FinTech companies handle a lot of personal and financial information, making cybersecurity essential. Protecting data in FinTech means using strong security measures to stop hackers and keep sensitive information safe. Without proper cybersecurity, users’ private details can be stolen or misused.
The fast growth of digital tools in finance brings more chances for attacks. This makes it important to understand the risks and use technology that protects data at every step. FinTech firms must also follow strict rules to keep customer data secure and maintain trust.
Readers looking to learn how FinTech businesses keep data safe will find key insights on practical security steps. This includes tools and techniques used to protect financial information from threats and errors.
Key Takeways
- Data protection requires strong security tools and smart practices.
- FinTech companies must manage risks and follow important rules.
- Keeping systems safe helps build trust with users and partners.
Understanding Cybersecurity in FinTech
FinTech companies face specific security challenges due to their use of digital tools and data. Protecting sensitive information, handling unique threats, and comparing these risks to traditional financial firms are key to understanding cybersecurity in this field.
Unique Threat Landscape
FinTech operates primarily online, making it a target for cybercriminals. Attackers often use phishing, malware, or ransomware to gain access to accounts and steal data. These attacks can disrupt services and harm customers.
Because FinTech platforms rely heavily on APIs and cloud services, vulnerabilities can emerge if these are not securely managed. Hackers exploit weak points in software and third-party services to breach systems.
Employee errors and insider threats also pose risks. Human mistakes, such as weak passwords or accidental data leaks, can open doors for cyber attacks. FinTech firms must train staff regularly to reduce these risks.
Critical Role of Data Protection
Data protection is essential in FinTech because companies handle sensitive information such as bank details, social security numbers, and transaction records. Losing this data or having it exposed can cause major harm to individuals and businesses.
Encryption is commonly used to keep data safe during storage and transmission. It makes the data unreadable to unauthorized users. Multi-factor authentication adds an extra security layer by requiring users to prove their identity in more than one way.
Regulations like GDPR or CCPA often require strict data protection measures. FinTech firms that fail to comply can face fines and damage to their reputation. They also have a responsibility to notify customers quickly if a breach occurs.
Comparison With Traditional Finance
Traditional financial institutions usually have more established security systems and regulatory experience. They often use physical branches and legacy technology, which can both strengthen and limit cybersecurity.
FinTech companies rely on newer technology, which can mean faster innovation but also new security gaps. They tend to move quickly, sometimes without the same level of thorough testing traditional banks use.
However, some traditional banks lag in adopting the latest digital security practices. This can make them vulnerable to different cyber threats, especially those targeting outdated systems.
Both sectors must address risks, but FinTech’s digital-first approach means it faces more frequent attacks targeting software and data interfaces.
Sensitive Data Types in FinTech
FinTech companies handle several kinds of sensitive data that require strong protection. This data includes personal details, payment information, and login credentials. Each type poses specific risks if exposed.
Personal Identification Information
Personal Identification Information (PII) includes details like full names, addresses, birthdates, and government ID numbers. This information is essential for verifying identity in financial services.
If PII is stolen, it can lead to identity theft and fraud. Hackers might use this data to open accounts or take loans in someone else’s name. FinTech firms must encrypt PII and limit access to trusted personnel only.
Financial Transaction Details
Financial transaction details cover data such as account numbers, payment histories, credit/debit card info, and transaction amounts. This data tracks money movement between accounts and businesses.
Unauthorized access to transaction data can cause financial loss and privacy breaches. It is crucial to use secure communication channels and monitor for unusual activities. Tokenization and encryption help reduce exposure during transactions.
Authentication Credentials
Authentication credentials include usernames, passwords, PINs, and biometric data. These are keys clients use to access their accounts and authorize transactions.
Compromised credentials can allow attackers to take control of an account instantly. Using strong password policies, multi-factor authentication, and secure storage methods helps protect these details. Regular updates and monitoring for breaches are necessary to keep credentials safe.
Regulatory Compliance Requirements
FinTech companies must follow strict rules to keep user data safe. These rules include protecting personal information, securing payment data, and meeting regional laws. Compliance is key to avoiding penalties and building customer trust.
GDPR and Data Privacy Laws
The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a major law for companies handling data from people in the European Union. It requires clear consent before collecting personal data and grants users rights like data access and deletion.
FinTech firms must keep data secure and report breaches within 72 hours. They also need to limit data use to the original purpose and ensure third-party vendors comply. Non-compliance can result in fines up to 4% of annual global revenue.
PCI DSS Standards
The Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard (PCI DSS) applies to all businesses that store, process, or transmit credit card data. FinTech companies must meet these standards to protect cardholder information.
Key PCI DSS rules include maintaining a secure network, encrypting data during transmission, and regularly testing security systems. Organizations must also control access to card data and keep detailed logs of system activity.
