September 24, 2024

Data governance, privacy and protection (DGPP) is a critical practice for ensuring robust data security and is one of the specialized domains within Optiv. Leveraging industry-leading platforms, DGPP offers comprehensive services, aligning data security measures with organizational objectives, optimizing technology investments and building tailored data governance programs to mitigate risks and ensure compliance. DGPP utilizes Optiv’s strategic partnerships within the data security space to achieve desired outcomes for our clients.

Data Governance Defined

Data governance encompasses processes, roles, policies and technologies aimed at enhancing data awareness and control. It ensures the effective and efficient use of information, thereby enabling organizations to achieve their goals. However, several challenges often hinder the implementation of a successful data governance program.

Challenges

One significant challenge is navigating the lengthy list of regulations governing data practices. Organizations must proactively govern data collection, processing, transfer, retention and management to comply with these regulations. Immature data governance programs might struggle with understanding where to start, identifying industry best practices or mitigating risks associated with data. Additionally, organizations may lack awareness of available technology solutions, such as artificial intelligence, or fail to optimize their existing technologies.

Desired Outcomes

To overcome these challenges, DGPP focuses on achieving specific desired outcomes. Developing a program framework that outlines data governance requirements is crucial. Defining roles and responsibilities ensures adherence to internal policies. Implementing fit-for-purpose processes and leveraging technology where appropriate enhances efficiency. Further, building or maintaining robust risk mitigation strategies protects an organization’s brand, strengthens trust with key stakeholders and ensures that leaders understand their role in data governance programs.

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Figure 1: DGPP data strategy methodology

Maturity

Central to DGPP’s effectiveness is the integration of key data security platforms to mature and enhance the value of data governance programs. To further explore this effectiveness, this blog post uses an industry-leading data security partner, Varonis, as an example. If you would like a deeper dive into Varonis specifically, see my previous post on DSPM here.

Your organization may already have implemented data security technologies or might be considering utilizing one such as Varonis. Not only does Optiv's DGPP practice specialize in the overall design, implementation and execution of data governance strategies and frameworks, it excels in maximizing the potential of technology platforms such as Varonis for our clients.

Varonis, a leading data security platform, provides unparalleled data-level visibility by identifying and classifying information, managing access rights and monitoring user activities across digital infrastructures. DGPP enhances this robust platform through comprehensive maturity services that ensure the clients fully leverage their Varonis investment. By focusing on data lifecycle management, data activity monitoring, least privilege automation and compliance management, DGPP ensures continuous oversight and optimization of Varonis configurations and policies.

Optiv's Varonis-certified experts tailor data access governance strategies to align with organizational objectives, enforce least privilege access, refine data governance processes and enhance reporting and integration with SIEM systems. This comprehensive approach reduces attack vectors, ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and optimizes the use of the Varonis platform. By integrating additional tools like Microsoft Purview and Copilot, DGPP further strengthens data security strategies, providing clients with a fortified data governance framework that is adaptive, secure and highly efficient.

A Phased Approach

DGPP operates through four distinct phases, each addressing critical aspects of data governance, privacy and protection, with technologies from sellers like Varonis playing a pivotal role.

Strategy and Technology Review

The first phase involves enterprise-wide requirements gathering and understanding regulatory drivers. This step is crucial for defining the target operating model for the program. The development of a thorough program assessment and strategic roadmaps may also be supported by a review of the current technology stack, often incorporating Varonis to maximize data security from the outset.

Data Discovery and Program Design

In the second phase, Optiv undertakes an enterprise-wide data discovery and classification effort. This involves documenting enterprise data use and defining holistic data security and privacy requirements. Formalizing and implementing data governing bodies, alongside defining data function roles and responsibilities, sets the foundation for robust data governance. Varonis integration ensures accurate and thorough data discovery and classification, as well as continuous oversight of user and entity behavior.

Data Program Build or Enhancement

Building and enhancing data lifecycle management capabilities is the focus of the third phase. Conducting risk assessments helps identify programmatic gaps or unmitigated risks. Selecting and implementing appropriate data security technologies, such as Varonis, coupled with training and awareness initiatives, culminates in the formal launch of an organization’s data governance program. Varonis’ capabilities in least privilege automation and compliance management are instrumental in this phase.

Oversight and Monitoring

The final phase emphasizes ongoing oversight and program enhancement. Defining and implementing monitoring metrics, conducting program risk assessments and developing risk management and remediation plans are essential. Continuous oversight, facilitated by Varonis, ensures that the data governance program remains effective and adaptive to emerging challenges. A more recent and prevalent challenge that comes to mind is generative AI. AI is great for collaboration, but be sure to read “Embracing the Future of AI with Varonis” to understand how to protect your organization while still enjoying the benefits of implementing AI.

The Glue!

Central to DGPP is the concept of data discovery. Defining a comprehensive program, establishing accountability and formulating robust policies are foundational steps. Determining data strategy, program requirements and identifying key stakeholders are equally important. Organizations should adopt a top-down approach, conducting surveys and interviews, as well as a bottom-up approach involving data scans.

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Figure 2: Components of data governance

Conclusion

DGPP’s structured approach to data governance, privacy and protection offers a holistic solution to the challenges of data security. By leveraging technologies like Varonis, organizations can ensure maximum data security, realize the full potential of their technology investments and build a comprehensive data governance framework. Data governance, when done right, enables organizations to enforce least privilege access, streamline data governance processes and enhance reporting and integration with SIEM systems, ensuring compliance and optimizing data security strategies. Let Optiv help: reach out to your client manager today.