In the ever-evolving landscape of cybersecurity, companies continuously play catch-up, while cybercriminals thrive by exploiting vulnerabilities. In 2024 alone, over a billion records were compromised by cybercrime, costing the world an estimated $9.5 trillion USD—an involuntary digital tax of approximately $4,604 per family of four. Clearly, being online is becoming increasingly expensive and riskier each year.
The Innovation Race: Accelerating Risk in Data Security Solutions
As we advance into 2025, the allure of artificial intelligence and quantum computing captures the world’s attention. Companies eager to stay competitive rush toward technological adoption, often prioritizing speed over robust data security solutions. This leaves sensitive data management outsourced to third-party operational platform providers who may not adequately prioritize security.
Understanding Operational Platform Providers and Their Data Security Management
Operational platform providers efficiently process vast amounts of sensitive data across industries such as insurance, finance, healthcare, and manufacturing. Unfortunately, many providers still lack comprehensive enterprise data security measures, contributing significantly to data breaches. In fact, more than a billion sensitive records were lost in 2024, highlighting a glaring gap in data security management practices.
The Future Threat: Cybercriminals as Data Brokers
Imagine ransomware attacks evolving beyond ransom demands to cybercriminals becoming data brokers, managing stolen financial and personal data as a subscription service. Companies may soon find themselves paying hackers simply to operate with their own data. This future is alarming, yet conceivable if businesses continue to accept the status quo from third-party providers.
The Most Common Excuses Vendors Use to Avoid Proper Data Protection Software
Excuse #1: “We Meet Compliance Requirements, So We’re Covered.”
Compliance is the bare minimum—not a comprehensive security strategy. Threat actors exploit this mindset, knowing many organizations halt efforts at minimal compliance. True security involves proactive measures to safeguard data continuously.
Excuse #2: “Our Customers Aren’t Asking for Data Encryption Solutions.”
Customers often mistakenly assume vendors are already securing their data appropriately. Waiting until customers demand improved security puts everyone at risk. Providers must proactively implement robust data encryption solutions, especially financial data security and protection measures that significantly reduce breach impacts.
What Businesses Should Demand from Their Data Security Platform Providers
Companies must actively demand stronger security from their operational providers. Crucially, encryption is vital—not just basic encryption, but advanced methods that protect data comprehensively:
- Encryption of Data at Rest: Confirm how your vendor encrypts stored data.
- Encryption of Data in Transit: Ensure encryption covers all internal and external data transfers.
- Encryption of Data in Use: Traditionally the weakest link, in-use data requires advanced encryption such as searchable encryption, keeping data protected even during active processing.
Modern encryption solutions close critical gaps by continuously securing data, including encryption of data in use, significantly reducing breach impacts and enhancing data security compliance.
Taking Control: Demanding Better Encryption Solutions
Third-party vendors must understand that true security isn’t passive—it actively protects and anticipates threats. With strong encryption solutions safeguarding your data in every state—rest, transit, and use—your organization’s security posture will significantly strengthen. Providers must recognize their responsibility even if clients have not yet explicitly demanded it.
Leading the Way with SAFE Encryption
Paperclip SAFE® is one of the biggest encryption advancements since AES 256 was introduced over two decades ago. Without disrupting users or network architecture, it enables encryption for data at rest, in transit, and in use. Paperclip’s SAFE encryption solution addresses these critical security gaps, providing an always-encrypted data security platform. Our patented technology ensures data remains encrypted even during processing, safeguarding sensitive information throughout its entire lifecycle. It’s not just about compliance; it’s about comprehensive, proactive data protection software that future-proofs your organization against evolving threats.
Take control of your company’s most valuable assets—whether they’re in your possession or with a trusted vendor. Contact Paperclip at info@paperclip.com to learn more.