National and Regional Regulations
Apart from GDPR and PCI DSS, many countries have their own laws that FinTech must follow. The U.S. enforces rules like the Gramm-Leach-Bliley Act (GLBA) for financial privacy, and India has the Information Technology Act focusing on data protection.
Companies must check local regulations for specific requirements. This often includes data breach notifications, encryption standards, and user consent rules. Compliance may vary widely depending on the country or state where they operate.
Common Cyber Threats Targeting FinTech
FinTech companies face specific cyber threats that aim to steal data, disrupt services, or fraudulently access accounts. These threats use various techniques, like tricking users, deploying malicious software, or exploiting insiders.
Phishing and Social Engineering
Phishing attacks involve fake emails or messages that look trustworthy. They try to get users to reveal passwords, credit card numbers, or other sensitive details. These messages often urge quick action, like clicking a link or providing information.
Social engineering goes beyond phishing. It includes phone calls or texts where attackers pretend to be company staff or clients. They manipulate people into sharing private info or allowing access to systems.
Users must be cautious with unexpected requests and verify sources before sharing data. FinTech firms often train staff to spot these threats early.
Malware and Ransomware
Malware is software designed to harm devices or steal data. In FinTech, malware can record keystrokes, capture login credentials, or quietly explore networks.
Ransomware is a type of malware that locks systems or data until a ransom is paid. It can freeze customer accounts or business operations, causing serious financial loss.
Companies use antivirus tools and firewalls to block malware. Regular software updates help close security gaps cybercriminals exploit.
Insider Threats
Insider threats come from employees or contractors with access to systems. They might misuse data, steal information, or sabotage technology intentionally or by accident.
Not all insider threats are malicious. Some happen due to poor security habits or accidental errors, like sharing passwords or clicking unsafe links.
FinTech companies monitor user activity and limit access rights to reduce risks. Strong internal policies and employee training are key defenses.
Advanced Persistent Threats
Advanced Persistent Threats (APTs) are long-term, targeted cyberattacks. Hackers use multiple steps to secretly infiltrate systems and stay hidden for months.
APTs aim to steal sensitive data or undermine a company’s security slowly. They often focus on high-value targets within FinTech, like financial records or trade secrets.
Detecting APTs requires specialized security tools and continuous monitoring. FinTech firms invest in threat intelligence and response teams to spot these risky attacks early.
Risk Assessment in FinTech Security
Evaluating risks in FinTech requires clear steps to spot weak spots, understand their possible damage, and keep an eye on threats over time. This process helps protect customer data and financial information better.
Identifying Vulnerabilities
FinTech companies must carefully review their systems to find weak points where hackers could break in. These weak spots include outdated software, unsecured networks, and poor user password practices.
Common vulnerabilities involve:
- Unpatched software bugs
- Open network ports
- Weak encryption protocols
- Employee access errors
Regular security scans and penetration testing help detect these issues before attackers do. Identifying vulnerabilities early reduces the chance of a breach affecting sensitive financial data.
Impact Analysis
After spotting risks, FinTech firms analyze what could happen if those weaknesses are exploited. They assess the financial loss, damage to reputation, and legal consequences tied to each risk.
This analysis:
- Estimates potential damage amounts
- Considers data types impacted (e.g., personal info, credit card numbers)
- Looks at downtime and customer trust loss
By ranking risks based on their impact, companies can focus resources on fixing the most dangerous problems first.
Continuous Monitoring
Cyber risks evolve constantly, so ongoing monitoring is essential. FinTech organizations use real-time tools to watch network activity, detect unusual behavior, and respond quickly to threats.
Continuous monitoring includes:
- Automated alerts for suspicious logins
- Tracking changes in system configurations
- Reviewing access logs for anomalies
This constant oversight helps spot attacks early and supports fast incident response, lowering the chance of severe data breaches.
Encryption and Data Protection Techniques
Strong methods are needed to keep financial data safe from hackers and leaks. These methods include protecting information while it moves across networks and when it is stored. Different ways also reduce risks from stolen data.
End-to-End Encryption
End-to-end encryption (E2EE) means data is scrambled from the sender to the receiver. Only the person at the end can unscramble and read it. This stops hackers, service providers, or anyone else from seeing the data in transit.
In FinTech, E2EE protects sensitive information like passwords, account numbers, and transaction details during transfers. This encryption uses complex keys only the sender and receiver possess. Even if data is intercepted, it is useless without these keys.
Implementing E2EE relies on strong algorithms such as AES-256 or RSA. These standards are trusted for high-level security and help meet regulations requiring data privacy.
Data at Rest Security
Data at rest refers to information stored on devices, servers, or databases. Protecting it ensures data is not readable if someone gains unauthorized access. This uses encryption and strict access controls.
Data at rest security often uses full-disk encryption or file-level encryption. This makes files unreadable without the right keys, even if the storage device is stolen. Access control limits who can view or modify data.
