What do you do if your data security is at risk with new technology?

In engineering management, when facing potential data security threats from new technology, begin with a comprehensive risk assessment. Identify vulnerabilities introduced by the technology, assess the potential impact of a breach, and determine the likelihood of occurrence. Evaluate the types of data at risk, such as personal or intellectual property, and understand the consequences of exposure. This assessment guides subsequent actions and prioritizes areas needing immediate attention to safeguard data integrity and mitigate risks effectively.

There are some fundamental assumptions that goes into evaluating risks. We assume that there's a list of assets and their value written down somewhere. Often that is not the case. Before doing any risk assessment, that's where we should start. Note down anything of value to your business and ideally attach a value to it. This can be the loss of revenue if that asset gets compromised. Once we have a comprehensive understanding of what we're trying to protect that's where risk assessment comes in. I keep on saying, there's no point protecting a $10 asset with a $100 security control. Security risks due to new technology is at the forefront of a lot of companies trying to integrate AI into their business today. Assess your risks.

In engineering management, after assessing risks, it's crucial to update data security policies. This may entail strengthening access controls, enhancing authentication protocols, or adjusting user permissions. Align policies with industry standards and regulations, ensuring compliance. Effectively communicate policy updates to all stakeholders to foster a culture of security awareness. This proactive approach not only mitigates risks but also promotes a robust data security framework within the organization.

Always remember, the data that your business is running on is often user's not yours. Be transparent with your users and keep them on the loop with any decisions. A lot of companies silently keep on adding risks into their risk registry on behalf of users without telling them. Until there's a breach that forces them to release. User trust is going to be more crucial going forward, treat business data as your own. Define clear policies and standardize them across your organization. A policy is worth nothing if it's not enforced. Invest in security teams to implement those policies.

Security awareness and training stays on top of list. As most of the security breaches can be linked to an employee tricked into doing something they ideally shouldn't have. Creating a culture of security within the developers by common programs like security champion, strict policy enforcement and leadership support and incentives around doing the right thing. A tip for all the security engineering teams, make the secure path the easier path, you'll see a drastic improvements in your organizational security posture.

In engineering management, educating your team about new risks and updated security measures is essential. Training sessions should focus on identifying security threats, adhering to protocols, and reporting breaches. Staff must grasp their responsibility in data protection and the consequences of security lapses. Regular training reinforces awareness and maintains security as a priority within the organization.

In engineering management, securing systems against identified risks requires a multi-faceted approach involving hardware and software solutions. This may include installing firewalls, implementing encryption for data protection, and deploying intrusion detection systems. Keeping all systems up-to-date with the latest security patches is crucial. Regular audits and penetration tests are essential for identifying and addressing weaknesses in defenses proactively.