The French data regulator, CNIL, has launched a call for action urging operators of substantial databases to bolster their cybersecurity defenses against an array of threats, including sophisticated hackers and nation-state actors capable of exploiting supply chain vulnerabilities and zero-day flaws. In a newly initiated consultation, CNIL specifically highlights sectors such as energy, transportation, banking, insurance, internet service providers, and government agencies as entities holding sensitive data that should prioritize safeguarding their digital infrastructure against advanced threats.
Furthermore, the main objective of this consultation is to establish a comprehensive set of recommended advanced security practices for organizations engaged in large-scale data processing, particularly when a data breach could have severe consequences for individuals, society, or the state. The consultation period is set to continue until October 8, with CNIL planning to publish these comprehensive security recommendations in the coming year.
Additionally, this initiative comes on the heels of a recent breach at French employment agency Pôle emploi, which experts believe resulted from a mass hacking of the MOVEit file transfer software, potentially impacting more than 10 million French residents.
CNIL has long advocated for strong data protection measures, including having dedicated data protection and security officers, alongside the chief information security and data protection officer. The agency also emphasizes the need for organizations to establish a robust breach response policy, detailing the required actions to address probable data breach risks swiftly and efficiently.
As the cyber threat landscape continues to evolve, CNIL’s proactive approach underscores the critical importance of enhancing cybersecurity measures across sectors that handle sensitive data to safeguard against potential breaches and their far-reaching consequences.
