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[Cyberpedia](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia?ts=markdown) 2. [Cloud Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/cloud-security?ts=markdown) 3. [DSPM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-dspm?ts=markdown) 4. [What Is Data-Centric Security?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-centric-security?ts=markdown) Table of Contents * [What is Data Security Posture Management? DSPM Guide](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-dspm?ts=markdown) * [DSPM Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-dspm#dspm-explained?ts=markdown) * [How DSPM Works](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-dspm#works?ts=markdown) * [The Importance of Data Security Posture Management](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-dspm#dspm-importance?ts=markdown) * [DSPM Capabilities](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-dspm#dspm-capabilities?ts=markdown) * [DSPM Vs. CSPM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-dspm#dspm-vs-cspm?ts=markdown) * [DSPM Use Cases](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-dspm#dspm-use-cases?ts=markdown) * [Data Security Posture Management Tools](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-dspm#dspm-tools?ts=markdown) * [Data Security Posture Management FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-dspm#faq?ts=markdown) * [How DSPM Is Evolving: Key Trends to Watch](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-evolving-trends?ts=markdown) * [From Static Discovery to Dynamic Intelligence](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-evolving-trends#static?ts=markdown) * [The Convergence of DSPM with Cloud-Native Security Architectures](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-evolving-trends#native?ts=markdown) * [Real-Time Data Detection and Response](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-evolving-trends#response?ts=markdown) * [AI Security and Generative AI Data Protection](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-evolving-trends#protection?ts=markdown) * [Automation, Policy-as-Code, and DevSecOps Integration](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-evolving-trends#automation?ts=markdown) * [DSPM Key Trends FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-evolving-trends#faq?ts=markdown) * [DSPM Market Size: 2025 Guide](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-market?ts=markdown) * [DSPM Market Size and Financial Overview](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-market#dspm?ts=markdown) * [Growth Drivers Reshaping the DSPM Market](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-market#growth?ts=markdown) * [Market Segmentation and Adoption Patterns](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-market#market?ts=markdown) * [Palo Alto Networks DSPM Market Position](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-market#position?ts=markdown) * [DSPM Market Forecast Through 2030](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-market#dspm?ts=markdown) * [DSPM Market FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-market#faqs?ts=markdown) * [How DSPM Combats Toxic Combinations: Enabling Proactive Data-Centric Defense](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-defense?ts=markdown) * [What Are Toxic Combinations?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-defense#what?ts=markdown) * [The Role of Attack Path Analysis in Detection](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-defense#role?ts=markdown) * [DSPM Capabilities for Toxic Combination Mitigation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-defense#dspm?ts=markdown) * [Aligning with Frameworks and Zero Trust](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-defense#aligning?ts=markdown) * [Best Practices for Implementation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-defense#best?ts=markdown) * [How DSPM Combats Toxic Combinations FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-defense#faqs?ts=markdown) * [What Is a Data Flow Diagram?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-flow-diagram?ts=markdown) * [Data Flow Diagram Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-flow-diagram#data?ts=markdown) * [What Symbols Are in Data Flow Diagrams?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-flow-diagram#what?ts=markdown) * [What Are the Different Levels of DFDs?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-flow-diagram#different?ts=markdown) * [What Are the Benefits of Using a Data Flow Diagram?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-flow-diagram#benefits?ts=markdown) * [Data Flow FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-flow-diagram#faqs?ts=markdown) * [What Is Data Exfiltration?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-exfiltration?ts=markdown) * [Data Exfiltration Vs. Data Breach](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-exfiltration#data?ts=markdown) * [Risks of Data Exfiltration](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-exfiltration#risks?ts=markdown) * [Examples of Data Exfiltration](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-exfiltration#examples?ts=markdown) * [Data Exfiltration in Public Clouds](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-exfiltration#public?ts=markdown) * [Data Exfiltration Warning Signs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-exfiltration#warning?ts=markdown) * [Preventing Data Exfiltration](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-exfiltration#preventing?ts=markdown) * [Data Exfiltration FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-exfiltration#faqs?ts=markdown) * [What Is Data Movement?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-movement?ts=markdown) * [Data Movement Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-movement#explained?ts=markdown) * [Data Movement and Cloud Data Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-movement#data-security?ts=markdown) * [5 Types of Data Movement, With Examples](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-movement#types?ts=markdown) * [The Fragmented Landscape of Data Movement Tools](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-movement#tools?ts=markdown) * [Data Movements FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-movement#faqs?ts=markdown) * [What Is a Data Breach?