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Securing The Future: The Crucial Role Of Data Protection In Business During And After Data Migration

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Data migration involves transferring data between storage systems, formats, or applications, usually during major organizational changes like infrastructure upgrades or new software implementations. The process includes identifying, extracting, transforming, and loading data into the new system while maintaining data integrity and minimizing downtime. It is essential for companies as it allows them to leverage better technology, boost performance, and optimize operations. When done correctly, data migration ensures that crucial information stays available, precise, and secure, promoting informed decision-making, regulatory compliance, and business continuity.

However, attempting to migrate data often leaves companies vulnerable to cyber-attacks. In 2022, there were 1,802 data breaches in the United States, affecting over 422 million individuals. During the third quarter of the same year, about 15 million data records were exposed worldwide, marking a 37% increase compared to the previous quarter. The United States experienced the most data breaches of any country in 2021, with 212.4 million users affected, an increase from the 174.4 million affected in 2020. Statistics also point out that the average time to identify a data breach worldwide is 197 days, costing $3.92 million on average. This shows that data migration seems straightforward at first, but the stakes are too high to execute it carelessly.

Vulnerabilities during data migration

During the process, unprotected data can lead to a host of problems for businesses, potentially jeopardizing their operations and causing long-term damage. When not adequately protected, data becomes susceptible to unauthorized access, theft, or tampering by cybercriminals, which can have dire consequences for a company. The damages can be so severe that legal penalties may happen due to non-compliance with data protection regulations.

In addition, unprotected data during migration can lead to data corruption or loss, resulting in incomplete or unusable information in the new system. This can significantly disrupt business operations, as employees may be unable to access critical data or make informed decisions based on accurate information. In extreme cases, data loss can even force a company to revert to its previous system, negating the benefits of migration and causing additional costs and delays.

Vulnerabilities after data migration

In the post-migration phase, companies may encounter misconfigurations, inadequate security controls, or insufficient monitoring, which can expose their data to potential cyberattacks. Staff members may also inadvertently create security gaps through a lack of familiarity with new procedures or protocols. These vulnerabilities can lead to unauthorized access, data leaks, and potential legal or financial consequences. It is equally crucial for companies to pay close attention to securing their data infrastructure immediately after migration to mitigate the risk of breaches and protect their valuable information assets.

RyanTech perfects data migration

RyanTech has honed the data migration process to ensure seamless transitions and secure post-migration environments for its clients. A crucial aspect of their onboarding process is a comprehensive 25-point security audit that evaluates the essential protocols every company should have in place. RyanTech assesses these protocols and recommends tailored deployment strategies for each, subject to client approval. They also offer advanced security audits within Microsoft tenants upon customer request. Their meticulous approach to data migration and post-migration security aims to bolster data protection and effectively prevent data breaches, demonstrating their commitment to providing the highest level of service and ensuring their clients’ peace of mind.

Growing dangers to data

The rapid evolution of technology has provided cybercriminals with increasingly sophisticated tools to commit cybercrimes. As attackers become more adept at exploiting vulnerabilities and circumventing security measures, businesses must remain vigilant in protecting their sensitive data. Considering the average data breach cost, the investment in partnering with a reliable and experienced service provider like RyanTech is a wise decision. The potential savings far outweigh the initial costs associated with engaging their services, as the company can avoid the financial and reputational damages that often accompany data breaches. 

While the focus on data protection during and after migration is imperative, it’s equally important to cultivate a culture of security awareness amongst employees, as they are often the first line of defense against cyber threats. RyanTech understands this and extends their services beyond technical audits, offering training and guidance to help staff understand their role in maintaining secure data environments, thereby enhancing the overall security posture of their clients’ organizations.

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