Breaking Down Data Silos: A Unified Approach to Cybersecurity

LAS VEGAS — In an age where data is hailed as the new oil, the conversation around Big Data often overlooks a critical challenge: data silos. These isolated pockets of information can obscure risk management insights and leave organizations vulnerable to cyber threats. Happy Wang, the Chief Technology Officer of AuditBoard, believes that the key to overcoming these challenges lies in breaking down barriers and unifying data. During a recent discussion at the Audit+Beyond conference, Wang shared her vision for transforming fragmented risk management into a cohesive, strategic defense.

The Challenge of Data Silos

Data silos present a significant hurdle for organizations striving to enhance their cybersecurity posture. When information is fragmented across various departments, it limits the effectiveness of attack surface management tools and compliance platforms that rely on comprehensive data analysis. “Cloud data repositories are overflowing with ever more newly captured data. But when teams, departments, individuals, and systems are isolated, you get bottlenecks,” Wang explained.

This fragmentation can delay responses to threats and hinder the ability to conduct thorough analyses. Wang advocates for a “connected risk” framework that enhances security and facilitates real-time threat intelligence sharing, allowing organizations to identify and respond to risks before they escalate.

AuditBoard’s Unified Data Infrastructure

At the heart of Wang’s strategy is the concept of a centralized platform that unifies data from various sources, thereby enhancing connected risk management. “Our goal is to ensure that all relevant data — whether it’s from compliance, audit, IT security, or threat intelligence — is accessible through a single, integrated system,” she stated. This approach eliminates redundancies and ensures consistency, making it easier for AI tools to analyze information holistically, leading to faster and more accurate threat detection.

According to AuditBoard’s recently released Connected Risk Report, a staggering 86% of professionals believe that data silos negatively impact risk management. In the realm of cybersecurity, this issue is particularly perilous; silos can cause delays in threat identification and hinder coordinated responses, allowing threats to escalate unchecked.

The Importance of Real-Time Data Visibility

Integrated systems not only improve efficiency but also provide real-time data visibility, which is critical for modern cybersecurity. Zach Tisher, CISO at Equifax, emphasized this point during a panel discussion at the conference. “By integrating [Equifax] controls, we’re able to identify vulnerabilities quicker, act faster, and keep our systems more secure,” he noted.

Cherry Hill Advisory CEO Mike Levy echoed this sentiment, stating, “When silos go up, collaboration breaks down. Without real-time data sharing, risks can remain hidden, and responses are delayed. In cybersecurity, that’s a recipe for disaster.”

Leveraging Cloud Technology for Integration

Wang highlighted the role of cloud technology in facilitating data integration, particularly for cybersecurity. “Cloud platforms have made it much easier to store, manage, and share data across different departments and even with external partners,” she said.

AuditBoard has leveraged cloud solutions to ensure that clients can access their data in real-time, from anywhere, without the bottlenecks associated with on-premises systems. The Connected Risk Report found that companies with advanced cloud-based data integration are nearly five times more likely to experience strong cross-departmental collaboration, underscoring how cloud technology can streamline the flow of threat intelligence.

Addressing Data Security and Privacy Concerns

While integrating data is essential, it also raises concerns around data security and privacy — key issues in cybersecurity. “One of the challenges we face is ensuring that as we centralize data, we’re also safeguarding it,” Wang acknowledged.

With data privacy laws like GDPR and CCPA in play, organizations must be vigilant about how data is stored, accessed, and used, especially when AI algorithms are involved. Wang emphasized that AuditBoard addresses these concerns by implementing robust encryption, access controls, and regular audits. “We’ve built security into the core of our platform,” she stated, ensuring that only authorized personnel have access to sensitive data.

Fostering a Culture of Collaboration

Beyond technical challenges, breaking down data silos requires overcoming organizational barriers. Different departments often have varying data standards and priorities, which can hinder collaboration. Wang believes that fostering a culture of cooperation is essential. “Technology can only do so much; there has to be a shift in mindset as well,” she said.

AuditBoard works closely with clients to ensure that all stakeholders — from IT to compliance to audit teams — understand the benefits of integrated data and are on board with the changes. In cybersecurity, this means enabling faster communication and response to threats across all departments.

The Future of AI in Cybersecurity

Looking ahead, Wang envisions even greater opportunities for AI-driven risk management as data integration improves. “As we continue to refine our data integration capabilities, we’ll see AI becoming even more predictive and prescriptive,” she noted.

Instead of merely identifying risks, AI could begin to suggest specific actions companies can take to mitigate those risks. However, this level of insight is only possible when the data feeding those AI models is comprehensive and well-organized. Organizations adopting connected risk strategies experience fewer barriers to AI adoption, enabling them to leverage AI tools more effectively.

Conclusion: The Path Forward for Cybersecurity

As AI continues to play a transformative role in audit and risk management, companies must address the challenge of data silos to unlock its full potential, particularly in cybersecurity. AuditBoard’s approach offers a clear roadmap: centralize data, leverage cloud technology, ensure security, and foster collaboration.

By breaking down these barriers, businesses can create a unified, data-driven environment where AI can thrive, leading to more accurate threat assessments, improved efficiency, and a proactive cybersecurity posture. “AI is not a magic bullet — it’s a tool that needs the right infrastructure to work effectively,” Wang concluded.

By addressing the barriers of data silos and focusing on integration, organizations can unlock the full potential of AI, transforming risk management from a reactive process into a strategic advantage. In cybersecurity, this translates to quicker threat detection, more precise responses, and ultimately, stronger defenses against evolving threats.