How can you identify data access risks?

1 Data classification

Data classification is the process of categorizing your data according to its sensitivity, value, and regulatory requirements. Data classification helps you to define the appropriate level of protection and access for each data asset, and to align your data policies and standards with your business objectives and compliance obligations. Data classification can be based on various criteria, such as data type, data source, data owner, data lifecycle, data usage, or data impact. You can use different methods to classify your data, such as labels, tags, metadata, or encryption.

2 Data access control

Data access control is the process of granting or denying access to your data assets based on the data classification and the identity and role of the data users. Data access control helps you to enforce the principle of least privilege, which means that each data user should only have the minimum level of access required to perform their tasks. Data access control can be implemented using various mechanisms, such as passwords, tokens, certificates, keys, or biometrics.

3 Data access risk assessment

Data access risk assessment is the process of identifying and evaluating the data access risks that affect your data assets. Data access risk assessment helps you to prioritize the data assets that need the most attention and to determine the appropriate risk mitigation strategies. Data access risk assessment can be performed using various tools and techniques, such as risk matrices, risk registers, risk heat maps, or risk dashboards.

4 Data access risk mitigation

Data access risk mitigation is the process of implementing and monitoring the risk mitigation strategies that you have selected based on the data access risk assessment. Data access risk mitigation helps you to reduce the likelihood and impact of data access risks and to improve the security and quality of your data assets. Data access risk mitigation can involve various actions and controls, such as data encryption, data masking, data anonymization, data auditing, data backup, or data recovery.

5 Data access risk reporting

Data access risk reporting is the process of communicating and documenting the data access risks and the risk mitigation strategies to the relevant stakeholders. Data access risk reporting helps you to demonstrate the value and effectiveness of your data governance framework and to ensure the accountability and transparency of your data access decisions. Data access risk reporting can be done using various formats and channels, such as reports, dashboards, alerts, or notifications.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?