Lifestyle and Tech recently spoke with Hemant Harie, Group Chief Technology Officer at Gabsten Technologies / Data to discuss the role of data management in preventing cyber-attacks.
Here is a transcript of the interview where LnT stands for lifestyle and Tech and HH for Hemant Harie
LnT. How does effective data management play a role in preventing cyberattacks? What are the key components of a robust data management strategy?
HH. Effective data management is crucial in adding layers of protection against cyberattacks. If we consider the company’s data as the crown jewels, it is essential to ensure multiple layers of protection. An effective backup or data management strategy is one such layer. The key components include having a tested backup plan tailored to the specific needs of the business. No single backup plan works for everyone; it must be adjusted to fit the unique requirements of each organisation.
LnT. What steps can organisations take to build resilience in the face of growing cyber threats? Can you share some best practices for maintaining the security and integrity of sensitive information?
HH. Cyber resilience is now an integral part of data management. Leading data management platforms must provide not only effective backup but also protection from cyberattacks. One best practice is to protect the backup platform itself since attackers often target these to cripple the recovery process. Regularly updating and testing the backup strategy, using advanced threat detection, and ensuring all data management features are utilised are key steps to building resilience.
LnT. How do data protection regulations like the POPIA Act impact organisations in South Africa?
HH. The POPIA Act and other data protection regulations assist companies by setting a basic framework for data management. They require organisations to back up their data and manage it properly, helping them better position themselves to safeguard against data breaches. Adhering to these regulations is now a requirement, which ultimately helps organisations improve their data security posture.
LnT. What emerging trends in cybersecurity should organisations be aware of?
HH. Cybersecurity trends are evolving rapidly, making it crucial for organisations to stay updated regularly. By the time new trends are published, they might have already changed. It is essential for organisations to educate themselves on the latest trends and ensure their platforms are regularly updated to reflect these changes. Staying informed and adaptive is key to maintaining robust cybersecurity. Additionally, cyber resilience is a significant shift in data management. While the core of data management remains the same, organisations must adopt the latest technologies and fully utilise the capabilities of their data management products and platforms. For example, platforms like Commvault now offer features like threat early warning and cloud security. It is not enough to simply use these platforms for backup; organisations need to activate and leverage all their features to truly protect their data.