What to look for in a sensitive data discovery tool

Organizations have common concerns about sensitive data discovery. They include, costs, accuracy, data privacy, scalability and  integration with existing systems. As experts in this field we believe any solution must  address each of these concerns effectively and efficiently. Accuracy One of the primary concerns with sensitive data discovery is the accuracy of the results. The tools used to identify data must be able to accurately distinguish between sensitive and non-sensitive data, avoiding false positives and negatives which can result in non-sensitive data being flagged as sensitive or worse by having sensitive data being overlooked. Data Privacy Sensitive data discovery involves scanning data stores and systems to identify sensitive information, which can raise privacy concerns. Organizations need to ensure that the software products they are using comply with data protection regulations and that sensitive data is not being exposed. Scalability For large enterprises with vast amounts of data, sensitive data discovery can be a time-consuming and resource-intensive process. Organizations need to ensure that their sensitive data discovery software can scale to accommodate growing amounts of data and are supported by a repeatable well defined process. Integration with Existing Systems Sensitive data discovery tools need to search data in various different systems, including  those using cloud-based storage and newer database platforms. Data discovery must work seamlessly with all your existing systems in order to ensure data privacy has been implemented correctly. Cost The cost of implementing sensitive data discovery tools and processes can be significant, particularly for larger organizations with numerous data sources.  However the benefit of using AI technology to help control these costs will save time and money.   Meet C² Data Privacy With C² Data Privacy, you can easily connect to existing systems, find and identify sensitive data within your data, understand what was found, and apply the discovered insights to your data privacy initiatives to comply with regulations. C² Data Privacy connects to your data sources and scans for sensitive information using machine learning and artificial intelligence to provide users with thorough and accurate results.  To avoid false positives and negatives, C² Data Privacy uses multiple layers of analysis to determine whether a data element is truly sensitive. The interactive user interface provides visual aids to help you understand the specifics of what sensitive data was found.  Viewing the results at the data source level or at the individual element level helps you focus on what is most important. Once you have identified your sensitive data you can decide how you want to secure it.  You can use C² Data Privacy encryption feature or feed what you learned into your preferred data privacy tool  to comply with regulations such as Gramm Leach Bliley, HIPAA, CCPA, GDPR, and PCI-DSS.

The Problem with Regex-Based Discovery

Regex Pro’s/Con’s Regex-based discovery looks at the sequence of characters that specifies a match pattern in the text. While regex-based discovery can be a powerful tool for pattern matching, it also faces several challenges.   Complex Patterns Regex-based discovery can become increasingly complex and difficult to design as the pattern requirements become more intricate. Complex patterns may require nested or conditional expressions, making them harder to create and maintain.   Limited Expressiveness Regex-based discovery has limited expressiveness compared to more advanced programming languages or machine-learning models. They may struggle to handle certain types of patterns or data structures that require context awareness or more sophisticated logic.   Data Variability If the data being analyzed has high variability or in consistency in its structure or formatting, creating a single regex pattern that captures all variations can be challenging. Adapting regex patterns to accommodate different cases can lead to increased complexity and reduced accuracy.   Overfitting and False Positives Regex-based discovery patterns are specific and rigid, matching only the exact pattern they are designed for. This can result in overfitting, where the pattern matches irrelevant data, or false positives, where the pattern mistakenly identifies incorrect matches.   Maintenance and Updates Regex patterns require manual creation and maintenance by human experts. If the underlying data changes or new patterns emerge, regex patterns need to be updated accordingly. This can be time-consuming and error-prone, especially when dealing with large-scale or dynamic datasets.   Performance Issues Complex regex-based discovery can be computationally expensive and slow down the data analysis process, particularly when applied to large datasets. In some cases, nested or recursive patterns may cause performance degradation.   Lack of Context Understanding Regex patterns are unstable to capture contextual information beyond the defined pattern. They may struggle to interpret and understand the broader context in which the pattern occurs, leading to potential inaccuracies or missed matches.

