If you were forwarded this newsletter, and you'd like to receive it in the future, subscribe here.​

​​

Title: The Evolution of Data Teams and Data Security

Over the past few years, we’ve seen a significant change in the way data teams operate. No longer are they just post-analysis teams; they are now becoming software engineering teams that use data to build products. This shift has brought with it a new reality for data security.

With many of these teams now using sensitive data to build products, the importance of data security cannot be overstated. It’s not just about protecting the data itself, but also ensuring that it is handled securely throughout the entire product development process. This means that the Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) and Head of Data must forge a close relationship to ensure that access controls, compliance, governance, and other security methods are organized across both teams.

The change in data team operations has also made data security an essential part of every single component of the business. From customer-facing applications to internal systems, data is now at the heart of everything we do. This means that data security must be integrated into every aspect of the development process, from planning and design to testing and deployment.

One key challenge for data teams is ensuring that they have the right skills and expertise to handle sensitive data securely. Many traditional post-analysis teams may not have the necessary technical skills to build secure products, which can create significant risks for the business. To address this challenge, many organizations are investing in upskilling their data teams, providing them with the training and resources they need to work effectively with security teams.

Another challenge is ensuring that data security policies are aligned across both data and security teams. This requires close collaboration between these teams to ensure that policies are developed and implemented consistently across all systems and applications. It also requires a shared understanding of the risks associated with sensitive data and the measures needed to mitigate those risks.

In conclusion, the shift in data team operations has had significant implications for data security. As more organizations move towards building products with sensitive data, it’s essential that data teams work closely with security teams to ensure that access controls, compliance, governance, and other security methods are organized across both teams. By doing so, organizations can protect their data and build secure products that meet the needs of their customers and stakeholders.

​