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-breach?ts=markdown) * [Data Breaches Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-breach#data?ts=markdown) * [The Breach Lifecycle](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-breach#lifecycle?ts=markdown) * [Why Preventing Data Breaches Matter](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-breach#why?ts=markdown) * [Data Breach Reporting](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-breach#reporting?ts=markdown) * [How Do Data Breaches Happen?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-breach#how?ts=markdown) * [The Prevalence of Data Breaches](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-breach#prevalence?ts=markdown) * [Lessons from Headlining Breaches](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-breach#lessons?ts=markdown) * [‍How to Prevent Data Breaches](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-breach#prevent?ts=markdown) * [Data Breach FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-breach#faqs?ts=markdown) * [DSPM Tools: How to Evaluate and Select the Best Option](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-tools?ts=markdown) * [The Need for Data Security Posture Management (DSPM) Solutions](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-tools#solutions?ts=markdown) * [The Key 7 Components of DSPM Tools](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-tools#key?ts=markdown) * [How to Select the Right DSPM Solution](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-tools#how?ts=markdown) * [Common Challenges in Implementing DSPM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-tools#common?ts=markdown) * [Data Security Posture Management FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-tools#faqs?ts=markdown) * [How DSPM Enables XDR and SOAR for Automated, Data-Centric Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-xdr-soar?ts=markdown) * [Why Data Context Matters in Modern Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-xdr-soar#why?ts=markdown) * [What DSPM Brings to XDR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-xdr-soar#what?ts=markdown) * [How DSPM Powers SOAR Automation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-xdr-soar#how?ts=markdown) * [The Synergy of DSPM, XDR, and SOAR](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-xdr-soar#synergy?ts=markdown) * [Best Practices for Implementation](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-xdr-soar#best?ts=markdown) * [How DSPM Enables XDR and SOAR FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-xdr-soar#faqs?ts=markdown) * [What Is Data Detection and Response (DDR)?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-detection-response-ddr?ts=markdown) * [Data Detection and Response Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-detection-response-ddr#data?ts=markdown) * [Why Is DDR Important?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-detection-response-ddr#why?ts=markdown) * [Improving DSPM Solutions with Dynamic Monitoring](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-detection-response-ddr#improving?ts=markdown) * [A Closer Look at Data Detection and Response (DDR)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-detection-response-ddr#ddr?ts=markdown) * [How DDR Solutions Work](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-detection-response-ddr#how?ts=markdown) * [How Does DDR Fit into the Cloud Data Security Landscape?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-detection-response-ddr#landscape?ts=markdown) * [Does the CISO Agenda Need an Additional Cybersecurity Tool?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-detection-response-ddr#does?ts=markdown) * [Supporting Innovation Without Sacrificing Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-detection-response-ddr#supporting?ts=markdown) * [DSPM and Data Detection and Response FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-detection-response-ddr#faqs?ts=markdown) * What Is Data-Centric Security? * [Why a Data-Centric Security Strategy Matters](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-centric-security#why?ts=markdown) * [When a Data Focus for Security Is Necessary](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-centric-security#when?ts=markdown) * [Data-Centric Security FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-centric-security#faqs?ts=markdown) * [What Is Unstructured Data?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/unstructured-data?ts=markdown) * [Understanding Unstructured Data in the Cloud](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/unstructured-data#understanding?ts=markdown) * [Unstructured Data and Challenges with Data Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/unstructured-data#unstructured?ts=markdown) * [Key Aspects of Data Security for Unstructured Data](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/unstructured-data#key?ts=markdown) * [Unstructured Data FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/unstructured-data#faqs?ts=markdown) * [What Is Data Access Governance?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-access-governance?ts=markdown) * [Data Access Governance Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-access-governance#data?ts=markdown) * [Data Access Governance in Compliance and Auditing](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-access-governance#compliance?ts=markdown) * [Data Governance in Cloud Security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-access-governance#cloud-security?ts=markdown) * [Software Used for Data Access Governance](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-access-governance#software?ts=markdown) * [Data Access Governance FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-access-governance#faqs?ts=markdown) * [DSPM for AI: Navigating Data and AI Compliance Regulations](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-data-ai-compliance?ts=markdown) * [How DSPM Secures Data Integrity and Enables Compliance](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-data-ai-compliance#how?ts=markdown) * [Navigating Global AI Compliance with DSPM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-data-ai-compliance#navigating?ts=markdown) * [Securing the AI Lifecycle with DSPM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-data-ai-compliance#lifecycle?ts=markdown) * [Integrating DSPM Across the Security Ecosystem](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-data-ai-compliance#ecosystem?ts=markdown) * [The Future of DSPM: Business Value and Responsible AI](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-data-ai-compliance#future?ts=markdown) * [DSPM for AI FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-data-ai-compliance#faqs?ts=markdown) * [What Is Data Discovery?