Unlock the Power of Machine Learning Discovery

Discover a world of limitless possibilities with machine learning for sensitive data discovery. Say goodbye to the limitations of regex-based discovery, which relies on predefined patterns and hello to the adaptability and power of machine learning models. These models have the ability to learn and adapt to even the most complex patterns, opening up endless opportunities for your business.   As data complexity increases, regex falls short in expression. With machine learning models, complexity is no longer a challenge. They excel in handling intricate data structures, making them ideal for dealing with more complex patterns.   Effortlessly scale your data analysis with machine learning discovery. Regardless of dataset size or diversity, machine learning models can handle vast amounts of data and be trained on various data types, ensuring accurate and efficient analysis.   Bid farewell to the days of time-consuming manual pattern design. Machine learning automates the pattern extraction process, reducing human effort once the model is trained. This frees up valuable time and resources, so you can focus on other crucial tasks.   Accuracy reigns supreme in data analysis. While regex-based discovery may be accurate for simple patterns, machine learning takes it a step further. By learning patterns from data, models can achieve high accuracy, which is crucial for insightful data analysis.   In summary, machine learning discovery offers unparalleled versatility, flexibility, and scalability. Embrace the power of machine learning to unlock limitless insights and opportunities for your business. Say goodbye to limitations and hello to a new era of data analysis with unshakable confidence.

PCI-DSS Audit

PCI-DSS, the Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard, was established on September 7, 2006. This standard safeguards individuals who share their credit card information with organizations such as banks and healthcare companies. Maintaining PCI-DSS compliance involves a comprehensive project with tasks like risk assessment, regular documentation updates on data flow, monitoring for malicious activities, and keeping current with PCI-DSS changes. Non-compliance can result in significant penalties. Understanding data sensitivity and vulnerabilities in the cloud is fundamental to PCI-DSS and compliance. Effectively identifying sensitive data elements and assessing risk demands significant investments of time, money, and resources.   PCI-DSS Audit The PCI-DSS audit involves a thorough examination of your security infrastructure, focusing on sensitive data elements such as bank account and routing numbers. The auditor identifies security gaps, if any, and may require remediation. Recommendations for preventive measures may include documenting data flow, current data privacy practices, and more. Engaging a third party for an audit may seem daunting, similar to a medical check-up. Such audits serve not only to address existing concerns but also to ensure proper documentation of sensitive data inventory and protective measures in case of security breaches. For a smoother audit process, proactively optimize your organization’s practices for PCI-DSS compliance.   What You Can Do To take charge during the audit, prepare by taking the following steps to mitigate potential fines and ensure compliance with standards. 1. Achieve PCI-DSS Certification Obtain PCI-DSS certification every 90 days or once per quarter, based on the volume of transactions. The certification involves a cloud risk assessment tailored to PCI-DSS requirements and transaction volumes. …. Level Business Volume Recommended Actions 1 6 million+ transactions/year Annual internal audit Quarterly PCI scans 2 1-6 million transactions/year Annual risk assessment with SAQ Quarterly PCI scans

