A recent survey conducted by Gartner has revealed a concerning statistic – only 14% of security and risk management leaders are able to effectively secure organizational data assets while also enabling the data to achieve business objectives. This gap in capability has significant implications for organizations, exposing them to threats, regulatory penalties, and operational inefficiencies.
According to Gartner’s findings, 35% of respondents are able to secure data assets, and 21% can use data to achieve business goals. However, the real challenge lies in the ability to do both effectively, a feat that only 14% of leaders have managed to accomplish. This highlights a clear need for organizations to bridge the gap between data security and business objectives.
To address this gap, Gartner has outlined five key recommendations for organizations to consider:
1. Reduce governance-related friction for the business by using a well-established process to co-create data security policies and standards. By involving key stakeholders in the development of these policies, organizations can ensure alignment with business objectives.
2. Align data-security-related governance efforts by partnering with other internal functions to identify overlaps. This collaborative approach can help streamline security efforts and ensure consistency across the organization.
3. Delineate non-negotiable security requirements that business groups must meet when handling data security risks. By clearly defining these requirements, organizations can establish a baseline level of security that all teams must adhere to.
4. Define high-level guardrails around data-related decisions, allowing business groups to experiment within clearly set parameters. This approach encourages innovation while maintaining a secure data environment.
5. Work jointly with data and analytics teams to secure top-down buy-in on data security initiatives. By involving these teams in the decision-making process, organizations can ensure that data security is a priority at all levels of the organization.
By implementing these recommendations, organizations can better align their data security efforts with their business objectives, ultimately improving their ability to protect data assets while driving business success. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, addressing this gap in capability will be critical for organizations looking to stay ahead of the curve and protect their valuable data assets from potential threats.