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-discovery?ts=markdown) * [How Data Discovery Works](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-discovery#how?ts=markdown) * [Data Discovery: The Key to Data Classification](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-discovery#data?ts=markdown) * [Benefits of Data Discovery](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-discovery#benefits?ts=markdown) * [Data Discovery FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-discovery#faqs?ts=markdown) * [What Is Structured Data?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/structured-data?ts=markdown) * [Structured Data Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/structured-data#structured?ts=markdown) * [Benefits of Structured Data](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/structured-data#benefits?ts=markdown) * [Challenges with Structured Data](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/structured-data#challenges?ts=markdown) * [Internal and External Sources of Structured Data](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/structured-data#internal?ts=markdown) * [Structured Data FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/structured-data#faqs?ts=markdown) * [What Is Shadow Data?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/shadow-data?ts=markdown) * [Shadow Data Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/shadow-data#shadow?ts=markdown) * [The Dangers of Shadow Data](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/shadow-data#the?ts=markdown) * [Mitigating Shadow Data Risks](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/shadow-data#mitigating?ts=markdown) * [Shadow IT FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/shadow-data#faqs?ts=markdown) * [How DSPM Enables Continuous Compliance and Data Governance](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-data-governance?ts=markdown) * [Why Traditional Compliance Approaches Fall Short](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-data-governance#why?ts=markdown) * [DSPM as a Foundation for Continuous Compliance](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-data-governance#dspm?ts=markdown) * [Strengthening Data Governance with DSPM](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-data-governance#strengthening?ts=markdown) * [Regulatory Alignment and Business Enablement](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-data-governance#regulatory?ts=markdown) * [Implementation Considerations and Best Practices](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-data-governance#implementation?ts=markdown) * [DSPM for Continuous Compliance and Data Governance FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-data-governance#faqs?ts=markdown) * [What Is Data Classification?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-classification?ts=markdown) * [Data Classification Explained](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-classification#data?ts=markdown) * [Why Data Classification Matters](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-classification#why?ts=markdown) * [Data Classification Levels](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-classification#levels?ts=markdown) * [Data Classification Use Cases](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-classification#usecases?ts=markdown) * [How Does Data Classification Improve Data Security?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-classification#how?ts=markdown) * [Data Classification FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-classification#faqs?ts=markdown) * [DSPM Vs. CSPM: Key Differences and How to Choose](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-vs-cspm?ts=markdown) * [Understand the Fundamentals --- What Are CSPM and DSPM?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-vs-cspm#understand?ts=markdown) * [DSPM Vs. CSPM: What's the Difference?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-vs-cspm#difference?ts=markdown) * [Pros and Cons of Each Approach](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-vs-cspm#pros-and-cons?ts=markdown) * [Use Cases: When to Use DSPM, CSPM, or Both](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-vs-cspm#use-cases?ts=markdown) * [Choosing the Right Approach (or Integrating Both)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-vs-cspm#approach?ts=markdown) * [DSPM Vs. CSPM FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/dspm-vs-cspm#faqs?ts=markdown) * [What Is Cloud Data Protection?](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-cloud-data-protection?ts=markdown) * [Why Companies Need Cloud Data Protection](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-cloud-data-protection#why?ts=markdown) * [How Companies Can Better Protect Their Data in Cloud Environments](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-cloud-data-protection#how?ts=markdown) * [The Benefits of Cloud Data Protection](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-cloud-data-protection#benefits?ts=markdown) * [Cloud Data Protection FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-cloud-data-protection#faqs?ts=markdown) # What Is Data-Centric Security? 