Outsourcing IT a zajištění dat: Jak zajistit bezpečnost dat při outsourcingu?

V dnešním podnikatelském prostředí je outsourcing běžnou praxí mnoha organizací. Avšak s rostoucí závislostí na poskytovatelích třetích stran se bezpečnost dat stává klíčovým problémem. Tento článek zkoumá rizika spojená s outsourcingem dat, nabízí strategie pro jejich zabezpečení a zdůrazňuje význam certifikací, politik a postupů.

Rizika outsourcingu dat

Outsourcing dat nese s sebou rizika, jako jsou úniky dat, kompromitace integrity dat a neoprávněný přístup. Tato rizika jsou natolik významná, že podle Gartneru bude do roku 2025 až 60 % organizací při výběru partnerů klást prioritu na kybernetickou bezpečnost.

Navíc je zásadní dodržování předpisů, jako je GDPR nebo HIPAA. Zajištění, že vaši poskytovatelé splňují tyto standardy, je klíčové pro vyhnutí se pokutám a zachování dobré pověsti.

Outsourcing dat znamená svěřit citlivé informace externím subjektům, což přináší rizika vyplývající z povahy vztahů mezi organizacemi a poskytovateli třetích stran:

• Ztráta kontroly: Organizace ztrácí určitou míru kontroly nad správou a zabezpečením dat, což může vést k nesrovnalostem v opatřeních ochrany.

• Závislost na dodavateli: Bezpečnost vašich dat je tak silná, jak silné je nejslabší místo v celém řetězci. Pokud dodavatelé nemají silné bezpečnostní praktiky, vaše data jsou ohrožena.

• Rizika přenosu pat: Data přenášená mezi vaší organizací a poskytovatelem jsou náchylná k zachycení a neoprávněnému přístupu.

• Interní hrozby: Rozdíly v najímání zaměstnanců a interních kontrolách mezi organizací a poskytovatelem mohou zvýšit riziko interních hrozeb od zaměstnanců poskytovatele.

Ensuring Data Security When Outsourcing

To mitigate risks and safeguard data during outsourcing, consider these best practices:

1. Data Access and Permissions:

   • Implement stringent measures to prevent unauthorized access, disclosure, and data transfer.

   • Limit access permissions based on job requirements.

   • Enforce multi-factor authentication for all users.

2. Monitoring and Awareness:

   • Utilize tools for real-time monitoring of user activities.

   • Conduct regular information security training for offshore employees.

   • Provide secure devices with pre-approved security controls.

3. Device and Work Environment Controls:

   • Encourage private, secure workspaces for offshore employees.

   • Limit the use of personal devices for work purposes.

   • Prohibit the recording of sensitive information using mobile devices, cameras, or paper and pens.

4. Privacy and Compliance:

   • Conduct thorough risk assessments and implement risk management measures.

   • Develop and enforce policies for privacy, compliance, and security incident management.

5. Standards and Framework Compliance:

   • Ensure compliance with relevant standards such as HIPAA and PCI DSS, including physical and technical safeguards, data retention policies, and encryption for data transmission.

Important Data Security Outsourcing Certifications

Certifications demonstrate a provider's commitment to data security. Key certifications include:

• ISO 27001: A widely adopted cybersecurity framework that ensures providers identify risks, assess implications, and implement systematic data controls.

• PCI DSS: A set of security standards designed to protect credit card information.

• ISO 9001: Emphasizes quality management systems that indirectly enhance data security by ensuring efficient, well-documented, and continually improved processes.

Outsourcing Providers' Data Security Policies and Procedures

Reputable providers will have robust data security policies and procedures in place. These may include:

• Information Technology Policies: Customizable workstation and server environments, unified threat management, endpoint security, and network resilience.

• Organizational Controls: Information security policies, conduct guidelines, and confidentiality clauses in employment contracts.

• Technical Controls: Advanced system security measures, network and device security protocols, and restricted IT administrator access.

• Physical Controls: Onsite security measures, controlled access, and fire safety protocols.

• Human Resources Policies: Extensive pre-employment screening, contractual and compliance measures, and strict off-boarding processes.

Auditing Outsourcing Providers' Data Security Controls

When evaluating providers, inquire about their certifications, policies, procedures, technical safeguards, access management, security audits, incident response plans, data transit security, staff training, and backup and disaster recovery strategies.

In the outsourcing world, certain certifications act as powerful indicators of trust and security, showcasing a provider's dedication to protecting data. ISO 27001 is the most widely recognized, with an impressive 48% of companies implementing this cybersecurity framework. An ISO 27001 certification assures clients that the provider is proactive in identifying risks, evaluating potential consequences, and implementing systematic data controls to minimize any organizational damage.

The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) focuses specifically on securing credit card information. PCI DSS-compliant providers adhere to rigorous security standards to safeguard cardholder data from fraud and breaches.

While not solely a cybersecurity certification, ISO 9001 emphasizes quality management systems. When applied to IT services, it indirectly enhances data security by ensuring processes are efficient, well-documented, and subject to continuous improvement. This certification demonstrates a provider's commitment to delivering services that meet both customer expectations and regulatory requirements.

Can Data Protection Be Outsourced?

Yes, many organizations outsource various data security roles and teams, including cybersecurity analysts, penetration testers, security architects, incident response specialists, and more. Offshoring these roles to the same provider handling other outsourced functions can enhance your security posture by ensuring close collaboration and real-time defense.

With the high prevalence of up to 95% of human error in data breaches, robust data security policies and procedures are crucial when outsourcing. While approaches may vary, here's a guide to the kind of comprehensive security practices you should expect.

Information Technology Policies

• Customizable Environments: Adaptable workstation and server environments, including thin client desktops and the ability to disable USB ports or optical drives, allow for tailored security measures.

• Threat Management: Unified threat management devices provide comprehensive data and content filtering for enhanced protection.

• Endpoint Security: Centralized desktop security management and robust defenses against malware and ransomware.

• Network Resilience: Redundant infrastructure with automatic fail-over ensures uninterrupted service and data accessibility.

Organizational Controls

• Information Security Policy: A clear policy prohibiting unlawful activities, unauthorized system use, and personal gain activities.

• Conduct Guidelines: Confidentiality clauses in contracts and restrictions on unsecured Wi-Fi, data sharing, and personal device use.

Technical Controls

• System Security: Antivirus software, hard drive encryption, and multi-factor authentication for enhanced system protection.

• Network & Device Security: Regular patch updates and tools to scan for unauthorized applications, with restricted IT admin access.

Physical Controls

• Onsite Security: Surveillance cameras, workstation protection, and special work floors with additional security protocols.

• Controlled Access: Network-driven proximity cards and fire safety measures for comprehensive physical security.

Human Resources Policies

• Pre-employment Screening: Thorough background checks, including identity, employment, academic, credit, and criminal record verification.

• Contracts & Compliance: Confidentiality and intellectual property clauses in contracts, and support in tailoring NDAs and non-competes.

Auditing Providers

To assess a provider's security, ask about their certifications, policies, compliance measures, technical safeguards, access management, audits, incident response, data transit security, staff training, and backup/disaster recovery strategies.

Remember, thorough due diligence is vital when selecting an outsourcing partner. Ensure they have comprehensive data security measures in place to protect your sensitive information and minimize risks.

Conclusion

Outsourcing can offer significant benefits to organizations, but it's crucial to prioritize data security. By understanding the risks, implementing best practices, and partnering with reputable providers with robust security measures, you can confidently navigate the outsourcing landscape while safeguarding your valuable data assets. Remember, proactive planning and vigilance are key to maintaining data security in an increasingly interconnected world.