Walking the Data Security vs. Data Privacy Tightrope

Data privacy, however, is somewhat ironically as much about transparency as it is about keeping things hidden. Data privacy strategies should begin with sharing with users exactly what data is being captured, how it’s being used, who might have access to it, and how that’s being controlled, along with getting users to opt into those terms. This open agreement sets the stage for how SMBs and their MSP partners will keep sensitive information under wraps and informing users about those processes and policies.

Regulatory compliance also comes into play when it comes to data privacy, as HIPAA, GDPR, and other common standards require strict adherence to certain protocols. These run the gamut from de-identifying personal data to restricting employee access to storing different types of data in separate locations to simply agreeing that data won’t be resold to third parties.

Smashing the Security Silo

For too long, security has been viewed as something separate from core IT services, a protective wrapper that guards the gates but isn’t considered an integral pillar of the technology stack. But this approach leaves firms more vulnerable than necessary because they’re not taking a holistic view of how security and privacy concerns permeate every aspect of an organization’s technical infrastructure.

The reality is that every email, click, open port, outdated operating system, digital transaction and natural disaster represents a potential security breach or privacy-compromising event. While good fences and surveillance techniques may catch the lion’s share of threats and attacks, no element of the operation is exempt from having to consider what weak points get exposed through each action.

Leaders don’t settle for set-it-and-forget-it precautions. They make data security and privacy concerns core to everything they do, from how they train and measure employees to the viability of various systems, devices and solutions. Maintaining a healthy awareness and continual consideration keeps everyone sharp and on the lookout for incomplete defenses and proactive steps to be pursued.

MSPs have an integral role to play ushering in this mindset shift. They bring the expertise, best practices, tools and vision, ready to help those SMBs hungry for action along with the others hesitant to fully commit who need a little more prodding to make their case.

Essential for the ecosystem’s survival

Data security and privacy breaches are no trivial matter for the SMB clients that make up the lifeblood of the MSP ecosystem. In the wake of a major data breach, more than half of those businesses end up closing shop within six months, unable to recover from the financial ramifications of fines and lost business as well as the tarnished reputations that follow.

To survive and thrive in today’s hostile environment, SMBs need their customers to trust them with their data on both the security and the privacy fronts. Anything else reduces their confidence, usage, and revenue.

There’s no magic bullet when it comes to this matter, but the vast majority of security breaches and data leaks are preventable with a layered approach to data security and privacy. Combining multiple systems, best practices, training and standardized procedures, MSPs can work with their SMB partners to stave off bad actors, remain in regulatory compliance and let everyone involved sleep a little bit easier.

Dan Tomaszewski is SVP of Channel & Community, Kaseya.

This guest blog is part of a Channel Futures sponsorship.