Technology experts have long warned organizations against the threat of the potential aftermath of a data security incident. The good news is that the majority of organizations have listened to those concerns. However, recent research suggests that there is a disparity between data security fears and the implementation of effective solutions.

A survey conducted by the Ponemon Institute found that many businesses are aware of potential risks, with 76 percent of U.S. respondents citing check or credit card fraud as "likely" or "very likely" occurrences. However, the results show a gap between concerns over cyberthreats and knowledge of the repercussions associated with lax data security practices.

Researchers noted several reasons why companies often adopt poor security stances. Only 9 percent of respondents felt that they would not be a target, but many more face other challenges when it comes to data protection. For example, 64 percent of U.S. respondents said they lacked the human resources necessary for crafting policies and implementing technology solutions. Another 55 percent cited lack of in-house expertise, suggesting that businesses should consider easy-to-implement encryption solutions rather than overly complex software.

Survey respondents noted that the cost of solutions was a primary factor in choosing which technology to implement. However, with 65 percent of U.S. respondents relying primarily on firewalls and other perimeter-based defenses, many companies are leaving critical data vulnerable to attack.

Data encryption: Protect beyond the perimeter
Businesses often cite security as a concern that prevents them from migrating their most important data into the cloud. What many decision makers may not realize is that their employees could be utilizing cloud services without company approval. As Dark Reading writer Robert Lemos reported, many workers utilize public storage services for collaboration and enhanced access. For companies that have embraced the cloud and mobile devices, data-centric security is paramount.

"Companies need to first evaluate what requirements they have and focus on what makes sense for their company," Lemos wrote. "Most importantly, businesses need to make sure that, even in the event of a breach or leak, their data is safe."

Not all data encryption software is created equally, as Lemos noted. Companies should choose a solution that is truly enterprise-grade. Scalability is an essential feature, so that the software continues to be cost-effective when deployed throughout the organization.