TL;DR:
- Azure Data Discovery and Classification are crucial for data security and compliance in organizations.
- Strac offers an advanced solution for automated data discovery and real-time classification in Azure.
- Practical policies based on data labels can enhance data governance and operational efficiency.
- Strac provides remediation actions like labeling, masking, and blocking for sensitive data protection.
- By integrating Strac with Azure, organizations can effectively manage and protect their sensitive information.
Introduction to Azure Data Discovery and Classification (Azure DSPM)
In today's data-driven world, organizations handle vast amounts of sensitive information across various data stores. Effective data discovery and classification are critical to ensuring data security, compliance, and efficient data management. Azure, a leading cloud platform, offers a range of data stores that require robust discovery and classification mechanisms. Strac, a pioneer in Data Loss Prevention (DLP) and Data Discovery, provides an advanced solution for Azure Data Discovery and Classification. This integration page explores the importance of data discovery and classification, the capabilities of Strac in this domain, and practical policies for leveraging classified data in Azure.
Exploring Major Azure Data Stores for Discovery and Classification (Azure DSPM)
Azure offers a wide range of data stores to cater to diverse organizational needs. Some of the major data stores include:
- Azure SQL Database: A fully managed relational database with built-in intelligence.
- Azure Blob Storage: An object storage solution for unstructured data.
- Azure Data Lake Storage: A scalable data lake for big data analytics.
- Azure Cosmos DB: A globally distributed, multi-model database service.
- Azure Table Storage: A NoSQL store for schemaless storage of structured data.
- Azure File Storage: A managed file share service in the cloud.
- Azure Data Factory: A cloud-based data integration service.
Understanding the Importance of Data Discovery and Classification in Azure (Azure DSPM)
Data discovery and classification are fundamental to understanding and managing sensitive data. The key reasons for implementing these processes include:
- Data Security: Identifying and protecting sensitive information from unauthorized access and breaches.
- Compliance: Ensuring adherence to regulatory requirements such as GDPR, HIPAA, and CCPA.
- Data Governance: Implementing policies for data usage, access control, and retention.
- Risk Management: Reducing the risk of data leaks and ensuring proper handling of sensitive information.
- Operational Efficiency: Streamlining data management processes and improving data quality.
Strac's Unique Approach to Azure Data Discovery and Classification (Azure DSPM)
Strac's data discovery and classification solution is designed to seamlessly integrate with Azure's data stores, providing comprehensive visibility and control over sensitive information. Here’s how Strac does it:
Utilizing Automated Data Discovery in Azure
Strac employs advanced algorithms and machine learning techniques to automatically scan and discover sensitive data across all Azure data stores. This process involves:
- Scanning: Continuous scanning of data stores to identify sensitive information.
- Classification: Categorizing data based on predefined and custom classification rules.
- Indexing: Creating an index of discovered data for quick access and management.
Implementing Real-time Data Discovery & Classification in Azure DSPM
Strac ensures real-time classification of data, allowing organizations to maintain up-to-date records of sensitive information. The classification process includes:
- Pattern Matching: Identifying data patterns that match sensitive information types (e.g., PII, PHI, financial data).
- Context Analysis: Analyzing the context in which data appears to accurately classify it.
- User-defined Labels: Allowing users to create custom labels and classification rules tailored to their specific needs.
Taking Remediation Actions for Data Classification in Azure DSPM
Once data is discovered and classified, Strac provides various remediation actions to protect and manage sensitive information:
- Labeling: Applying labels to sensitive data for easy identification and management.
- Masking: Redacting or masking sensitive information to prevent unauthorized access.
- Blocking: Restricting access to sensitive data based on user roles and permissions.
- Alerting: Generating alerts for potential security threats or compliance violations.
- Deletion: Securely deleting sensitive data that is no longer needed.
Implementing Practical Policies Based on Labels for Azure Data
Effective data management policies can be implemented based on the labels applied by Strac. Here are some practical policies:
Setting Access Control Policies for Azure Data Discovery and Classification (Azure DSPM)
- Role-based Access Control (RBAC): Define and enforce access permissions based on user roles. For example, only finance team members can access financial data.
- Least Privilege Principle: Ensure users have the minimum necessary access to perform their job functions.
Establishing Data Retention Policies in Azure for Classification
- Retention Schedules: Define retention periods for different types of sensitive data. For instance, PII data should be retained for no longer than five years.
- Automated Deletion: Automatically delete data that has reached the end of its retention period.
Defining Data Sharing Policies in Azure for Discovery and Classification
- Restricted Sharing: Limit sharing of sensitive data to authorized personnel only.
- Data Encryption: Ensure sensitive data is encrypted during transit and at rest when shared.
Ensuring Compliance with Azure Data Classification Policies
- Regulatory Compliance Checks: Regularly audit data stores to ensure compliance with regulations such as GDPR and HIPAA.
- Incident Response: Develop and implement incident response plans for data breaches involving sensitive information.
Monitoring and Reporting Policies for Azure Data Discovery and Classification
- Continuous Monitoring: Continuously monitor data stores for unauthorized access and unusual activities.
- Reporting: Generate regular reports on data discovery, classification, and remediation activities for audit and compliance purposes.
Conclusion on Azure Data Discovery and Classification
Integrating Strac's advanced data discovery and classification solution with Azure's data stores empowers organizations to effectively manage and protect their sensitive information. By automating data discovery, ensuring real-time classification, and implementing robust remediation actions, Strac helps organizations enhance data security, achieve compliance, and streamline data management processes. Leveraging practical policies based on data labels further strengthens data governance and operational efficiency, making Strac an indispensable partner in the Azure ecosystem.
By choosing Strac for Azure Data Discovery and Classification, organizations can confidently navigate the complexities of data security and compliance, ensuring their sensitive data is always protected and properly managed. sensitive data is always protected and properly managed.
Sensitive Data Types for Azure Data Discovery and Classification (DSPM)
Checkout all the sensitive data elements and file formats supported by Strac: https://www.strac.io/blog/strac-catalog-of-sensitive-data-elements