On-Premise vs Cloud Data Privacy

In today’s data landscape, whether data is stored on-premises or in the cloud, robust data privacy and cybersecurity standards are essential to safeguard sensitive information from malicious exploitation. To maintain these standards, various regulatory activities such as auditing, role-based policies (RBAC), and continuous monitoring are in place. However, the cornerstone of effective data protection begins with a critical step: identifying sensitive data and assessing associated risks. Once you understand where sensitive data resides and comprehensively analyze potential risks, you can implement robust data privacy and cybersecurity measures.   Challenge The challenge lies in accurately identifying sensitive data across the entire enterprise and conducting thorough risk analysis. This process is not only time-consuming but also susceptible to human error. Tools designed for data discovery may encounter their own set of challenges, such as incomplete identification of sensitive data or limitations in scanning beyond surface-level attributes like column names without delving into document contents. At C² Data Technology, we recognize these challenges and offer advanced solutions to address them. Our cutting-edge tools leverage sophisticated algorithms and machine learning to ensure comprehensive discovery and precise risk analysis. By partnering with us, organizations can streamline their data protection efforts and fortify their cybersecurity posture with confidence. Embrace the journey towards robust data privacy and cybersecurity. Let C² Data Technology be your trusted partner in navigating these complexities. Contact us today to explore how our innovative solutions can elevate your data protection strategy and safeguard your sensitive information effectively. Together, we can build a secure and resilient foundation for your digital assets. Solution  Introducing the C² Data Privacy Platform—a robust solution engineered to empower organizations with unparalleled visibility into the location of sensitive data across the entire enterprise, coupled with advanced data protection measures.   C² Manage Gain comprehensive visibility into all data regions within your AWS account with C² Manage. This capability forms a solid foundation for extensive data discovery, answering the critical question: “Where is my data stored?” Efficient management of AWS accounts also enables cost optimization, enhancing operational efficiency.   C² Discover Leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning, AI, and contextual knowledge, C² Discover excels in pinpointing sensitive data across diverse enterprise data connections. It meticulously identifies the exact locations of sensitive data, even in the most obscure corners of your data ecosystem.   C² Secure Leveraging cutting-edge technologies such as machine learning, AI, and contextual knowledge, C² Discover excels in pinpointing sensitive data across diverse enterprise data connections. It meticulously identifies the exact locations of sensitive data, even in the most obscure corners of your data ecosystem.   A Complete Regulatory Solution For a fool-proof approach to compliance initiatives, apply precise roles and policies to protect your data, ensuring seamless adherence to regulations. At C² Data Technology, we understand the complexities of modern data environments. Our C² Data Privacy Platform empowers organizations to navigate these challenges with confidence. Gain clarity, ensure compliance, and fortify your data security strategy with C² Data—your proactive partner in comprehensive data privacy management. Furthermore, our platform connects you with legal professionals and privacy experts who specialize in data protection. Their expert guidance ensures that your organization achieves full compliance, mitigates legal risks, and enhances your overall data governance framework. Choosing C² Data means empowering your organization with robust data privacy solutions to thrive in today’s dynamic regulatory landscape. At C² Data Technology, we believe that complying with data privacy regulations is more than a checkbox exercise—it’s an opportunity to demonstrate your commitment to customers and their privacy. Prioritizing data privacy not only upholds ethical standards but also strengthens your organization’s reputation. Don’t let data privacy regulations overwhelm you. Embrace the journey with us at C² Data Technology. Let C² Discover be your trusted partner along the way. Request a demo today and see how our powerful tools can transform your data privacy compliance efforts. Together, we can build a more secure and trustworthy digital future.

