How To Secure Data in Motion To Prevent Data Loss

No matter the size of your organization, it’s vital to secure your data as it travels across networks, between applications, and to your end-users. In this guide, we’ll show you how to shield your organization’s data in transit to mitigate risks and ensure compliance with industry regulations.

What You’ll Learn:

• The critical importance of securing data in motion
• Key technologies and protocols for encrypting data in transit
• Strategies for monitoring and controlling data movement within your organization
• Ways to leverage user behavior analytics (UBA) to prevent data leaks and insider threats
• How to use a DLP solution to protect data in motion
• The role of employee monitoring in protecting sensitive information

Securing Data in Motion: A Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Conduct a Comprehensive Data Flow Analysis

The first step in securing data in motion is to thoroughly understand how data moves within and outside your organization. Follow these guidelines to map all data flows, identify the types of data being transmitted, and determine the sensitivity levels of that data:

1. Identify data sources and destinations: Create an inventory of all systems, applications, and endpoints that send or receive data. This should include on-premises servers, cloud services, employee devices, and any third-party integrations.
2. Classify data types: Categorize the data based on its sensitivity and importance to the organization. This could include categories such as public, internal, confidential, and highly sensitive.
3. Document transmission methods: For each data flow, record the protocols and methods used for transmission. This might include HTTP, FTP, email, APIs, or custom protocols.
4. Map network paths: Trace the routes that data takes as it moves through your network infrastructure. Identify any potential weak points or areas where data may be exposed.

Step 2: Implement Strong Encryption Protocols

Encryption is the cornerstone of data-in-motion security. It ensures that even if data is intercepted, unauthorized parties won’t be able to read it. We recommend implementing the following encryption measures:

1. Deploy TLS/SSL for web traffic: Confirm that all web applications and services use HTTPS with the latest version of TLS (currently TLS 1.3). Regularly update and patch SSL/TLS implementations to address known vulnerabilities.
2. Secure email communications: Implement email encryption solutions such as S/MIME or PGP to protect sensitive messages and attachments. Consider using secure email gateways that can automatically encrypt outgoing emails based on content or recipient.
3. Encrypt file transfers: For file transfer protocols, use secure options such as SFTP or FTPS. Implement file-level encryption for highly sensitive documents before transmission.

Step 3: Strengthen Network Security

Securing the network infrastructure is necessary for protecting data in motion. You can strengthen your security posture with the following measures:

1. Segmentation and microsegmentation: Divide your network into smaller, isolated units to limit the potential spread of breaches. Use microsegmentation techniques to create granular security policies at the workload level.
2. Firewalls and monitoring systems: Deploy next-generation firewalls and intrusion detection/prevention systems to monitor and control network traffic. Configure these systems to detect and block suspicious activities and potential attacks.
3. Wireless network security: Use WPA3 encryption and strong authentication methods for Wi-Fi networks (especially with employees who use mobile devices for work). Regularly update Wi-Fi passwords, and consider using network access control solutions to manage device connections.
4. Data loss prevention (DLP) solutions: Implement DLP tools to monitor and control the movement of sensitive data across your network. Configure policies to prevent unauthorized data transfers and alert security teams to potential data leaks.

Step 4: Implement Authentication and Access Controls

Ensuring that only authorized users and systems can access and transmit sensitive data is fundamental for securing data in motion. You can accomplish this with the following authentication and access control measures:

1. Multi-factor authentication (MFA): Require MFA for all user accounts, especially those with access to sensitive data or systems. Implement MFA for VPN connections, remote access tools, and cloud services.
2. Principle of least privilege: Grant users and systems only the minimum level of access necessary to perform their tasks and access to sensitive files. Regularly review and update permissions to prevent unauthorized data access and transmission.
3. Strong password policies: Enforce complex password requirements, and implement password management solutions to help users create and maintain secure credentials.
4. Certificate-based authentication: Use digital certificates to authenticate systems and devices involved in data transmission. Implement a public key infrastructure to manage and validate certificates.

Monitoring and Analyzing Data Movement

Implementing User and Entity Behavior Analytics

User and entity behavior analytics (UEBA) is a powerful tool for detecting anomalous data movement and potential insider threats. When implementing UEBA, consider the following approaches:

1. Baseline behavior validation: Use machine learning algorithms to establish normal patterns of data access and transfer for users and entities within your organization. This baseline serves as a reference point for detecting unusual activities.
2. Real-time anomaly detection: Implement real-time monitoring capabilities that can quickly identify deviations from established baselines. This may include unusual data transfer volumes, access to sensitive data outside of normal working hours, or unexpected geographic locations for data access.
3. Risk scoring and prioritization: Develop a risk scoring system that accounts for factors such as the sensitivity of the data, the user’s role and access history, and the context of the activity. Use this scoring to prioritize alerts and focus on the most critical potential threats.

UEBA can provide valuable insights into data movement patterns and help identify potential security risks before they escalate into full-blown incidents.

Continuous Monitoring and Alerting

Implementing a continuous monitoring and alerting system allows you to maintain visibility into data movement and quickly respond to potential security threats. Consider the following strategies:

1. Log aggregation and analysis: Implement a centralized log management solution that collects and correlates logs from various sources, including network devices, servers, applications, and security tools.
2. Real-time alerts: Configure alerts based on predefined thresholds and rules that indicate potential security risks. Examples include alerts for large data transfers, access to sensitive resources, or communication with known malicious IP addresses.
3. Automated response workflows: Develop automated response procedures for common security events. This could include temporarily blocking user access, isolating affected systems, or initiating additional data protection measures.

Regularly review your monitoring and alerting processes to verify that they effectively detect and respond to evolving threats.

