Privacy of information has remained an essential consideration as organisations modernise to adapt to the ever-changing technological environment. As cyber threats continue to evolve and become more complex, protecting an organisation’s key assets requires a well-coordinated system of protection based on standard protocols. While there is general acceptance of the importance of IS & IT governance. CISOs and security leaders must pay attention to the establishment and enhancement of governance frameworks that are flexible and compliant with business goals and legal requirements. Implementing security measures is not just an enforcing process but rather a strategic measure that is crucial for safeguarding business operations and the validity of stakeholder claims.

Why Security Should Not Be Ignored

With increased cybersecurity risks including ransomware, insider threats, and supply chain risks, the implementation of security measures has become crucial. Security measures prevent breaches, minimise data leakage, and strengthen the organisation’s defences against possible threats. Inability to adhere to such measures can result in business loss, reputational loss, and huge statutory penalties.

In addition to external threats, there are internal threats that organisations need to guard against. Data breaches arise from misconfigurations, insider negligence, and privilege misuse indicating the need to have proper internal controls/monitoring mechanisms based on security principles. This means that through regular and constant adherence to the security features, organisations can avoid the requisite point of unlawful access and significantly minimise the risks that are inherent in an organisation’s systems.

Developing a Strong Cybersecurity Framework

The establishment of a robust framework for combating cyber threats requires the identification and analysis of the organisation’s specific vulnerabilities. It therefore becomes the responsibility of security leaders to engage in quarterly risk appraisals to determine the risks that are present within the network, applications, and the cloud. Once these risks are identified, a robust cybersecurity framework for the organisation can be established, with elaborate security features such as the technology to ensure that security features are integral parts of the organisation.

The security framework should address key areas such as identity and access management (IAM), data encryption, incident response, and continuous monitoring. To ensure long-term effectiveness, these protocols must be aligned with industry standards like ISO 27001, NIST, DPDPA, GDPR and regulatory guidelines. This not only demonstrates a commitment to protecting sensitive information but also ensures compliance with regulatory requirements.

Critical Security Protocols for Protecting Sensitive Data

1. Access Control
   Implementing strict access control mechanisms ensures that only authorised personnel have access to sensitive information. Role-based access control (RBAC) and least privilege principles should guide the assignment of access rights, minimising the risk of unauthorised access or data breaches.
2. Data Encryption
   Encrypting data both at rest and in transit is one of the most critical security measures for protecting sensitive information. Advanced encryption standards (AES) ensure that even if data is intercepted, it remains inaccessible to unauthorised users. Encryption protocols must be reviewed regularly and updated to meet the latest standards.
3. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
   A strong authentication process is a frontline defence against cyberattacks. MFA requires users to provide multiple credentials to verify their identity, making it significantly harder for attackers to breach accounts through compromised passwords.
4. Real-Time Monitoring and Incident Response
   The ability to detect and respond to threats in real-time is critical for minimising damage. Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems, combined with real-time monitoring, enable security teams to identify suspicious activities and take immediate action. Organisations should also have a well-defined incident response plan that ensures rapid containment and recovery from security incidents.
5. Regular Security Audits and Vulnerability Assessments
   Routine security audits are vital for identifying vulnerabilities and ensuring compliance with internal policies and external regulations. Vulnerability assessments and penetration testing simulate potential attack scenarios, enabling organisations to fortify their defences before real threats exploit weak points.

Human-Centric Security: Addressing the Insider Threat

While technological defences are essential, human error remains one of the leading causes of security breaches. Employees can unintentionally compromise sensitive information through phishing attacks, poor password hygiene, or negligence. As a result, creating a security-conscious culture is just as important as implementing advanced technologies.

Security awareness training should be a mandatory part of an organisation’s security protocol. Employees should be trained to recognise phishing attempts, understand the importance of secure data handling, and follow best practices in password management. Regular refresher courses ensure that security remains top of mind and that employees are equipped to act as the first line of defence.

Furthermore, organisations must monitor insider activities closely. User behaviour analytics (UBA) can detect unusual or suspicious actions, enabling security teams to intervene before insider threats cause damage. By proactively addressing the human factor, organisations can prevent insider breaches and maintain the integrity of sensitive information.

Managing Third-Party Risks

In an interconnected digital ecosystem, third-party vendors often have access to an organisation’s sensitive data. Managing this extended attack surface requires strict third-party risk management protocols. Security assessments and due diligence should be conducted before onboarding new vendors, ensuring they adhere to the same security standards as the organisation.

Third-party contracts should include clauses related to data protection, incident reporting, and compliance with relevant regulations. Organisations should also implement continuous monitoring to detect potential security risks originating from third-party partners and enforce contractual obligations to secure their data environments.

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Backup Strategies

Data Loss Prevention (DLP) solutions are essential for identifying, monitoring, and protecting sensitive information across the organisation. By controlling the flow of data within the network, DLP tools prevent unauthorised access and ensure that sensitive information is not transmitted outside of the organisation without appropriate safeguards.

In addition to DLP, a comprehensive backup strategy is critical for ensuring business continuity in the event of a breach. Regular backups of critical data should be maintained both on-site and off-site, with encrypted storage solutions to protect the integrity of backups. Organisations should also conduct frequent disaster recovery tests to ensure they can quickly restore data and resume operations following an incident.

Conclusion: Prioritising Security in the Digital Age

Enforcing security protocols is a critical business imperative. As organisations continue to face an expanding array of cyber threats, the role of security leaders in safeguarding sensitive information has never been more important. By implementing strong cybersecurity frameworks, training employees, and rigorously monitoring third-party risks, organisations can protect their valuable assets, maintain compliance, and build resilience in the face of future challenges.

The Journey Into Industry

Palanikumar Arumugam is the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) at Hinduja Leyland Finance, where he leads the company’s information and cybersecurity initiatives. With over two decades of experience in IT, cybersecurity, and data privacy. Palanikumar has an impressive track record of developing and implementing security strategies to safeguard critical data. Prior to joining Hinduja Leyland Finance, he served as Vice President of Information Security at Equitas Small Finance Bank, where he managed security operations, vulnerability assessments, security solutions and compliance audits.

His extensive career spans leadership roles at Shiksha Financial Services, Veritas Finance, and Equitas Small Finance Bank, where he honed his expertise in IT infrastructure, application development, cybersecurity, and business continuity planning. Palanikumar holds multiple certifications, including Certified Information Security Auditor (CISA), Certified Data Privacy Solutions Engineer (CDPSE), and Certified Chief Data Protection Officer (CDPO). A proven leader in both information and cyber security, he is recognised for his deep understanding of security architecture design, incident management, and IT risk management.

Palanikumar's strategic vision and leadership have earned him numerous accolades, including the Cyber Icon, Cyber Warrior and CIO Accelerator X Awards, highlighting his commitment to excellence and innovation in the rapidly evolving cybersecurity landscape.