Finding a single source of truth (SSOT) sounds like an exercise in metaphysics. Still, in the business world, it is the point where enterprise-wide policies governing the use of data, networks and processes intersect with operational measures to secure and protect them.
An SSOT results from breaking down silos that compartmentalize data in order to unify collection, organization, analysis and access. It achieved prominence in 2021 when companies made data security their No. 1 priority — above analytics, compliance and business intelligence — as the COVID-19 lockouts forced them to decentralize operations.
Moreover, the exponential growth of complex data sets, the adoption of scalable cloud computing and cybercriminals’ increasing sophistication are creating new challenges to companies’ abilities to protect their digital assets and comply with privacy regulations. Those challenges drive organizations to support a centralized view of all digital operations.
A Deloitte survey found that more CEOs value SSOT as the leading benefit of effective data governance, but more than 50% reported they were using an ad hoc approach or had no programs to integrate data across the enterprise.
“Making the organizational move from a divided hierarchy to one in which strategy informs operation (and operation informs strategy) is a difficult challenge,” according to the Center for Internet Security. It notes that the gap between governance policymakers and cybersecurity management results in misaligned perspectives.
Graduates of a Master of Science (M.S.) in Cybersecurity online program will be well-equipped to approach new concepts in data governance with the necessary data knowledge and skills.
Where Do Cybersecurity and Data Governance Intersect?
Although data governance and cybersecurity are, generally, distinct business operations, collaboration is critical to establishing a strategy for managing digital assets and tactics that secure and protect them.
For instance, cybersecurity management’s reliance on present and evolving threats enables the field to assist in the development of governance policies by:
- Identifying the risk of data breaches and unauthorized access to digital assets
- Ensuring governance understands the regulatory environment so it can develop policies that comply with privacy standards
- Providing technical expertise in the development of access-control mechanisms such as authentication and authorization protocols, encryption and secure storage, transfer and access
- Assisting in the design and implementation of incident response plans and procedures, as well as back-up and recovery plans
- Enabling governance policymakers to establish business rules for protecting and managing data, networks and processes using tactical expertise from data security professionals
Governance managers use those inputs to establish policies, procedures and standards that support SSOT by ensuring data is accurate, consistent and complete. The information security triad (C.I.A.) intended to guide organizations includes the following elements:
- Confidentiality protocols focus on keeping data private and secure by protecting it from unauthorized release or misrepresentation.
- Integrity measures emphasize data is complete, consistent and accurate across its life cycle.
- Availability policies ensure data authorized users can access data by developing standards for recovery from incidents such as denial-of-service attacks and other breaches.
The collaboration aligns data governance policies with their cybersecurity processes, which results in maximum visibility (SSOT) across data storage and network architecture, more effective and efficient security operations, improved buy-in from stakeholders and other business operations.
Mutual support for SSOT also improves threat detection and incident response, reduces the risk of breaches, enhances regulatory compliance and ensures the data used to drive business analytics and decision-making is accessible, current and complete.
Is Cybersecurity a Good Career Choice?
Cybersecurity is among the hottest technology careers. Demand has nearly doubled in recent years with openings accounting for 13% of all IT positions.
A Master of Science in Cybersecurity, such as the degree program offered online by Northern Kentucky University (NKU), equips graduates with the insights and expertise to protect digital assets, ensure compliance with privacy regulations and conduct risk assessment and testing.
The accredited NKU program is designated as a National Centers of Academic Excellence in Cybersecurity, ensuring that graduates gain an advantage in the competition for careers in a growing and well-paying career.
Learn more about NKU’s online M.S. in Cybersecurity program.
