Enterprise file security is all about defining and controlling who has access to what data. Fortunately, IT departments have a broad array of tools available to help them manage file access and sharing across the enterprise.
Imagine a customizable vault with different sets of keys for different users; one set of keys might only grant access to a portion of the vault, while another set unlocks everything.
Data containerization is a similar concept that allows enterprise IT to control the behavior and usage of data both inside and outside of the container. By enclosing data in containers with highly customizable access controls, IT teams can administer access rights controls over company files even when data leaves the corporate network.
2 Benefits Of Using Data Containerization
By physically restricting the access to data, two issues are solved.
First, containerization solves the data at rest problem; if you have data at rest and someone copies that data from one folder to another folder, you can control how the copy of that data will be handled. Second, containerization solves the data in motion problem; if you have containerized data and attach it to an email, you’re able to control how that data behaves outside the container when the email is delivered.
Data containerization allows you to clearly define the behavior of data in terms of set folders or containers. For example, your IT team could configure a data container so that when a file is opened within the container there’s unrestricted access to the file, but as soon as the same data leaves the container it becomes read-only or completely unusable.
End users typically don’t notice containerization. Since most end users work with sets of data and folders, they could be unaware that any containerization security is in place.
The beauty of containerization is that the concept is as simple as having data inside or outside of a folder. It’s easy for IT teams to apply policies and architect enterprise file security policies based on containerization.
Data containerization is just one way for enterprise IT to ensure it stays in control of information within and beyond the corporate network. Also consider your options for access rights management and enterprise digital right management (DRM).
Custom-tailored Access Rights Management
Because not every organization has the same file security needs, customizable access rights management is important. Why allow your organization to be pigeonholed into a rigid enterprise file security system without the flexibility to meet your unique needs?
If you adopt an enterprise file security platform with customizable access rights management, you’re able to get the specific security you need and address any unique use cases or security policies. Customizable, multidimensional access controls allow you to mix and match various security dimensions into a powerful and flexible set of policies and rules that work for you. Moreover, IT teams can implement custom security policies and refine them over time as the organization’s needs change.
The Rise Of Enterprise DRM
Enterprise DRM is undergoing a renaissance. It has transformed from an obtrusive hurdle for end users into a seamless experience that enables productivity while still providing the IT department with the necessary security.
When you’re sharing files with clients or other third parties, you want to know that your information won’t fall into the wrong hands. Enterprise DRM enables this control and peace of mind.
Robust DRM tools allow enterprises to keep data secure even as it is shared and sent beyond the corporate network. Enterprise DRM aids you in achieving a multi-dimensional level of security by controlling how data can be used. The most complete enterprise DRM tools allow IT departments to control who accesses what data, when and where that data may be accessed, and how the data can be used.
With enterprise DRM, IT teams can control opening, viewing, printing, copying/pasting, forwarding, downloading and more. In the classic DRM use case, a document’s owners have editing and other top-level access rights, while anyone outside of that user group is limited to read-only access.
Robust and new-age enterprise DRM tools also provide features such as tracking, audit trails, reporting, automatic file expiration, anytime rights revocation and password protection.
With data containerization, customizable access rights control and enterprise DRM, IT departments gain much more granular control over enterprise file security.
Stay tuned for Part 2, where we’ll cover more essential items in the enterprise file security “toolbox.”
Ready to learn more about maintaining enterprise file security wherever your data goes? Read Vaultize’s free whitepaper, 9 Ways To Dramatically Control Enterprise File Security & Access Rights.
