a unit of data. The purpose of a DBoM is to identify personal data as an asset and an essential component of the software and system inventory, just as integral as programs, servers and other components.

The data in the system is in fact a critical asset that needs to be protected. While all kinds of data exist, personal data has special importance for security and privacy. There is a need for a comprehensive inventory of personal data collected, used, processed and destroyed in the system.

When combining data-centric security with DBoM, organizations aim to implement security measures based on a thorough understanding of their data assets. By knowing what data they have, where it resides, and how it's used, organizations can tailor security measures to protect the most critical data effectively. This integration helps in mitigating risks associated with data breaches, ensuring compliance with regulations, and enhancing overall data protection strategies.

DBoM will help data collectors and stakeholders find personal and sensitive data as well as vital information about that data such as when, why and how it was collected. Having such a record built into the data collection process will increase the transparency of the data cataloging and data collection process. This helps stakeholders more effectively take inventory of the data they possess, which can otherwise be difficult considering the vast quantities of data companies might acquire.

Implementing a DBoM would simplify and improve the DSAR process for both processor and subject. DSAR fulfillment can take a significant amount of time and labor. AI-driven data management technology has lowered these barriers to compliance, but still, they need pointers to find data sources where personal information exists. With a DBoM acting as a standardized record for the location and relevant characteristics of each unit of data, even manual fulfillment of DSARs becomes easier. Less time spent on searching means faster and cost effective DSAR fulfillment.

Instituting the DBoM as a standard practice will dramatically improve responsible use of personal data within software ecosystems and transparency for consumers and stakeholders with regards to how personal data is used. The record of transfers, storage locations and uses in a DBoM will allow customers to more easily see how and why their data was processed and allows data processors to share this information with consumers and fellow processors much more quickly and efficiently.

Implementing the DBoM would result in similar improvements in the collection, usage, storage, sharing and destruction of personal data. As organizations better understand their data as an asset and data breaches become a more pressing concern, we predict that the DBoM will become a standard industry practice.

How DCS and DBoM Work Together


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The integration of Data-Centric Security and Data Bill of Materials provides a holistic approach to data protection:

A DBoM offers insights into all data assets, enabling targeted and effective application of DCS measures.

By knowing exactly where sensitive data resides and how it is protected, organizations can better manage risks and respond to threats.

Combined, DCS and DBoM facilitate easier compliance with data protection regulations and streamline audit processes by maintaining comprehensive documentation of data security practices.

Conclusion


Implementing Data-Centric Security and maintaining a Data Bill of Materials are crucial steps in building a resilient and secure data environment. By focusing on data itself and having a transparent inventory, organizations can safeguard their most valuable asset—data—against the evolving landscape of cyber threats.

Get Started Today: Learn how Ardent’s solutions can help you implement Data-Centric Security and develop a Data Bill of Materials tailored to your organization's needs.

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