Datalakes: a vital resource or security threat?

Enterprises depend on data. And businesses are capturing, and storing, ever larger volumes of information.

These data sources are vital for decision making, and of course for AI. Increasingly, they are centralising their data storage in data warehouses and datalakes.

Research by analysts at 451 found that more than half of enterprises already have a datalake. A further 22% plan to implement one in the next three years.

But, despite the advantages of a central data store, data warehouses and datalakes can pose security risks.

Data can be corrupt, contain malware, or even just be wrong. And as enterprises connect more systems to their shared data, any threat can quickly spread right across the business. And data resources present an attractive target to malicious actors.

But all too often security isn’t even in the room when it comes to discussions about data management.

And organisations face a growing challenge when it comes to managing, and securing, external data sources and encrypted data.

So security expertise is vital, if we are to ensure that new data projects do not create new vulnerabilities, especially in a data driven enterprise.

Our guest is Danielle Kinsella, a senior direct at Gigamon. She argues that technology and security leaders need to look at data both as a resource and a risk. Security should be central when it comes to data infrastructure design.

And organisations should monitor the data flows across their organisation, including in and out of the datalake, not least when they connect their data to AI.

About our guest

Danielle Kinsella is a Senior Director and Technical Advisor, EMEA at Gigamon. She has more than 25 years of experience in the cybersecurity and technology sector, having started her career as a software engineer before transitioning into technical and sales leadership roles.

Before joining Gigamon, she held leadership roles at Kietworks, BlackBerry, and Good Technology. Danielle specialises in network visibility, security, performance, digital transformation, and regulatory compliance (such as DORA) across EMEA.

Earlier this year, Danielle was nominated for Technical Employee of the Year and CRN Woman at the Women & Diversity in Channel Awards, where she was a finalist.