In many ways, you can compare data migration to moving to a new house. While the prospect of starting anew in a different environment can be exciting, there is always an inherent risk that you might unintentionally forget something important or even worse – irrevocably damage something that cannot be replaced.
However, when it comes to data migration, it isn’t just boxes and furniture that you’re moving. You’re dealing with critical and potentially confidential information that your business relies on.
The Cyber Security Risks of Data Migration
Data migration carries a significant risk of data loss or corruption. Even with the utmost preparation, one misstep may lead to calamity – and you can never fully predict when something might go wrong.
As you contemplate a system migration, it’s essential to recognize that your data is more susceptible than ever to an attack – and with IBM determining the average expense of a breach to be $2.98 million (for businesses consisting of fewer than 500 personnel), taking precautionary measures can save you from incurring severe monetary losses.
Pre-Migration Checklist
Reviewing the security of the current system
In order to ensure a successful migration, you must scrutinize your present system for security and reliability. Ensure that all settings are current, the software is running its most recent version, and any necessary patches have been correctly installed. Further, verify that any hardware components are functioning properly and any potential weak spots have been identified and then fixed.
Review the security of the new system
Assess the security of the new system for any vulnerabilities. Is there a risk of data corruption, loss, or manipulation? Have all necessary measures been taken to protect the system from attack? Have you double-checked that all passwords, authentication measures and encryption protocols are in place? Also, it is worth brushing up on data warehouse best practices if you intend to utilize one of these tools for your new system so you can iron out any potential issues beforehand.
Identifying the types of data to be migrated
Identifying the types of data to be migrated is also key. Make sure to highlight personal information, financial records, and any other sensitive data that requires extra protection. Different kinds of data may require different levels of security measures; assess the sensitivity of each type before deciding on an appropriate plan and necessary steps for protecting your data.
Evaluating the impact of the migration on the business operations
Proactively evaluating the potential effects of data migration is critical for businesses to prevent disruptions. Make sure to take into account how the procedure could affect your daily operations and plan accordingly. This way, you are well-prepared for whatever challenges arise during the migration.
Ensuring proper backup and disaster recovery plans
Having a reliable backup and disaster recovery plan in place is key to safeguarding your business before you begin the migration process. With it, any data loss or sudden emergency can be swiftly dealt with so that normal operations are back up and running again as quickly as possible.
During Migration Checklist
Securely Transferring Data
The actual process of transporting your data is one of the most precarious. As such, you need to ensure that you employ secure protocols for data transfer. Encrypt the data if needed and only use trusted methods like FTP or SFTP for transferring data over networks.
Maintaining Data Integrity and Confidentiality
Data integrity should be a top priority when migrating data, as any changes in the structure or content can lead to errors. Meanwhile, steps should also be taken to ensure that the data remains confidential throughout the process, allowing only authorized personnel access.
Validating Migrated Data
Before turning off the old system and switching to the new one, you should validate that all of the data has been accurately transferred. You can do this by running integrity checks, comparing the old and new data sets, or using third-party validation tools.
Monitoring Migration Progress
Keeping an eye on the migration process is essential for detecting potential issues before they become major problems. This includes monitoring logs and alerts from both the source and target systems along with any external services involved in this process.
Post-Migration Checklist
Verifying the successful completion of the migration
Don’t just assume that the migration was successful; take steps to confirm it. This includes verifying that all data has been successfully transferred, as well as any other tests that you performed during the process.
Performing post-migration testing
After migrating to a new system, it is essential to take the time for post-migration testing in order to guarantee that your operational needs are met. Isolate the old from the new and verify its efficacy with in-depth tests. Additionally, ask users who will be using this system for their input by having them undergo thorough testing of their own and share feedback with you.
Updating security protocols and access controls
During the transfer process, your security provisions and access limitations may have been altered to ensure that data is moved successfully. To continue safeguarding your information, double-check that these measures are updated and strictly enforced after migration completion.
Periodically auditing migrated data
Make sure to regularly monitor and audit your migrated data for security and accuracy. This helps detect any potential issues before they become significant problems, allowing you to address them swiftly. Examine and reevaluate your safety measures intermittently as well, ensuring that your processes are still reliable and functional.
Retiring old systems and securely disposing of data
Once the migration is complete, make sure to properly retire any old systems and securely dispose of any data that was used in the process. There should be no lingering traces of the old system or data that could be used to access sensitive information. Not only will this safeguard your data, but it will also bring you a sense of reassurance that all was completed accurately.
Final Word
Data migration doesn’t have to be a daunting task. With the correct research and preparation, you can rest assured that all of your data will move securely without risk. Taking the necessary precautions before, throughout and after any migration process will give you a sense of assurance that your data is safeguarded at all times. With this understanding in hand, you can confidently move forward feeling secure each step along the way.