Data Flow Visualization and Analysis

Visualizing data flows can offer valuable insights into how information moves through your organization and help identify potential security gaps. Implement data flow visualization tools with the following capabilities:

1. Interactive network maps: Create dynamic, interactive maps that show real-time data flows between systems, applications, and users. This can help identify unexpected or unauthorized data transfers.
2. Traffic analysis: Implement tools that can analyze network traffic patterns and highlight anomalies or potential security risks. These may include unusual protocols, high-volume transfers, or communication with suspicious IP addresses.
3. Historical trend analysis: Maintain data flow records to identify long-term trends and patterns. This can help in detecting slow-moving threats or gradual changes in data movement that may indicate a security issue.

These visualization and analysis tools can provide a more intuitive understanding of data movement within your organization and help you to quickly identify potential security risks.

Securing Endpoint Data Transfers

Secure File Sharing and Collaboration

Secure file sharing and collaboration tools are key for protecting data as it moves between users and systems. Consider the following approaches:

1. Enterprise-grade file sharing solutions: Deploy secure, enterprise-grade file sharing platforms that offer end-to-end encryption, granular access controls, and detailed audit logging. Avoid relying on consumer-grade solutions that may lack necessary security features.
2. Data classification integration: Incorporate data classification tools within your file sharing solution to automatically apply appropriate security controls based on the sensitivity of the data.
3. Secure external sharing: Implement secure methods for sharing files with external parties, such as time-limited access links, password-protected downloads, or secure file transfer applications for large data transfers.
4. Collaboration security: For real-time collaboration tools, verify that all communications are encrypted and that access controls are strictly enforced. Implement features such as watermarking and digital rights management for highly sensitive documents.

Regularly train employees on secure file sharing practices and the proper use of approved collaboration tools to minimize the risk of data leaks.

The Role of Teramind in Securing Data in Motion

Comprehensive User Activity Monitoring

Teramind provides comprehensive user activity monitoring capabilities to help secure data in motion. This allows organizations to gain deep visibility into how data is accessed, handled, and transferred by employees and other users. Key features include:

1. Real-time screen recording: Teramind can capture and record user screen activity in real time, allowing security teams to review exactly how sensitive data is handled and transferred.
2. Application and website usage tracking: The solution monitors which applications and websites users are accessing, helping to identify potential data exfiltration attempts or unauthorized file sharing service usage.
3. Keystroke logging and clipboard monitoring: These features can detect when sensitive information is being typed or copied, potentially preventing data leaks before they occur.

With these monitoring capabilities, you can quickly identify and respond to suspicious data movement activities, significantly reducing the risk of data breaches and insider threats.

Behavioral Data Loss Prevention

Teramind’s advanced DLP features provide a powerful layer of protection for data in motion. This solution offers:

1. Content-aware DLP policies: You can create granular policies based on the content of files, emails, and other data being transferred. This allows for precise control over what types of information can be shared and how.
2. Optical Character Recognition (OCR): Teramind can analyze text within images and scanned documents, ensuring that sensitive information is not exfiltrated through these mediums.
3. Integration with data classification tools: The solution can work with existing data classification systems to automatically apply appropriate security controls based on data sensitivity.

These DLP capabilities protect sensitive data throughout its lifecycle, whether at rest or in motion.

User Behavior Analytics for Threat Detection

Teramind’s UBA capabilities are particularly valuable for detecting threats to data in motion. Teramind:

1. Establishes baseline user behaviors: By analyzing normal patterns of data access and transfer, Teramind can quickly identify anomalous activities that may indicate a security threat.
2. Provides risk scoring: The solution assigns risk scores to user activities, allowing security teams to prioritize and focus on the most critical potential threats to data in motion.
3. Offers contextual alerts: Teramind generates alerts that provide rich context around potentially risky data transfers, including user information, data sensitivity, and historical behavior patterns.

By leveraging these UBA capabilities, you can proactively identify and mitigate risks to data in motion before they result in security incidents.

FAQs

How to protect data on the move?

To protect data in motion, implement encryption protocols such as SSL/TLS for secure communication and use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to ensure a secure connection. Additionally, apply data loss prevention (DLP) tools to monitor and control data transfers, helping to prevent unauthorized access and potential breaches.

What is the best encryption for data in motion?

The best encryption for data in motion includes protocols such as SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) and TLS (Transport Layer Security), which secure data during transmission over networks. Additionally, implementing IPsec (Internet Protocol Security) for VPNs can further enhance protection, ensuring that data remains confidential and secure against eavesdropping.

What are 5 ways to secure data?

To secure data in motion, implement robust encryption protocols like SSL/TLS to protect data during transmission, use Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to create secure connections, and apply data loss prevention (DLP) tools to monitor transfers. Additionally, regularly conduct security audits and employ multi-factor authentication (MFA) to enhance overall data security.

How to secure data in process?

To secure data in process, utilize strong encryption methods to protect data at rest and in use, ensuring sensitive information remains confidential. Implement access controls and audit logs to track data handling, and use secure development practices to safeguard applications that process data. Regularly update security protocols to address emerging threats and vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

Securing data in motion is a critical challenge for modern organizations. By implementing the strategies and best practices outlined in this guide, you can significantly enhance your organization’s ability to protect sensitive information as it travels across networks and between systems.

Keeping your organization’s data safe is an ongoing process that requires constant vigilance and adaptation to evolving threats. Regularly review and update your security measures, conduct thorough risk assessments, and leverage advanced tools such as Teramind to maintain a strong security posture in an ever-changing digital landscape.

By prioritizing the security of data in motion, you can protect your assets and build trust with your customers, partners, and stakeholders, ultimately contributing to your business’s long-term success and resilience in the face of cyber threats.