Access and Feeds

The Looming Crisis in Sensitive Data Management

By Dick Weisinger

Recently businesses have been grappling with an unprecedented surge in sensitive data volumes, particularly in non-production environments. A recent report by Perforce reveals a troubling trend: 74% of organizations increased their sensitive data in these environments over the past year, with 91% expressing concern about their expanded exposure footprint.

This escalation is not without consequence. As companies rush to leverage AI and machine learning, they inadvertently create new vulnerabilities. The report identifies AI and ML as the leading causes of sensitive data growth in non-production environments, cited by 60% of respondents. These AI systems, often less governed and protected than production environments, present attractive targets for cybercriminals.

Increased data volumes in less secure environments heighten the risk of breaches and non-compliance penalties. Moreover, the complexity of AI algorithms and their potential integration with external systems create new attack vectors that are challenging to manage.

Despite the clear dangers, many businesses hesitate to implement robust security measures in non-production environments. The report found that 38% of respondents believe security protocols may inhibit their ability to track and comply with regulations, while nearly a third worry about slowing down software development.

Looking to the future, experts recommend implementing static data masking, data loss prevention strategies, encryption, and strict access controls. Additionally, the adoption of AI-driven technologies for enhanced biometric data protection and continuous authentication systems shows promise. As businesses navigate the complex landscape of sensitive data management, they must strike a delicate balance between innovation and security.

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