You don’t need a cloud security audit

According to Tech Target, a cloud security audit is a periodic assessment of an organization’s ability to assess and document its vendor’s performance. An audit can be done internally or externally and should be done at least annually. What’s involved in a cloud security audit? During the cloud security audit, a lot of ground will be covered by the person who is orchestrating the audit. Below are the main things that a cloud security audit will often cover. Current Compliance with Industry Regulations and Standards Being compliant with the required standards and standards for your organization’s industry is essential to the success of your audit and your organization. Failure to do so will result in fines that may put a major dent in your organization’s wallet. Confidentiality, Integrity, and Availability of Your Data Knowing that the organization keeps the integrity and confidentiality of the data will ensure that the organization isn’t abusing it as it’s being stored. Current Security Controls Having a working security system is a core part of the audit. If it’s not working properly or at all, then you have no protection, which may result in paying fines for compliances, regulations, and standards, and those fines will add up. Risk Assessments Understanding your risk exposure is a necessity when it comes to cloud security. Knowing the cloud’s vulnerabilities will help map out the lines of defense, and will make your data privacy solution more complex. Recommendation of Improvements in Security Posture Having security in place is great in general, but there’s always more than we can do to prevent malicious attacks. Knowing and practicing preventative measures may reduce the risk of any attack in the future. While this process may feel overwhelming, there’s always something you can do now to ensure that you’re cloud security audit goes as smoothly as possible. Be Proactive, not Reactive. Identify cloud providers being used. Knowing what cloud providers are being used in your cloud ecosystem displays the full picture of your cloud security. This also gives you a chance to compare and contrast their purpose with your cloud objectives for the organization. If they are no longer meeting the objectives, it has no reason to be part of the ecosystem, resulting in lessening the vulnerability. Understand what is being provided by the provider. Every cloud provider’s responsibility for cloud security may not be the same across the board. It’s important to know: What they are currently controlling What they can control if they aren’t controlling now, if they aren’t What is your responsibility Doing this exercise maps out what is covered by the cloud and what needs to be protected by you. This step is also monumental because it initiates important discussions: like identifying the future of the cloud and what is needed to achieve it. Identify who has access to the cloud. Every user added to the cloud can be posed as a risk. If someone has access to the data they don’t need, it can leave the datasets compromised if a malicious attack were to occur. To lessen the magnitude of the risk, make sure that your organization has authorization and authentication, for the necessary people only, in place. Encrypt Data in transit and at rest To ensure that the actual data being tested, queried, or stored is being protected, consider it encrypted to ensure safety throughout the dataset’s lifetime in the cloud. Monitor the Cloud Identifying suspicious activity in the cloud may be challenging if there isn’t a standard to compare it to. Educate yourself and inform your team of what’s normal and what’s not in case of any malicious attacks. This also makes everyone conscious of what is entering and leaving the cloud. While monitoring the cloud may be used for pinpointing suspicious activity but may be able to be used for catching human error. We all make errors, and being able to catch any human error right away, can avoid compromising situations. Keeping data up to date To ensure effective cloud security, maintaining the cloud is crucial as it identifies what data has a reason for being in the cloud, and what can pose a threat to the security of the cloud. This can also be used as an exercise that forces the organization to clean out the cloud in the hopes of optimizing the storage and functions of the cloud.   With the help of the preventative measures mentioned above, a major job any organization can benefit from is understanding the data being stored in the cloud.   How C² Data Can Help The C² Data Privacy Platform is your powerful, all-in-one solution for managing and securing data across enterprise cloud and hybrid environments. It handles data management, discovery, and security with ease. Key Features: C² Manage: Gain full visibility into all data regions within your AWS account, laying the foundation for comprehensive data discovery by answering the crucial question: “Where is my data stored?” Turn on and off the unnecessary accounts to reduce AWS costs. C² Discover: Leverage cutting-edge data discovery techniques, including machine learning, AI, and contextual knowledge, to accurately analyze and identify sensitive data across various sources in various data sources, relational databases, NoSQL, Data Lakes, and Data Warehouses. C² Discover provides a unified view of data locations, highlights areas with high concentrations of sensitive information, and assigns the risk scores based on what types and how much sensitive data was found. C² Secure: Protect your discovered data with expert recommendations on encryption, masking, synthesis, and redaction. With over 21 years of experience serving Fortune 500 clients, C² Secure ensures your sensitive data is effectively safeguarded.

