There are no security tools or controls that can completely prevent data breaches. Common sense security practices are the most reasonable way to prevent data breaches. It includes well-known security fundamentals such as:
Conduct ongoing vulnerability assessments
penetration testing
Implement proven malware protection
Use strong passwords/passwords
Continuous application of necessary software patches to all systems
While these steps will help prevent intrusion into your environment, information security experts recommend encrypting sensitive data on-premises or in the cloud. If you successfully break into your environment, encryption prevents threat actors from accessing your real data.
Additional measures to prevent breaches and minimize their impact include well-written security policies for employees and ongoing security awareness training to promote these policies and those trained.
These policies may include concepts such as the Principle of Least Privileges (POLP), which give employees the least privilege and administrative powers to do their job.
Organizations should also have an incident response plan that can be implemented in the event of an intrusion or breach. These plans typically include a formal process for identifying, containing, and quantifying security incidents.
