Written by Tom Bambridge – Solutions Engineer at Gradian
Before any organisation can effectively prevent data loss, it must first understand what data it has, where it resides, and how it’s at risk. A Data Risk Assessment (DRA) is the essential first step, providing the visibility and insight needed to build a strong, scalable data protection program.
Modern DRAs go beyond spreadsheets and manual audits. With a DRA, organisations can now assess risk across sprawling data environments with unprecedented accuracy and speed.
The Benefits of a Modern Data Risk Assessment
A well-executed DRA delivers several key advantages:
- Comprehensive Discovery: Identify sensitive data across cloud, on-prem, and hybrid environments including unstructured or forgotten data stores.
- Exposure Insights: Understand how data is shared, who has access, and where potential overexposure or misconfigurations exist.
- Risk Prioritisation: Focus remediation efforts on the most critical issues first, reducing risk in a targeted, efficient way.
- Compliance Alignment: Map data exposure to regulatory frameworks like GDPR, HIPAA, or CCPA supporting audits and avoiding fines.
Laying the Groundwork for a DLP Program
A DRA doesn’t just deliver a snapshot it sets the stage for long-term data protection by informing and guiding a broader Data Loss Prevention (DLP) strategy:
- Policy Development: Base DLP rules on real-world insights into how data is actually used and shared.
- Access Control Improvements: Quickly identify and remediate excessive permissions or risky shares.
- Incident Response Preparedness: Know your data landscape so you can react quickly to breaches or insider threats.
- Executive Buy-in: Quantified risk metrics help make the case for continued investment in security and compliance initiatives.
Nothing to lose and everything to gain
For organisations looking to build or mature their data protection programs, a Data Risk Assessment is the logical and most impactful place to start. With the aid of advanced tools that streamline and enhance the process, teams can gain the clarity they need to move confidently from visibility to control.
Treat this as part of a DLP programme – not a one-off project. Get in touch with us today reach out to us today, this is something that can’t wait!