Make sure you change your password regularly! And never use the same password twice! There are dozens more tips for getting around the Internet safely. But for integration platforms, you also need security measures to protect your data. Here, however, the security measures you can take are somewhat less well-known. Still, it’s very important to get started, because failing to do so can not only have major financial consequences, but can also cause reputational damage and even legal problems.
A good example of this is the Cambridge Analytica scandal from 2014. For many a well-known scandal when it comes to data security within integrations. In this, the data of some 87 million Facebook users was illegally obtained and used to create voter profiles. These profiles were then used to influence election campaigns. Among other things, this had a major impact on the 2016 U.S. presidential election where Trump was elected.
The reason this is a data integration problem has to do with the fact that this data was obtained through poorly tuned frameworks when it comes to which data is available to whom.
Cambridge Analytica was supposedly developing an app called “This Is Your Digital Life” for which data was collected. Facebook users could participate in a questionnaire giving their consent that this data could be used by Cambridge Analytica. What they didn’t know is that in the meantime, Facebook not only allowed data from the respondents to be used, but also from all their friends on Facebook. This therefore allowed Cambridge Analytica to get hold of the huge amounts of data – illegally.
Important guidelines for integration platform security
One of the pillars of good security are the certifications a platform has. For example, an ISO 27001 certification is a good indication that a platform meets international data security guidelines. There are also a number of other aspects to consider when it comes to integration platform security, such as:
- What rules and legislation do I need to comply with? Do proper research and determine for yourself the steps you need to take
- Determine who has access: Make sure you know who has access to the data at all times. Add controls and passwords and make sure you keep privileges to a minimum. This is how you know who has access to sensitive data
- Know where your data is located: In doing so, define data flows as well so you know how and what at all times. This also helps prevent your data from showing up in unexpected locations
Some steps you can take to ensure data security are:
- Use Role-Based Access Control (RBAC): By defining and managing user rights, administrators can control who has access to certain data. This distinction can be made based on responsibilities and roles. This prevents unauthorized access to important data.
- Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): By using multiple authentication such as SMS, email or encryption, you strengthen your integration platform security and reduce the chances of unauthorized access.
- Comprehensive Monitoring: Closely track your performance and the status of your integration. Regular and comprehensive monitoring ensures that you are alert in case of imminent situations. With Alumio, you can configure what errors you receive notifications for in order to be even more aware.
- Perform security checks and penetration tests to identify weaknesses before someone from the outside does.
- Regular security updates: It may be the case that you meet the requirements for good security, but running regular updates ensures that you stay ahead of evolving threats and vulnerabilities.
- Encrypt your data: Both at rest and in transit, it is advisable to encrypt your data, this way you are protected if unexpectedly your data is still intercepted.
- Reactivation procedures: Set up mechanisms so that even during downtime you can be sure of good security and minimal interruption to your processes
By implementing these measures, you will significantly enhance the security of your integration platform and minimize the risks of data breaches and other security incidents.
With a well-thought-out security strategy, you ensure that your corporate data is protected from unauthorized access and potential threats. This not only assures you of a secure environment, you also build trust with your customers and partners because you can demonstrate that you are doing everything you can for security.
In short, a secure integration platform is not only a necessity, but also a strategic move that will future-proof your business. By proactively investing in security, you are not only protecting your data, but also laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth and success. With a properly secured integration platform, you can continue to innovate with confidence knowing that your data and processes are properly secured.
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