With the rise of remote work and Cloud services, safeguarding data as it travels across networks has become critical.
Zac Amos, Contributing Writer, further explores.
Why is data in transit more vulnerable?
When information actively moves between two devices, networks or Cloud environments, it becomes more exposed than data at rest. Stored data benefits from perimeter defenses and can be encrypted within controlled environments. Yet, data in transit may travel through unsecured channels, making it easy for attackers to intercept and steal information.
If cybercriminals are successful, this can lead to severe consequences. It can degrade an organisation’s reputation and damage it financially. On average, medium and large businesses pay £10,830 for each data breach. While the risks vary, companies must take steps to secure data every time it leaves the safety of internal systems.
Best practices to secure data in transit
The following practices can help organisations protect data in motion at all times.
Educate employees on cyber hygiene
Human error remains one of the weakest links in cybersecurity. Employees can expose sensitive data, whether they intend to or not. This is especially prevalent among those unaware of basic security protocols. Research has discovered that almost 25% of people working from home do not know their device’s security protocols. This lack of knowledge increases the likelihood of accidental data leaks or successful phishing attacks.
Regular training is a key duty. It keeps employees updated on the latest threats and helps them understand digital security tactics tailored to their work situation. Training sessions should include discussing secure password management, recognising phishing attempts and using approved networks.
Implement end-to-end encryption
Encryption is one of the most effective ways to safeguard data in transit. It ensures information remains unintelligible to anyone without authorised access. End-to-end encryption protects data from when it leaves the sender until it reaches its intended recipient. Use protocols – such as Transport Layer Security, Secure Sockets Layer, virtual private networks and secure tunnelling – to prevent interception.
A UK Cyber Security Breaches Survey found that encryption is a commonly applied security measure among organisations looking to mitigate data protection risks. One IT manager cited in the study shared that their company uses encryption to anonymise data at rest and in transit, keeping all sensitive information secure.
Use secure communication protocols
When data is on the move, it should use secure channels such as Hypertext Transfer Protocol Secure (HTTPS), secure file transfer protocol or secure shell. These protocols are crucial in electronics manufacturing and logistics because sensitive information constantly moves between systems and devices.
Authenticate devices and users
Ensuring only authorised users and trusted devices can access sensitive systems is essential for securing data in transit. Company leaders implement this using techniques like multi-factor authentication, digital certificates and device allowlisting. Each method prevents unauthorised access and reduces the risk of credential theft or misuse.
With the growth of supply chains and third-party vendors, many organisations recognise the need for stricter access controls. One survey found that 52% of executives have adopted a zero-trust framework to address these expansion risks. By applying the ‘never trust, always verify’ principle, businesses can strengthen their defense against security breaches.
Monitor and log data transfers
Intrusion detection systems, anomaly detection, and real-time monitoring can identify suspicious activity before it escalates. Consistent monitoring also supports compliance requirements and incident response readiness.
Prioritising data in transit to strengthen cyber resilience
Safeguarding data while it is on the move should be a top priority for all organisations. Every protection tactic is vital in reducing the risk of costly breaches. By adopting a multi-faceted cybersecurity approach, businesses can better protect their information regardless of where or how it travels.
