Tips to Build A Successful Data Security Program

Most data security programs fail not entirely because the tech was wrong, but because the mindset was. Yabing Wang says, - “Data security is not just about data discovery, it's really then the insights that you get from that and what actions you take behind it.”

Yabing recently joined us for our DataSec 2024 Conference where she provided valuable insights around administering a successful data protection program. Take a look at two key takeaways from her session below.

#1: You're Piecing Together Tools Instead of Building a Strategy

Too often, organizations approach data security reactively, by dropping in a DLP solution here, blocking a risky user there, or adding another layer of encryption or access control somewhere else. On the surface, these actions may seem proactive, but in reality, they fall into the piecemeal trap: layering controls without building the visibility or cohesion needed to truly protect data. This reactive approach focuses on restriction rather than enablement, leading to fragmented defenses and limited insight. 

This is why many organizations are shifting the narrative, from data security to data protection, and emphasizing a more strategic, integrated approach that prioritizes visibility, control, and the responsible use of data across the business.

A data protection POV presents questions like:

• Where is our sensitive data?
• Who has access?
• How is it being used?
• How can we enable the business to use data securely, not just prevent breaches?

What organizations can do instead:
Your organization needs to build a data protection strategy rooted in visibility, risk reduction, and enablement. Security teams need solutions that integrate with the existing data infrastructure and give your organization comprehensive data visibility, not just isolated alerts.

#2: Security Teams Own The Program Alone and the Business Doesn't Buy In

This might be the biggest reason programs stall. They’re led by security teams for security teams.

The reality is: protecting data touches everything. Privacy, Governance, Compliance, Legal, Marketing, Product and Data teams. If it only lives in the security organization, it’s not a real enterprise program but an expensive and isolated one.

If the business doesn’t see the value in data security, and if it feels like just another set of hoops to jump through, they will find ways around it. 

 What your organization can do instead:

• Bring the business in early. Show them how data protection helps them do their jobs better by providing faster access to clean data, fewer breaches, smoother audits.
• Partner with governance, privacy, and compliance teams. They’re not just adjacent teams, they’re co-owners of this strategy.
• Make security part of the culture, not just a policy. If employees see security as something that enables the mission, not restricts it, you’ve won half the battle.

Conclusion: Data Protection is a Business Strategy

Data security programs fail when they’re built in isolation and enforced through control. They succeed when they’re built as enterprise strategies that empower the organization to use data responsibly, confidently, and securely.

Tune into the DataSec 2024 conference session titled, “Tips on Successful, Long Term Data Security Programs” where you can hear Yabing provide her insight and experiences on more from the blog above. 

Want to attend a DataSec conference in person? Check out our list of regional DataSec events coming to a city near you!