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Data Classification: Assess the sensitivity and criticality of different types of data (e.g., personal, financial, intellectual property) and their potential impact if compromised.
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Access Control: Evaluate whether proper authentication and authorization measures are in place to prevent unauthorized access.
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Data Storage: Review where and how data is stored, including encryption at rest, cloud storage risks, and physical security of servers.
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Data Transmission: Ensure that data is securely transmitted, using protocols like HTTPS and encryption during transfer.
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Third-Party Risks: Assess how vendors or partners handle shared data and whether they meet the company’s security standards.
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Data Retention and Disposal: Evaluate policies for data retention, archiving, and secure disposal of outdated or unnecessary data.
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Incident Response Plan: Review the readiness of the company to detect, respond to, and recover from data breaches or loss.
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Regulatory Compliance: Ensure alignment with relevant data protection regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA, or CCPA) and industry standards.
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Employee Training: Check whether employees are trained on data security practices, such as recognizing phishing attempts and handling sensitive information.
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Backup and Recovery: Review the backup strategy to ensure data can be quickly restored in case of a ransomware attack or other incidents.
Contact carol@caroldonohue.com for a free consultation to discuss how well you know your data.