The Explosion of Data: Implications for Data Security within Organizations

By Andrew AJ Forysiak

In today's digital age, the explosion of data has transformed the business landscape, revolutionizing how organizations operate and make decisions. With the increasing volume, velocity, and variety of data generated, organizations now face unprecedented challenges in safeguarding sensitive information. This blog post delves into the impact of this data explosion on data security within organizations and provides specific examples to illustrate the gravity of the situation.

The Challenge of Data Protection

As the volume of data grows exponentially, organizations are finding it increasingly challenging to ensure the security and confidentiality of their data. Storing, processing, and transmitting large amounts of information creates vulnerabilities that malicious actors can exploit. High-profile data breaches have demonstrated the dire consequences of inadequate data security in terms of financial losses and reputational damage. One such example is the Equifax breach in 2017, where the personal information of 147 million consumers was compromised, highlighting the need for robust security measures to protect sensitive data.

Strain on Infrastructure and Resources

The explosion of data places significant strain on an organization's infrastructure and resources. As data volumes increase, so does the demand for storage and processing capabilities. Organizations must invest in scalable and secure infrastructure to accommodate the growing data needs. However, scaling up infrastructure while maintaining adequate security measures can be challenging. The strain on resources becomes even more evident in industries such as healthcare, where vast amounts of sensitive patient data must be stored securely to comply with privacy regulations like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA)[i] .

Data Governance and Compliance

Data governance and compliance become more complex in the face of a data explosion. Organizations must navigate a myriad of data protection regulations, including the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), among others[ii] . Compliance requires meticulous data handling, ensuring consent, implementing privacy controls, and providing transparency to individuals whose data is collected. Failure to comply with these regulations can result in severe penalties[iii] . For instance, British Airways was fined ￡20 million by the UK Information Commissioner's Office (ICO) for a 2018 data breach that compromised the personal and financial details of around 400,000 customers.

Insider Threats and Data Leakage

The increase in data volume also amplifies the risk of insider threats and data leakage. Employees with authorized access to sensitive data may intentionally or inadvertently leak information, leading to breaches. A notable example is the case of Edward Snowden, who exposed extensive surveillance programs by leaking classified documents from the National Security Agency (NSA) in 2013[iv] . Organizations must implement stringent access controls, monitor data access, and educate employees about the importance of data security to mitigate these risks.

Cybersecurity Vulnerabilities

The explosion of data provides a larger attack surface for cybercriminals, increasing the chances of successful cyberattacks. Malware, ransomware, and phishing attacks are becoming more sophisticated, exploiting vulnerabilities in systems and networks. One such example is the WannaCry ransomware attack 2017, which affected hundreds of thousands of computers worldwide. Organizations must invest in advanced cybersecurity technologies, conduct regular vulnerability assessments, and foster a culture of cybersecurity awareness to combat these evolving threats effectively.

The explosion of data has brought about a paradigm shift in how organizations operate, but it has also presented significant challenges for data security. Organizations must prioritize robust security measures to protect sensitive information as data volumes grow. By investing in scalable infrastructure, implementing strong data governance practices, mitigating insider threats, and bolstering cybersecurity measures, organizations can navigate the complex landscape of data security in the digital age. Only through proactive efforts can organizations effectively safeguard their data assets and maintain the trust of their stakeholders in an increasingly data-driven world.

[i] Privacy Policy Specification and Audit in a Fixed-Point Logic - How to enforce HIPAA, GLBA and all that (CMU-CyLab-10-008). https://kilthub.cmu.edu/articles/journal_contribution/Privacy_Policy_Specification_and_Audit_in_a_Fixed-Point_Logic_-_How_to_enforce_HIPAA_GLBA_and_all_that_CMU-CyLab-10-008_/6468005/1

[ii] Totally Science. https://totallyscience.info/privacypolicy.html

[iii] Huang, S., Fahlevi, M., Grabowska, S., & Aljuaid, M. (2023). The effect of voluntary disclosure on financial performance: Empirical study on manufacturing industry in Indonesia. PLoS One, 18(6), e0285720.

[iv] Edward Snowden Attacks Wikileaks For Being Reckless With Information. https://www.breitbart.com/tech/2016/08/01/edward-snowden-criticised-wikileaks-hostility-curation/