Protect Your Data … or Pay the Price

Modernization with digital processes also means a growing volume of data being stored in databases, platforms and cloud environments. With data breaches continuing at an accelerating rate, the value of this data increases. Organizations should be aware of the monetary impacts a security incident can have.  

“The United States was the top country for average total cost of a data breach at $9.05 million,” according to IBM’s 2021 Cost of Data Breach Report. “Over the next few years, more than one-quarter of businesses will experience a recurring material breach.” 

It is important to understand that many security breaches are preventable. Organizations can take steps to reduce the risk of an attack from occurring. The first step is to develop a comprehensive data security strategy focused on processes and technologies. Mitigating risks in these areas will lower the probability of a breach. 

When selecting a project management information system (PMIS), organizations should be open about their security expectations. The selected system should have appropriate security measures and meet requirements. Kahua takes many steps to ensure that data security is a priority across all areas of an enterprise. 

Improved security processes are critical for emerging business priorities, including compliance. Evolving regulations and requirements demand improved data protection. Kahua’s platform has earned a comprehensive set of compliance certifications that include: 

• Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) Authorization 
• General Services Administration (GSA) Moderate Impact Software as a Service (MiSaas) Authorization  
• System and Organization Controls (SOC 2) Type 2 Certified  
• General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR)  
• California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA) 

Organizations can also protect sensitive data in cloud environments using encryption. This practice will help bring visibility into and reduce the volume of sensitive information that is vulnerable to a breach. All items stored in Kahua are always encrypted in transit (Transport Layer Security 1.2+) and are encryptable at-rest with Hardware Security Modules, certificates and encrypted drives. 

It is not only important to know where your critical data resides but also who has access to it. Key steps in protecting sensitive data include visibility and controlling access. 

“The better practice is to put sensible controls in place to allow access to employees who need it to do their jobs, while keeping others out,” stated the Federal Trade Commission (FTC).  

Kahua’s Document Control capability helps organizations set permissions outlining which users can upload, review, approve and distribute project information. This allows organizations to stay in control of who has access to sensitive documents. 

With data security, organizations must remain vigilant and continuously evaluate their data security strategy. Implementing these techniques can help protect vulnerabilities before they become breaches, saving money and headaches. 

To learn more about steps Kahua takes to protect data download the eBook here.