Can you meet compliance requirements on the cloud

Meeting compliance requirements is mandatory regardless if you’re storing data on-prem or in the cloud. If you’re in compliance with both, HIPAA, the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act of 1996, and CCPA, the California Consumer Protection Act, you’re most likely in compliance with the other US-specific compliances. The main international compliances are GDPR, the Global Data Protection Regulation, and LGPD, the Brazilian data protection regulation. How to meet compliance in the cloud Step 1: Identifying What Needs to Be Protected Many compliances are concerned with where and how consumer data are being stored. And understanding what is considered consumer’s data can be complex because it’s not limited to names, addresses, social security numbers, credit card numbers, and birth dates. Step 2: Add Your Protection The method of protection is up to your organization. Some organizations just require a firewall, some require keeping sensitive data on a VPN, and others require masking or encrypting.  From our experience, organizations tend to like locking it down, encrypting, and masking. Step 3: Repeat It’s important to periodically run your identification process and continuously protect it because data may end up in the cloud, whether you know it or not. This process can be automated, giving the organization’s data privacy officer one less thang to do, but it’s heavily advised to take a look into the process to ensure that the whole process is working as it should. Step 4: Meet the Compliance As technology continues to be innovative, stay up to date with the compliance that applies to your organization because the organization can avoid hefty fines.   How C² Discover can help C² Discover is your cloud-native sensitive data identifier. By connecting it to your relational database, NoSQL, data lakes, and data warehouses, C² Discover uses machine learning and AI technology to comb through your cloud data to identify all the sensitive data to meet compliance regulations and standards. Once the discovery is complete, the results go through to our user-friendly user interface. the interactive user interfaces present you with the views of your sensitive data from an overview to a granular view of a singular sensitive data element. At C² Data Technology, we believe in giving you insights into your cloud that turbocharge your data privacy mission.

Introducing Bias-Aware Machine Learning: A Paradigm Shift in Decision-Making

In the realm of machine learning, bias has always been a constant concern. Algorithms, though designed to assist in making decisions faster and more accurately, are not immune to biases. But fear not, because, at C² Data, we have revolutionized the landscape with our bias-aware machine learning models. Machine learning bias, as Tech Target elucidates, occurs when algorithms produce results that are inherently biased. This bias is often derived from the training process and the algorithm’s configuration. Let’s delve deeper into the different types of biases encountered: Algorithm Bias: Whether due to faulty algorithms or incompatibility with specific scenarios or software, this bias misinforms users, leading to erroneous outcomes. Sample Bias: The data used to train and test machine learning models may contain errors. Issues arise when the dataset is either too large, too small, or lacks diversity. Striving for the optimal balance in size and diversity is a challenge when testing the model. Prejudice Bias: Just like humans, machine learning models can develop prejudice bias based on the datasets reflecting inherent prejudices and stereotypes. Measurement Bias: Accurately measuring results demands meticulous attention. Any issues faced during this process can skew measurements, causing bias in the output. Exclusion Bias: Intentionally excluding certain data points can create skewness or bias within the machine learning model, undermining its efficacy.   So, how does C² Discover come to your rescue? Carefully selecting and preprocessing the training data:At C² Discover, we have applied real-world schemas to generate synthetic data that perfectly matches real-world scenarios. This approach ensures that our training data remains representative and free from bias or outliers found within sensitive fields. Implementing fair and robust decision-making processes:Unlike traditional models, we incorporate a multi-model approach, amalgamating different models to make final decisions regarding sensitive data. By considering a broad range of perspectives, we ensure fairness and robustness in our decision-making process. Regularly evaluating the model’s performance:C² Discover continuously measures the performance of our models across various datasets. We meticulously evaluate outputs to pinpoint any potential sources of bias and make necessary adjustments to mitigate them. With C² Discover’s bias-aware machine learning, you can confidently embrace a paradigm shift in decision-making. Make informed choices without the shackles of biases that plague traditional algorithms. Embrace the future of machine learning today! Discover how our groundbreaking solutions can unlock the true potential of your data by clicking the button below.

