Big Data Security in 2016

Like most major technological advancements, the opportunities created by big data are matched equally by the challenges. This technology has the potential to transform the way enterprises of all sorts operate, but it also puts enterprises at risk. That’s why any IT department that hopes to increase investment and usage of big data needs to keep a firm focus on security. With that imperative in mind, we have discussed the threats you need to be aware of in 2016:

Lack of Security Controls

Systems for gathering, storing, and analyzing big data have evolved quickly and often haphazardly. As a result, many lack basic security controls like encryption, compliance, and risk management. As the scope and significance of these systems grows, security will have to be a more fundamental feature.

Privacy Concerns

Many people whose data is being collected to create big data sets have concerns about what is being collected, how it’s being stored, and how well their anonymity is being preserved. In order to inspire consumer confidence, enterprises will need to ensure that anonymity can’t be breached.

Overwhelming Complexity

One of the greatest assets of big data is also a significant vulnerability – the variety of data sets. Since so much data is being aggregated from so many sources, rooting out potential security concerns is a time and labor intensive process that often proves prohibitive.

Appealing Target

The size and character of big data sets makes them particularly appealing targets for hackers. A single breach can yield a flood of personal and financial data. Hackers have already made big data a primary target, and their efforts are not likely to decline anytime in the near future.

Lack of Spending

Considering how important big data is and how common large-scale data breaches have become, you would expect all companies to make a major investment in security. Most experts agree that 10 percent of the overall IT budget is the minimum. However, the average level of spending falls below 9 percent. Companies invite risk simply because of fiscal concerns.

Big Data Skills Gap

Even if companies were to invest more in security, most do not have experts on staff capable of making the most of that investment. Big data requires a unique skill set, and many companies have a deficient brain trust, troubles recruiting, and retention woes in the face of stiff competition for top talent.

Too Many Stakeholders

It’s now common for enterprises to sell or swap data with third parties. These transactions are typically facilitated by data brokers who may invest little in security. Once the data is out of the originators control it’s subject to a host of new security threats.

The promise of big data is too significant to turn your back on. But if you want to get the most out of this resource, you need to make security a paramount concern. Find the expert staff you need to secure all that data by enlisting the help of INSPYR Solutions.