5 min. read Table of Contents * * [Why a Data-Centric Security Strategy Matters](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-centric-security#why?ts=markdown) * [When a Data Focus for Security Is Necessary](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-centric-security#when?ts=markdown) * [Data-Centric Security FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-centric-security#faqs?ts=markdown) 1. Why a Data-Centric Security Strategy Matters * * [Why a Data-Centric Security Strategy Matters](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-centric-security#why?ts=markdown) * [When a Data Focus for Security Is Necessary](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-centric-security#when?ts=markdown) * [Data-Centric Security FAQs](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-centric-security#faqs?ts=markdown) Data-centric security prioritizes the protection of data itself, wherever it is stored, accessed, or used. This unique approach involves identifying [sensitive data](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/sensitive-data?ts=markdown), classifying it based on its data type, and implementing appropriate security controls and policies to protect it. The focus is on protecting data throughout its lifecycle rather than just securing the perimeter of a network or device. This approach includes various techniques and technologies, such as encryption, access management controls, data masking, and data loss prevention tools. [Data Security Posture Management (DSPM)](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-dspm?ts=markdown) platforms exemplify this data-centric approach by providing comprehensive visibility into data assets and managing data-centric risks across diverse environments. It can be applied to on-premise, cloud-based, and hybrid IT environments. A data-centric security framework is based on identifying, understanding, controlling, protecting, and auditing data. These aspects are necessary to secure critical data, defend against data loss, and identify changes that indicate malicious intent. Data breaches continue to rise, and IT environments have become more complex. It is critical to adopt a data-centric security architecture to remove blind spots and comply with relevant data privacy laws. By prioritizing data protection, organizations can reduce the risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks. This, in turn, improves their ability to comply with data protection regulations. ## Why a Data-Centric Security Strategy Matters Data is the core of the business, driving decisions and defining processes and procedures, making it crucial to protect this data. A data-centric approach to security makes data the focal point for security practices. It prioritizes data protection over networks, servers, and applications. This approach ensures that data remains secure, even if other areas of the network or device are compromised. Organizations can create a comprehensive security design that protects sensitive information by implementing intentional and high-impact security decisions. This approach doen't overlook the security of other areas but applies security measures to them to improve data protection. ### Insufficient Network Server and Application Security Even the most secure networks are vulnerable to internal risks. Data-centric security protects against unauthorized access and data spillage by focusing on the defense of the data. ### Need for Access Limitations Data-centric security leverages fine-grained access controls. These controls ensure that users can only access sensitive resources they need to complete their tasks. Anything beyond what is necessary is prevented. This is particularly important as not all users should have access to every ounce of data in the organization. ### Seamless Integration Data-centric security can be added to existing systems without significant disruption, freeing up resources for other purposes. ### Need to Protect Data at its Core With data-centric security, data is considered the most critical asset. Security measures are implemented to protect it wherever it is stored, transmitted, or used. This ensures that the data remains secure even if the network or device is compromised. ### Compliance Mandates Data-centric security helps organizations comply with data privacy regulations by implementing appropriate security controls and policies to protect sensitive data. ### Mitigating Evolving Attacks Cyberattacks have become more sophisticated and targeted, and attackers now focus on stealing sensitive data. By implementing advanced security controls, data-centric security helps organizations protect against these types of attacks. ### Defending Company Reputation Data breaches can significantly impact an organization's reputation and brand value. By adopting data-centric security, organizations can reduce the risk of data breaches and protect their reputation by demonstrating their commitment to protecting sensitive data. ## When a Data Focus for Security Is Necessary With the increasing amount of sensitive data used for day-to-day operations, [data security](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/what-is-data-security?ts=markdown) has become essential to an organization's operations. As data breaches become more sophisticated and targeted, organizations must adopt a data-centric security approach to protect sensitive data wherever it is stored, transmitted, or used. ### Protecting Sensitive Data Virtually all organizations collect sensitive data. This may include customer information, financial data, and intellectual property that must be protected. Data-centric security helps protect this data by implementing security controls such as encryption, access controls, and data loss prevention tools. ### Compliance with Data Privacy Regulations At its core, data-centric security helps organizations comply with data privacy regulations and data governance. Implementing appropriate security controls and policies to protect sensitive data helps in meeting requirements like GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA. ### Cloud Security As more organizations adopt cloud computing, data-centric security becomes critical to protect data stored and processed in the cloud. This includes implementing encryption, access controls, and monitoring solutions to protect data in the cloud. ### Insider Threats Insider threats can pose a significant risk to an organization's data security. Data-centric security helps mitigate this risk by implementing access controls, monitoring solutions, and data loss prevention (DLP) tools to prevent unauthorized access and data exfiltration. ### Secure Data Sharing Data-centric security helps organizations share data securely