Complying with Data Privacy Regulations

Ensuring Compliance with Data Privacy Regulations In the current data-driven environment, protecting sensitive information is crucial. C² Data Technology provides solutions to the significant challenges businesses face in adhering to data privacy regulations. Our objective is to provide you with the necessary tools and expertise to effectively navigate this intricate landscape. Data privacy regulations play a vital role in safeguarding individuals’ personal information, whether they are EU citizens, residents of California, or holders of financial and health data, from threats like data breaches, malware, ransomware, and more. Despite having robust policies in place, the risk of breaches remains. It is essential for organizations to have a clear understanding of the location of their sensitive data, which may be found in unexpected places beyond traditional storage locations. At C² Data Technology, we specialize in offering solutions that provide comprehensive visibility into your data ecosystem. Our advanced technologies empower you to identify and safeguard sensitive data wherever it may be, ensuring compliance and enhancing your overall security posture. By partnering with us, you not only gain peace of mind but also the confidence to innovate and thrive in today’s data-driven economy. Allow us to guide you through the intricacies of data privacy and security so that you can concentrate on what truly matters—your business’s success and earning the trust of your stakeholders.   Introducing C² Data Privacy Platform Presenting the C² Data Privacy Platform—a robust solution designed to provide organizations with unparalleled visibility into the location of sensitive data across the entire enterprise, along with advanced data protection measures.   C² Manage Access comprehensive visibility into all data regions within your AWS account with C² Manage. This capability forms a solid foundation for extensive data discovery, answering the critical question: “Where is my data stored?” Efficient management of AWS accounts also enables cost optimization, enhancing operational efficiency.   C² Discover Utilizing state-of-the-art technologies such as machine learning, AI, and contextual knowledge, C² Discover excels at identifying sensitive data across various enterprise data connections. It meticulously locates sensitive data, even in the most remote corners of your data ecosystem.   C² Secure Employing advanced technologies such as machine learning, AI, and contextual knowledge, C² Discover excels at identifying sensitive data across diverse enterprise data connections. It meticulously locates sensitive data, even in the most remote corners of your data ecosystem.   A Comprehensive Regulatory Solution For a fool-proof approach to compliance initiatives, apply precise roles and policies to protect your data, ensuring seamless adherence to regulations. At C² Data Technology, we grasp the complexities of modern data environments. Our C² Data Privacy Platform enables organizations to navigate these challenges with assurance. Gain clarity, ensure compliance, and reinforce your data security strategy with C² Data—your proactive partner in comprehensive data privacy management. Moreover, our platform connects you with legal professionals and privacy experts specializing in data protection. Their expert guidance guarantees that your organization achieves full compliance, reduces legal risks, and strengthens your overall data governance framework. Selecting C² Data means empowering your organization with robust data privacy solutions to thrive in today’s dynamic regulatory landscape. At C² Data Technology, we firmly believe that complying with data privacy regulations goes beyond a mere checkbox exercise—it’s an opportunity to demonstrate your dedication to customers and their privacy. Prioritizing data privacy not only upholds ethical standards but also enhances your organization’s reputation. Do not allow data privacy regulations to overwhelm you. Embrace the journey with us at C² Data Technology. Let C² Discover become your trusted partner along the way. Request a demo today and witness how our powerful tools can enhance your data privacy compliance efforts. Together, we can establish a more secure and trustworthy digital future.

Find Your Risk, Protect Your Risk

In today’s intricate corporate data landscape, complexity arises from the multitude of applications and teams needing access to data. This often leaves organizations uncertain about the location of their sensitive data and consequently, unaware of the risks they face in terms of compliance with regulatory standards. Our Comprehensive Solution  Introducing the C² Data Privacy Platform, a robust solution designed to empower organizations with clear visibility into the whereabouts of sensitive data across the entire enterprise. C² Manage With C² Manage, users gain comprehensive visibility into all data regions within their AWS account, establishing a solid foundation for thorough data discovery. This capability directly addresses the fundamental question: “Where is my data stored?” Additionally, C² Manage enables cost optimization through efficient AWS account management. C² Discover Powered by advanced techniques such as machine learning, AI, and contextual knowledge, C² Discover excels in identifying sensitive data across various enterprise data connections. It precisely pinpoints the exact locations where sensitive data resides, even in less visible areas of your data ecosystem. C² Secure Ensuring data security is a top priority, and C² Secure offers a range of robust options including encryption, masking, synthesis, and redaction. With over 21 years of experience serving Fortune 500 clients, C² Secure provides the assurance that sensitive data is effectively safeguarded. With the C² Data Privacy Platform, organizations can confidently navigate the complexities of modern data environments. Enhance compliance, gain clarity, and strengthen your data security strategy with C² Data – your proactive partner in data privacy management.