In the world of R&D, data security challenges can be extremely costly. For example, fines for a single HIPAA violation can cost up to $71,162, which means that you may find maintaining data security to be more of a priority than otherwise. So, how can you ensure that you have the right data security tools and solutions to make data protection as simple as possible to provide both accessibility and security?
Read below to learn more about solutions related to:
- CMMC risk assessments
- MFA implementation
- Employee training
- Secure cloud enclaves
- Research best practices to maintain regulatory adherence
Finally, discover how Hermathena Labs can provide a comprehensive solution to streamline data security compliance in your future R&D projects.
Responding to the Challenges of Research Data Protection
Protecting research data demands that you meet stringent regulations, such as the DoD's updated CMMC requirements. In truth, studies suggest that only 4% of DoD contractors are ready for these regulations, proving how challenging it is to meet the needs of up-to-date federal contracts.
There are several reasons for this, including:
- The high volume of throughput and dynamic security needs in R&D environments
- Collaboration with external partners
- The constant threat of IP theft from internal sources
- Federal mandates requiring rigorous controls
- The need for regular audits
However, staying up-to-date on security related to all of these means that you will place yourself at the forefront of the industry. Whereas, Non-compliance may lead to issues such as contract loss or reputational damage. As such, finding methods to simplify compliance while retaining security and avoiding increased costs means getting the best of both worlds.
Understanding Intellectual Property Theft Risks
In recent years, cyberattacks targeting research data have increased. Cybersecurity magazine reports that the number of lawsuits resulting from such theft increased by 21% in 2022 alone. Intellectual property is a prime target, and companies are finding that they need to protect this asset more than ever.
Many companies use data encryption and AI-powered threat detection to mitigate these risks. Threat detection makes it harder to instigate such an attack, while encryption makes it less worthwhile because it prevents the use of the data itself.
In an R&D context, losing proprietary research or the sharing of stolen data can lead to significant industry disadvantages. Businesses may fall behind in their research or find they no longer have the lead they once had. In response to such dangers, robust monitoring and role-based access to data can help safeguard intellectual assets and allow companies to worry less about people accessing their research who shouldn't.
Practices for Meeting Federal Mandates as a Research Institute
Several federal mandates exist that groups must adhere to if they wish to manage controlled unclassified information (CUI). One of the most recent examples is CMMC, which demands strict data controls to maintain its certification.
One of the first steps to complying with these regulations is running audits to ensure your data practices align with the DoD's security standards. Discover the security gap you currently face, then plan to update your systems to match these requirements.
Alongside these efforts, make sure to also keep your employees up-to-date with ongoing cybersecurity training. You should tailor this training to the evolving threats in the industry and ensure you follow compliance standards. You can then have the best chance of securing CMMC certification.
Developing More Secure Collaboration with External Partners
Sharing data with external partners can mean you end up with a net loss in security. After all, a chain is only as strong as your weakest link. If your collaborator does not follow the same standards as you, you must ensure that they get up-to-speed with CMMC requirements. If you fail to do this, they may be unable to continue working with you if you wish to keep working on federal contracts.
However, no matter how well a company improves its infrastructure, it will not matter if its team lacks the proper training. After all, as Infosec states, 74% of data breaches result from human error.
Work with your partners to ensure they receive appropriate training, either from their business or you, before you work with them further. Then, continue to monitor collaborative workflows to identify potential areas where breaches may occur, responding to each with continuous improvements to your system.
As discussed above, role-based access can help prevent unauthorized data exposure, not only in your company but also to external shareholders. Also, using cloud-based platforms that use end-to-end encryption, you can ensure data integrity during and after transfers involving your partner while reducing the likelihood of a successful data theft.
Managing the Complexity of High-Volume Environments
The raw amount of data processed in R&D environments is often vast. As such, many areas of the industry can be challenging, including:
- Data storage
- Data management
- Data security
- Data access control
Using advanced storage solutions, such as a secure cloud enclave, you can ensure that you always have space for additional data and the ability to maintain its security. Such solutions are often also much more scalable, accommodating faster-growing data volumes without sacrificing protection.
When using such external systems, you should also conduct regular assessments to ensure that their infrastructure meets the security requirements you need to stay up to date.
Essential Data Security Tools for Use in R&D
Modern data security tools can enhance the protection you offer your data and help you maintain your business's compliance with regulations such as CMMC. The following are some details regarding how you can use these.
Encryption Software for Secure Data Storage
Ensure that you maintain an AES-256 level of encryption to ensure appropriate data protection for the data you handle and avoid the risks associated with data breaches. Integrate this standard into your storage solution, whether on the cloud or not, to simplify your data management and ensure everyone uses the same level of protection.
Also, regularly update your encryption protocol in response to emerging cybersecurity threats and to address other issues in the evolving digital landscape. Lastly, do not neglect to secure your backup data similarly. Ensure it remains encrypted before, during, and after recovery efforts to prevent a malicious actor from using such a process to breach your security.
Leveraging Machine Learning and AI-Powered Tools
We have been using some machine learning in data security for two decades, but this has grown in leaps and bounds over the past few years. However, this is partly in response to the fact that hackers now also use such tools, with VentureBeat stating that over half of security leaders now prioritize AI-driven attacks.
As such, cybersecurity is following in step with threats. For example, CSO Online reports that 49% of security experts now use generative AI to perform many tasks, including simplifying threat intelligence processes and incident reporting.
Machine learning can also identify anomalies in a system that may otherwise go unnoticed, preventing potential attacks from touching a system. These processes can offer real-time threat detection and, in many cases, enact pre-set solutions to reduce the effectiveness of any breach.
Similarly, using predictive analytics, an AI can highlight network vulnerabilities, allowing companies to patch holes in their infrastructure before exploitation is possible.
Secure Cloud Solutions for R&D
Many cloud solutions exist to store data for companies, but the security requirements of CMMC-compliant businesses are much higher. As such, they should use features such as:
- Multi-factor authentication
- Real-time monitoring
- Encryption
- Scalable storage
- Integration with existing IT infrastructure
- Automated tools to ensure regulatory compliance
These cloud enclaves offer isolated spaces where you can handle sensitive data securely. Many companies, such as Hermathena Labs, also tout built-in compliance features that adhere to specific regulatory requirements, so ensure that you question the company's capabilities and understand what they can do for you. Ask them for:
- Proof they meet NIST SP 800-171 standards
- Their FedRAMP certification
- Their service level agreement data for uptime and security
- Information on their support arrangements
- Compliance documentation
Also, if possible, ask them for cloud security demos to determine whether their offering aligns with your and your institution's needs. The conversation that follows will give you a better insight into their security levels and how usable and configurable their system is for your needs.
Using an enclave, you can facilitate secure collaboration by providing individual users with data while controlling shared information. The business in charge of the enclave will also aim to ensure they continuously update the system, maintaining its security to ensure it remains secure at all times. In doing so, you can ensure that your data complies with the most stringent DoD regulations.
Strengthen Research Security with Hermathena Labs
Here at Hermathena Labs, we provide an all-in-one solution to boost your R&D security and ensure compliance with DoD standards such as the 110 security controls of CMMC. We offer data security tools such as MFA, RBAC, and AES-256 encryption, as well as comprehensive support to keep your data secure.
Book a demo with us today to learn more about what we can offer. With the experience of the specialists here at Hermathena Labs, we are ready to ensure you receive a tailored solution for your institution's security needs.