What is the difference between repository-based security and data-centric security? We use data repositories to store our data at all times, such as SharePoint for files, databases (SQL, Oracle, Snowflake, etc.) for structured data, and cloud storage for any kinds of data. To ensure data security, each data repository may implement various types of security mechanisms such as encryption at rest and transparent data encryption (TDE), as well as access controls to limit data access to authorized users. However, relying solely on repository-based security poses significant challenges:
1. Security Gaps Upon Data Migration: Security measures within a data repository become ineffective once data is transferred out. For instance, security configurations and access controls in SharePoint cannot protect a sensitive file once it leaves SharePoint.
2. Lack of Integration Among Data Repositories: The absence of seamless integration among different repositories necessitates configuring security measures individually, leading to time and resource-intensive efforts. Moreover, each repository follows its unique approach to data access management, causing inconsistencies in access control.
In contrast, data-centric security prioritizes safeguarding the data itself, irrespective of its storage location. By implementing data-centric security, data remains protected at all times, without relying on repository-specific security measures. This approach simplifies data security implementation, ensures consistency in access control, and allows centralized management through Identity and Access Management (IAM) systems. Even in the event of network breaches or compromised credentials, sensitive data exfiltrated by malicious actors remains indecipherable.
In conclusion, embracing the data-centric security model offers enhanced data protection at a reduced cost compared to the repository-based security model. Enhanced data security and simplified access control are key benefits of transitioning to data-centric security, making it the recommended security model for safeguarding sensitive data effectively in the future.