by implementing access controls, encryption, and monitoring solutions to ensure that authorized users only access and are protected during transmission. ## Data-Centric Security FAQs ### What is data inventory? A data inventory is a comprehensive list of all the data assets that an organization has and where they're located. It helps organizations understand and track: * Types of data they collect, store, and process * Sources, purposes, and recipients of that data Data inventories can be managed manually or automatically. The reasons for maintaining a data inventory vary --- and could include data governance, data management, data protection, data security, and data compliance. For example, having a data inventory can help organizations identify and classify sensitive data, assess the risks associated with different types of data, and implement appropriate controls to protect that data. It can also help organizations understand which data they have available to support business objectives, or to generate specific types of analytics reports. ### What is data mapping? Data mapping is the process of creating visual representations of the relationships and flows of data within an organization's systems and processes. It helps organizations understand how data is collected, stored, processed, and shared across different systems, applications, and third parties. Data mapping is essential for complying with data protection regulations, as it enables organizations to identify potential risks, maintain data accuracy, and respond effectively to data subject rights requests. By creating a data map, organizations can optimize data management processes, implement robust security measures, and enhance data governance. ### What are privacy policies? Privacy policies are legally binding documents that outline how an organization collects, processes, stores, shares, and protects personal data. These policies inform users about the types of data collected, the purpose of data collection, data retention periods, and the rights of data subjects. Privacy policies also detail the organization's compliance with data protection laws and regulations, such as GDPR, CCPA, and HIPAA. By providing transparency and establishing user trust, privacy policies play a critical role in ensuring responsible data management practices and legal compliance. ### What are access control models? Access control models are frameworks that define how permissions are granted and managed within a system, determining who can access specific resources. They guide the development and implementation of access control policies. Common models include: * Discretionary access control (DAC), where resource owners decide who can access their resources. * Mandatory access control (MAC), where a central authority regulates access rights based on clearances and classifications. * Role-based access control (RBAC), where permissions are granted according to roles within an organization. * Attribute-based access control (ABAC), where access is granted based on a combination of user attributes, resource attributes, and environmental factors. ### What is data sprawl? Data sprawl refers to the growing volumes of data produced by organizations, and the difficulties this creates in effectively managing and monitoring this data. As companies collect more data --- both internally and through the broader range of enterprise software tools in use today --- and increase the amount of storage systems and data formats, it can become difficult to understand which data is stored where. This can lead to increased cloud costs, inefficient data operations, and data security risks as the organization loses track of where sensitive data is stored --- and fails to apply adequate security measures as a result. To mitigate the impact of data sprawl, automated data discovery and classification solutions can be used to scan repositories and classify sensitive data. Establishing policies to deal with data access permissions can also be beneficial. Data loss prevention (DLP) tools can detect and block sensitive data leaving the organizational perimeter, while DDR tools offer similar functionality in public cloud deployments. Related Content [DSPM: Do You Need It? Discover five predominant approaches to data security, along with use cases and applications for each data security approach.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/datasheets/why-dspm?ts=markdown) [Protecting Data and AI in 2024: What CISOs Need to Know Join data security experts to find out how the latest advancements in data security can help you discover, classify, protect and govern data in cloud environments.](https://start.paloaltonetworks.com/PrismaCloud-DSPM-on-demand-Webinar-Protecting-Data-and-AI-in-2024-What-CISOs-Need-to-Know.html) [Securing the Data Landscape with DSPM and DDR Stay ahead of the data security risks. Learn how data security posture management (DSPM) with data detection and response (DDR) fills the security gaps to strengthen your security ...](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/guides/dspm-ddr-big-guide?ts=markdown) [The Buyer's Guide to DSPM and DDR Learn what to look for in a cloud data security provider and how DSPM and DDR can significantly enhance your organization's security posture.](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/resources/guides/data-centric-dspm-ddr-buyers-guide?ts=markdown) ![Share page on facebook](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/resources/facebook-circular-icon.svg) ![Share page on linkedin](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/resources/linkedin-circular-icon.svg) [![Share page by an email](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/etc/clientlibs/clean/imgs/resources/email-circular-icon.svg)](mailto:?subject=What%20Is%20Data-Centric%20Security%3F&body=Learn%20how%20data-centric%20security%20safeguards%20sensitive%20data%20and%20prioritizes%20data%20protection%20with%20encryption%2C%20access%20controls%2C%20and%20compliance%20for%20optimal%20security.%20at%20https%3A//www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-centric-security) Back to Top [Previous](https://www.paloaltonetworks.com/cyberpedia/data-detection-response-ddr?ts=markdown) What Is Data Detection and Response (DDR)? 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