As tech stacks and data collection grow, risks multiply.

With 2024 on the horizon, now is the perfect time for a digital tune-up. As our infrastructure expands, so do the cracks attackers can slip through. These days, companies juggle about 135,000 devices - yet nearly half fly under the radar completely undetected! And sneaky hackers have an ever-growing arsenal of AI-powered tools at their fingertips. The cost of cyber damage could reach over $8 trillion this year alone. That's some heavy damage that will only keep piling up, making now the perfect time to reinforce your defenses with compliance audit software.

Rather than panic, take control by reviewing your privacy and security practices. Let's explore some best practices to guard against data security threats.

Deploying a Cybersecurity Framework

Every journey starts with a roadmap. When venturing into cybersecurity, two popular routes are the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) and MITRE ATT&CK. NIST lays down general guidelines drawn up by the government. Think of their standards as a 101 intro course on security basics. MITRE ATT&CK is more advanced. It's like a masterclass in dissecting cyber threats. This framework helps classify risks to better guard against attacks.

Many companies use NIST as their foundation, then build on it with MITRE's threat intelligence. Together they make a powerful pair to guide your journey to cyber readiness. It doesn't matter which route you take, as long as you've got a map. The right framework helps steer you through the twisting cybersecurity landscape.

The NIST Cybersecurity Framework includes five key areas:

1. Identify: Develop an organizational understanding to manage cybersecurity risk.
2. Protect: Safeguard systems and assets using appropriate controls.
3. Detect: Promptly identify anomalous activity and potential events.
4. Respond: Take action regarding detected cybersecurity incidents.
5. Recover: Restore capabilities and services impaired by an incident.

The MITRE Attack Framework focuses on ensuring your data privacy and security can defend against 14 specific tactics:

• Reconnaissance: Gather information to plan future operations.
• Resource Development: Establish resources needed to conduct an attack.
• Initial Access: Gain an initial foot hold in a system or network.
• Execution: Run malicious code on a local system.
• Persistence: Maintain ongoing access to compromised systems.
• Privilege Escalation: Gain higher-level permissions on a system or network.
• Defense Evasion: Avoid detection throughout an attack.
• Credential Access: Steal account names and passwords.
• Discovery: Learn about the system and internal network.
• Lateral Movement: Navigate through a network to reach additional systems.
• Collection: Gather data of interest to the attacker.
• Command and Control: Communicate with compromised systems to control them.
• Exfiltration: Steal data from a target network.
• Impact: Manipulate, interrupt, or destroy systems and data.

Best Practices for Data Privacy and Cybersecurity

Cybersecurity and compliance teams also need to practice best practices to protect their organization. Some of the more pressing policies include:

Zero Trust Network Access (ZTNA)

ZTNA solutions are like vigilant security guards. They check credentials before opening the door to apps or data - even for folks already inside your walls. If a sneaky hacker slips through, ZTNA stops them in their tracks. Your network is walled off like a maze, so attackers can't access everything. ZTNA also only hands out limited backstage passes. Users get the specific permissions needed for their role - and nothing more.

A good motto is "assume no access." Start by locking things down completely. Only swap in keys when required. This least privilege approach secures things nice and tight. With ZTNA on patrol, your data stays protected, authorize users stay productive, and attackers get frustrated.

Defense in Depth

Instead of putting all your eggs in one basket, use layered defenses so a single crack won't shatter your entire security foundation. Think of it like wrapping a precious package. A box alone is flimsy, but add bubble wrap, crumpled newspaper, and finally seal it with tape. Now that package can withstand bumps and drops. Similarly, layer firewalls, intrusion prevention, endpoint monitoring, segmentation, and encryption. If one fails, others keep threats contained.

The same principle applies to blocking e-commerce fraud and the compliance audit process. Tools like behavioral analysis, transaction signing, IP tracking, and multifactor authentication make a solid defense. Wrap your systems in overlapping protections to frustrate attackers. They may pierce one layer but find themselves caught in the next.

Multifactor Authentication (MFA)

Passwords alone are flimsy - like trying to secure your home with just a piece of tape. Multifactor authentication is the deadbolt and alarm system to lock things down tight. MFA adds an extra “something you have” layer, like a security key. So even if hackers steal your password, they’re still stuck outside.

Think of MFA as your defense all-star team: passwords block simple break-in attempts, while other factors shut down sophisticated attacks. MFA is like a protective force field for all your accounts and data. Don’t leave yourself exposed with just a weak password Pickett fence – bring in the MFA cavalry to keep the bad guys at bay.

Third-Party Application Monitoring

Companies today are more connected than ever, leveraging a significant number of third-party software and apps. Before granting access, these apps need to be validated with limited access only to perform core functions. Regular monitoring is required to ensure compliance.

Compliance Audits

The online regulatory road is full of twists and turns, and if you don’t keep up with the always-changing rules it can turn into dangerous curves ahead for your business. While GDPR and CCPA grab headlines, dozens of new rules are popping up across states, countries, and continents. However, compliance audits and other data privacy tools can help you navigate the journey with (relative) ease. Partnering with a compliance audit service company like ZenData gives you a co-pilot and navigator that helps you traverse any tricky terrain with ease, while catching any threats before they become areal problem.

Improving Security Posture

Bolster your defenses with cybersecurity roadmaps and proven tactics. Consider them your trusty guides to navigate the winding privacy and compliance landscape. With the right tools and knowledge, you can confidently protect customer data and avoid regulatory potholes. We'll help make the journey smooth sailing, not a rocky ride. Implementing robust frameworks and best practices keeps your business secure and compliant.

Learn what you need to know - no PhD required. Just a partner to watch your back on the cybersecurity highway. ZenData manages data security and risk across your entire tech stack from public-facing web apps to codebases. With ZenData’s no-code privacy compliance platform, you will have better transparency into your tech stack using data mapping tools and cookie consent management solutions.

Get started today with a complimentary assessment from ZenData.

‍