Effective data security is closer than many organizations may think. In fact, effectively guarding data may just be a matter of implementing affordable technology and ensuring that it is configured properly.

In an interview with GovInfoSecurity, Rebecca Herold, head of Rebecca Herold & Associates, said that one of the primary barriers keeping organizations from implementing effective practices is the large volume of misinformation surrounding data encryption software. Although many organizations believe it is expensive or difficult to implement, this assumption is based on outdated technology.

"Current encryption solutions exist for mobile computers, such as laptops, and for storage devices, like USB drives, that are transparent to the user, don't noticeably impact response time and are very easy to use, in addition to being comparatively inexpensive," Herold told GovInfoSecurity, dispelling some common encryption myths.

Despite the affordability and easy implementation of encryption, lost or stolen devices still represent a significant data security threat across all industries. Certain industries such as healthcare may have to contend with strict regulatory guidelines, but the digital payload of retailers and the wealth of information stored by many other organizations makes them viable targets.

In fact, 26 percent of individuals in the United States have been the victim of a data security breach, according to a recent Phys.org article. Although some of the responsibility falls on consumers, who showcased a disparity between views on data protection and the actual implementation of security software, organizations hold some of the blame. As those numbers suggest, data breaches represent a prevalent threat, and relying entirely on perimeter-based security has led to compromised information. For businesses to truly mitigate that risk, they need to encrypt the data itself in addition to protecting their networks.