By Mayank Baid, Regional Vice President, Cloudera, India & South Asia
In today’s digital landscape, we’ve grown accustomed to relying on technology for almost every aspect of our lives. Consequently, it’s imperative to acknowledge the paramount importance of data protection in safeguarding our digital assets. Whether it’s due to ransomware attacks, hardware failures, or human error, the risk of data loss is ever-present. In our interconnected world, where cyber threats loom large, having a robust protection strategy isn’t just advisable—it’s essential.
On this backdrop, World Backup Day serves as a poignant reminder of the significance of protecting our digital lives. Data loss can have serious consequences. For individuals as for enterprises, data loss incidents can have severe ramifications. Business continuity, financial loss, legal compliance and maintaining customer trust are some of the factors that make protecting data imperative for enterprises. While it is common for enterprises to turn to data protection methods like encryption and backup, safeguarding data effectively requires a holistic strategy that includes policies and processes to address concepts like data governance.
Data management may not immediately come to mind in discussions of data protection, yet, it remains a crucial aspect of data security. Investment in modern data management platforms offers numerous benefits, providing real-time data overviews across multi-cloud and on-premises environments. These platforms enable proactive threat monitoring while facilitating AI and digital transformation initiatives through immediate access to high-quality data.
With many companies looking to leverage data-driven decision-making or technologies like artificial intelligence, the need to have data that is highly available and easily accessible is critical. Being able to trust their data is just as important. Enterprises must ensure that they have data governance frameworks in place so that their data sets are accurate, complete consistent, and in compliance with government regulations.
Prioritising data not only mitigates risks but also fosters resilience and agility within organisations. By embracing robust data protection measures and adhering to relevant regulations, enterprises can fortify their digital infrastructure, uphold regulatory compliance, and cultivate stakeholder trust. India’s initiatives in data security and protection underscore a commitment to enhancing cybersecurity and safeguarding data from potential threats. Various initiatives, including the National Cyber Security Policy and Personal Data Protection Bill aim to promote secure storage and management of data.
The Data Security Council of India (DSCI), an industry body set up by NASSCOM, has been actively promoting best practices in data protection and management, including guidelines and frameworks for organisations to enhance their data security posture. These endeavors are vital in an era where data holds increasing value and is susceptible to various risks. In navigating the complexities of the digital age, let us commit to safeguarding our invaluable digital assets, ensuring a future where data remains a cornerstone of success and innovation in the corporate landscape.