Companies protect sensitive data through a combination of technical, administrative, and physical measures. Here’s how they typically do it, along with examples and relevant cloud services:
Encryption – Data is encrypted both at rest and in transit to prevent unauthorized access. For example, databases storing customer credit card information use AES-256 encryption. In the cloud, services like Tencent Cloud’s Key Management Service (KMS) help manage encryption keys securely.
Access Control – Companies enforce strict access policies, ensuring only authorized personnel can view or modify sensitive data. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is commonly used. For instance, only HR staff can access employee salary records. Tencent Cloud’s CAM (Cloud Access Management) allows precise permission control for cloud resources.
Data Masking & Tokenization – Sensitive data (like Social Security numbers) is masked or replaced with tokens in non-production environments. For example, a testing database might show "****-**-1234" instead of a real SSN.
Regular Audits & Monitoring – Companies use logging and monitoring tools to detect suspicious activities. For example, Tencent Cloud’s Cloud Monitor tracks unusual access patterns in real time.
Employee Training & Policies – Human error is a major risk, so companies train employees on data security best practices, such as avoiding phishing emails.
Backup & Disaster Recovery – Regular backups ensure data can be restored after breaches or failures. Tencent Cloud’s CBS (Cloud Block Storage) snapshots and Cloud Backup service help safeguard critical data.
Compliance with Regulations – Companies adhere to standards like GDPR, HIPAA, or PCI-DSS. For example, healthcare providers encrypt patient records to comply with HIPAA.
By combining these methods, businesses minimize risks and ensure sensitive data remains secure. Tencent Cloud provides a range of security services, such as Tencent Cloud Web Application Firewall (WAF) and DDoS Protection, to further defend against threats.