FEATURE : NETWORK SECURITY

Martin Creighan , Vice President for Asia Pacific , Commvault , says immutability is not just a concept but a critical strategy for ensuring cyber safety in Australian enterprises .

In sectors such as finance , healthcare and government , where data accuracy and reliability are paramount , any unauthorised changes to data can have severe consequences .

By implementing immutable data structures and storage solutions , organisations can create an indisputable record of data , making it extremely difficult for malicious actors to manipulate or tamper with information . This not only ensures the authenticity of data but also enhances the overall trust that stakeholders place in the organisation .

As witnessed recently when Latitude Financial announced a $ 98 million loss following the fallout of a breach , that stakeholder trust is critical and reputational damage from a loss of trust can be severe .

In a rapidly evolving digital landscape , where threats to data security and privacy are ever-present , immutability provides a strong foundation for safeguarding sensitive information and maintaining the integrity of critical systems . With recent high-profile attacks throwing the handling and storage of that information very much into the spotlight , the consequences of a vulnerable data governance plan are stark .

Immutability is essential for ensuring the integrity and trustworthiness of data in Australian enterprises .

Cyberattacks are a constant threat to Australian enterprises . With the rise of sophisticated hacking techniques and nation-state actors targeting sensitive data , immutability provides a crucial layer of defence . Immutable systems and data storage methods make it significantly harder for attackers to alter or delete critical data . Even if an intrusion is successful therefore , the attacker ’ s ability to cover their tracks or manipulate the system is limited , as any changes leave a clear trail . This not only helps in detecting and responding to cyber threats but also acts as a deterrent , dissuading potential attackers from targeting the organisation in the first place .

Furthermore , Australian enterprises , like those in many other countries , are subject to strict data protection and privacy regulations , such as the Privacy Act , the Notifiable Data Breaches scheme , and industry-specific regulations like the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority ’ s ( APRA ) standards for financial institutions . Immutability is often a prerequisite for compliance with these regulations . Immutable data storage and audit trails help organisations demonstrate their commitment to data security and privacy compliance , reducing the risk of legal repercussions and financial penalties .

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