With pressure to ensure consumer data is protected mounting, Gemalto, the provider in digital security, released the results of a global study which reveals that two in three companies (65%) are unable to analyse all the data they collect and only half (54%) of companies know where all of their sensitive data is stored. Compounding this uncertainty, more than two thirds of organisations (68%) admit they don’t carry out all the procedures in line with data protection laws such as GDPR.

These are just some of the findings of the fifth-annual Data Security Confidence Index, which surveyed 1,050 IT decision makers and 10,500 consumers worldwide. The research found that business’ ability to analyse the data they collect varies worldwide with India (55%) and Australia (47%) best at using the data they collect. In fact, despite nine in 10 (89%) global organisations agreeing that analysing data effectively gives them a competitive edge, only one in five Benelux (20%) and British (19%) companies are able to do so.

“If businesses can’t analyse all of the data they collect, they can’t understand the value of it – and that means they won’t know how to apply the appropriate security controls to that data,” says Jason Hart, vice president and CTO for data protection at Gemalto.

“Whether it’s selling it on the dark web, manipulating it for financial gain or to damage reputations, unsecured data is a goldmine for hackers. You only need to look at the recent hacks on the World Anti-Doping Agency and International Luge Federation to see the damage that can be done.”

“What’s more, data manipulation can take years to discover, and with data informing everything from business strategy to sales and product development, its value and integrity cannot be underestimated.”

Confidence in securing the breach is low

When it comes to how data is being secured, the study found that almost half (48%) of IT professionals say perimeter security is effective at keeping unauthorised users out of their networks. This is despite the majority of IT professionals (68%) believing unauthorised users can access their corporate networks, with Australian companies being the most likely (84%) and the UK the least (46%).

However, once the hackers are inside, less than half of companies (43%) are extremely confident that their data would be secure. UK businesses are the most concerned with just 24% prepared to say they’re extremely confident, with Australia the highest (65%).

Even though there is still faith in how they’re securing their networks, one third (27%) of companies reported that their perimeter security had been breached in the past 12 months. Of those that had suffered a breach at some point, only 10% of that compromised data was protected by encryption, leaving the rest exposed. 

Consumers say compliance is critical

According to the study, a growing awareness of data breaches and communications around GDPR have led to the majority (90%) of consumers believing that it is important for organisations to comply with data regulations. In fact, over half (54%) are now aware what encryption is, showing an understanding of how their data should be protected. 

Hart continues, “It’s time organisations got their houses in order; starting with who oversees their data security. A central figure such as a data protection officer – essential in some circumstances under GDPR – must be appointed to the board to lead data security from the top down. Next is having more insight and analysis on the data collected to ensure that it is both correctly protected and enabling more informed business decision making.”

“Finally, a mindset change. Organisations must realise that it’s no longer a case of if, but when a breach occurs, and protect their most valuable asset – data – through encryption, two-factor authentication and key management, rather than solely focusing on perimeter protection.”​

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