Navigating the data deluge: Data discovery for telecommunications and IT services

The telecommunications industry — encompassing carrier networks, IT service providers and managed service providers (MSPs) — plays a crucial role in our connected world. The immense volumes of data handled by the sector demands cybersecurity and data security as indispensable business strategies for these organizations. As they continue to push the limits of technology to deliver cutting-edge digital services, the management of data has become increasingly complex and on a much larger scale. This article delves into the sector's data challenges and emphasizes the critical role of data discovery for telecommunications and IT service providers to resolve them.

Data challenges in telecoms and IT services

The telecoms industry plays a crucial role in powering the digital world with the latest technology, which makes it imperative for these organizations to make cybersecurity a top priority, especially when it comes to data security. Revolutionizing the way they serve their customers with cutting-edge digital services, the industry faces a monumental challenge of managing vast volumes and varieties of data that are pushing the boundaries of existing data management practices.

Telecoms and IT service providers handle a diverse range of data types, managing data related to customer information, network operations and service quality. This data is both voluminous and diverse, spanning structured, unstructured and semi-structured information.

Managing these vast data stores is a huge challenge for these organizations, as they grapple with maintaining data quality, deduplication and data security across sprawling networks. The sheer quantity of data and the inherent vulnerabilities in such expansive environments means that these organizations are a prime target for cyber-attacks and exposed to data breaches.

The impact of data breaches and non-compliance on the sector can be severe. According to EY, 53% of telecoms companies believed the cost of cybersecurity breaches to their organization would exceed US $3m in 2023, up from 40% in 2022. Meanwhile, non-compliance with data security regulations can lead to business disruptions, loss of customer trust, intellectual property theft and irreparable reputational harm, as well as hefty financial penalties.

Given the immense amounts of personal and sensitive data telcos and IT service providers hold, it is now more important than ever for them to understand exactly what data they have, where it resides and how it is secured. Effective data governance and compliance with privacy regulations are crucial for maintaining trust and protecting customer data.

The first step in tackling these challenges is data discovery – the process of identifying, classifying and mapping data across on-premises, hosted, and cloud-based environments and services, using automated tools and techniques.

Benefits of data discovery for telecoms and IT service providers

Data discovery has emerged as a critical tool for telecoms providers, delivering:

1. Enhanced data security and breach prevention: Telecoms companies are relentlessly targeted by cybercriminals due to the vast quantities of sensitive information they handle. Data discovery tools can help organizations enhance their network security infrastructure and design and implement measures to protect against cyber-threats.
2. Improved regulatory compliance: With the rise of data protection laws worldwide, such as GDPR and CCPA, telecoms companies face mounting pressure to safeguard customer data and protect individuals’ privacy rights. Data discovery can help telecoms companies develop a proactive compliance strategy based on a continuous cycle of data identification, remediation and monitoring. This ensures compliance with privacy laws and regulations through more effective data management.
3. Streamlined data management and operational efficiency: Using data discovery can improve operational efficiency by identifying and eliminating redundant and obsolete data that no longer serves a useful purpose for the business. It can also provide crucial oversight for effective data governance and risk management.

Discovery made easy with Enterprise Recon

Data discovery solutions, such as Enterprise Recon, are pivotal in ensuring data security, privacy compliance and efficient data management.

Enterprise Recon is a comprehensive tool that enables organizations to discover, monitor and secure sensitive data across various platforms and locations. Its ability to detect a vast range of sensitive data types makes it an invaluable asset for organizations prioritizing data security.

Enterprise Recon offers several features that address the specific needs of the telecoms sector, including:

• Comprehensive personal data discovery: Enterprise Recon delivers in-built discovery for over 300 types of personally identifiable information (PII), making it highly effective in identifying and securing sensitive data.
• Tool-based remediation options: Enterprise Recon offers four options for remediation within the solution – encryption, masking, quarantine and deletion – enabling rapid response to at-risk data.
• Frequent data monitoring: Enterprise Recon scans complex data environments — including on-premises and cloud-based systems — providing visibility into where sensitive data resides. Its scheduling feature allows both on-demand and recurrent scans, enabling effective data monitoring for governance and oversight.
• Customizable reporting: The solution generates detailed reports that provide deep insights into an organization’s data landscape, enabling them to make informed data management decisions.
• Platform integration: Enterprise Recon can integrate with existing intelligence platforms and workflows, making it easy for organizations to incorporate into their current operations.

Future trends in data discovery for telecoms and IT services

The data landscape is continuously evolving, driven by emerging trends and technologies. The increasing use of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) is accelerating the rate at which organizations are processing and generating data.

While these technologies offer huge opportunities for telecoms providers and MSPs, they also present significant risk if appropriate data management strategies are not in place. Incorporating data discovery into data management approaches ensures more efficient data identification and remediation, thereby enhancing data security and compliance.

Meanwhile, the landscape of data protection and privacy legislation is also evolving. With the introduction of stringent regulations like the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and the California Consumer Privacy Act (CCPA), telecommunications providers are under increasing pressure to ensure data compliance. Data discovery solutions can play a crucial role in helping these providers meet their regulatory obligations.

Looking ahead, data discovery solutions are expected to play an even more significant role in telecommunications and IT services. As data volumes and the complexity of computing environments continue to increase, the need for effective data discovery solutions becomes even more critical. These solutions not only help carriers, MSPs and IT service providers manage and secure their data but also enable them to leverage it effectively to gain valuable insights and drive business growth.

Embracing these solutions will not only ensure data security and compliance but also provide a competitive edge in the market. As data growth continues, driven by the AI revolution, investing in robust data discovery solutions is no longer an option but a necessity for success in the digital age.

To learn more about data discovery using Enterprise Recon arrange a workshop or book a call with one of our experts today.