The Critical Role of Data Classification in the Hybrid Cloud
As organizations increasingly turn to hybrid cloud environments to support flexible and scalable data management, data security becomes more complex. Hybrid cloud infrastructure allows data to flow between on-premises systems and multiple cloud environments, creating new challenges in safeguarding sensitive information. Without a clear classification framework, it’s nearly impossible to maintain control over data security in such a dynamic setup.
For over 35 years, Jeskell Systems, an IBM Platinum Business Partner, has helped organizations protect and optimize their data lifecycle. We leverage advanced tools like IBM Guardium Discover and Classify (ISDC) to assist clients in securing data assets while meeting regulatory compliance standards in a hybrid cloud environment.
Setting the Foundation: Why Data Classification is Essential
Data classification is foundational to a robust data security strategy. By categorizing data based on its sensitivity and business value, organizations can apply tailored security controls, ensure compliance with industry regulations, and mitigate risk effectively. Classification is especially vital in hybrid cloud environments, where data travels across varied infrastructures and storage solutions.
- Identify Sensitive Data: Different data types require different levels of protection. By identifying and tagging sensitive data, companies can prevent unauthorized access and misuse.
- Align with Compliance Standards: Regulatory standards, such as GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA, mandate specific controls over certain types of data, making classification a compliance necessity.
- Facilitate Secure Data Management: Classified data is easier to manage and secure, reducing the risk of data leaks or breaches in the cloud environment.
For more information on these essential steps to securing data in hybrid environments, visit IBM’s Three Essential Steps to Protecting Your Data Across the Hybrid Cloud.
Discover & Classify for Effective Data Management
IBM Security Discover and Classify, also known as 1touch.io Inventa, offers a comprehensive approach to data discovery and classification, uncovering known and unknown sensitive data across on-premises and cloud environments. This platform enhances visibility by tracking data, whether structured or unstructured, in motion or at rest.
With ISDC’s capabilities, organizations can automate the discovery and classification of sensitive data at an enterprise level, delivering a near real-time, data-rich view of personal and sensitive information. This includes:
- Network-Based Analytics: Analyze data flows and uncover sensitive information with advanced network mapping.
- Compliance-Ready Reports: Simplify the audit process with ready-made compliance reports.
- Personal Data Master Catalog: ISDC generates a detailed catalog that associates data with individual data subjects, supporting data lineage insight, business context, transaction history, and data copies’ locations.
By building a master catalog of personal data and enabling comprehensive data tracking, ISDC improves your security posture and reduces the complexity of regulatory compliance.
- Automated Data Discovery and Classification: Minimize manual data processing efforts by automating data identification and categorization.
- Scalable for Hybrid Cloud Environments: Maintain consistent classification across on-premises and cloud systems, scaling as your organization grows.
- Enhanced Integration with IBM Guardium: Integrate ISDC with IBM Guardium to boost data security capabilities, enabling real-time monitoring, robust reporting, and simplified audit processes.
Jeskell’s Expertise in Secure Data Lifecycle Management
With our experience in secure data lifecycle management, Jeskell Systems is uniquely positioned to help organizations build a classification strategy that aligns with their security needs. As a trusted IBM partner, we deliver tailored solutions that address the complexities of data security in hybrid environments.
Our partnership with IBM allows us to integrate top-tier tools like IBM Discover and Classify into your hybrid cloud infrastructure, ensuring that your organization maintains a secure and compliant environment as it adapts to evolving data requirements.
Laying the Groundwork for Robust Hybrid Cloud Security
Data classification is the first critical step toward securing data across hybrid cloud environments. By automating and enhancing the classification process with IBM Security Discover and Classify, organizations can create a solid foundation for comprehensive data protection, compliance, and operational efficiency.
For assistance in implementing a secure data classification strategy, contact Jeskell Systems today. As an IBM Platinum Business Partner with decades of expertise, we’re here to guide your organization through the complexities of hybrid cloud security.