Regular backups and monitoring are also key. These help detect and recover from attacks like ransomware, which targets stored data. Strong data at rest practices stop breaches before they cause damage.
Tokenization Strategies
Tokenization replaces sensitive data with unique symbols called tokens. These tokens have no real value outside their system, reducing risks if data is stolen.
In FinTech, tokenization protects credit card numbers or personal info during payment processing. The real data stays secure in a safe system called a token vault. Systems using tokens reduce exposure of actual data.
Tokenization differs from encryption because tokens cannot be reversed without access to the vault. This adds an extra layer of safety. It is often used alongside encryption and ensures compliance with payment security standards like PCI DSS.
Secure Authentication Methods
Strong authentication helps keep financial data safe by adding extra steps to verify a user’s identity. These steps make it harder for hackers to access accounts even if passwords are stolen or guessed.
Multi-Factor Authentication
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) requires users to prove their identity using two or more separate methods. Common methods include something the user knows (a password), something they have (a smartphone or security token), or something they are (biometric data).
For example, after entering a password, the user might receive a code on their phone to enter. This extra step helps stop attackers who only have the password. Many FinTech companies use MFA because it reduces the risk of unauthorized access at a low cost.
Biometric Verification
Biometric verification uses unique physical traits such as fingerprints, facial recognition, or voice patterns to identify users. This method adds security because these traits are much harder to fake or steal than passwords.
Biometrics are convenient as users do not need to remember codes. Devices like smartphones and laptops often have built-in sensors to support biometric verification, making it common in FinTech apps. Still, users should be aware that biometric data must be stored and handled securely to protect privacy.
Behavioral Analytics
Behavioral analytics watches how users interact with an app or website to spot unusual activity. It looks at patterns like typing speed, mouse movement, or device location.
If behavior differs from the user’s normal actions, the system can flag the account for review or ask for extra verification. This method helps detect fraud in real time and stops attackers who bypass traditional log-in steps. It works in the background without interrupting the user experience.
Access Control and Identity Management
Managing who can access what data helps stop unauthorized users from reaching sensitive information. It also controls what actions users can perform once inside the system.
Role-Based Access Control
Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) assigns permissions based on specific job roles. Each role has access only to the data and functions necessary for that position. This limits risks by preventing users from seeing or changing information outside their responsibilities.
RBAC simplifies managing large groups of employees. When someone changes jobs or leaves, their access rights can be updated quickly by changing their role. This reduces mistakes that come from giving too much access to the wrong people.
Privileged Account Management
Privileged accounts have higher access levels, such as administrators or system operators. These accounts can make critical changes to systems and data, so securing them is essential to prevent abuse or attacks.
Privileged Account Management (PAM) involves monitoring and controlling these powerful accounts. It includes features like multi-factor authentication, session recording, and automatic password rotation. These steps help track activities and reduce the chances of credential theft or misuse.
Network Security in FinTech Systems
Network security is crucial for FinTech companies to protect financial data and maintain system integrity. Key tools include filtering traffic, verifying every user and device, and securing the connections between software components.
Firewalls and Intrusion Detection
Firewalls control incoming and outgoing network traffic based on security rules. They block unauthorized access while allowing legitimate business data to flow freely. In FinTech, firewalls help prevent attacks like hacking or malware infections by creating a barrier between trusted internal networks and untrusted external ones.
Intrusion detection systems (IDS) monitor network activity for suspicious behavior. If the IDS spots abnormal traffic, it alerts security teams to investigate. Combining firewalls with intrusion detection improves the chances of stopping cyber threats early.
Zero Trust Architecture
Zero Trust means no device or user is trusted by default, even inside the network perimeter. Every access request must be verified before granting entry. This approach limits the risk of insider threats and reduces damage if credentials are compromised.
In FinTech, Zero Trust enforces strict identity verification and continuous monitoring. It often uses multi-factor authentication, role-based access control, and real-time analytics to ensure only authorized users and devices connect to sensitive data.
Securing APIs
APIs (Application Programming Interfaces) connect different software systems in FinTech. These links must be protected because they carry sensitive customer and transaction data.
Security measures include authentication tokens, encryption, and rate limiting to prevent abuse. Regular API testing and monitoring detect vulnerabilities or unusual activity early. Proper API security helps maintain system trust and protects users from data breaches.
Application Security for FinTech Platforms
Application security in FinTech focuses on building software that resists attacks and regularly checking it for weak spots. Strong software development practices, routine scans for vulnerabilities, and real-world attack tests help keep platforms safe.
Secure Software Development Lifecycle
The Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SSDLC) integrates security at every stage of software creation. It starts with defining security requirements before coding begins. Developers use secure coding guidelines to prevent common flaws like injection attacks.
Code reviews and automated security tools run during development to catch issues early. Testing includes security checks alongside functionality tests. After deployment, monitoring continues to respond to new threats quickly.
This approach reduces the chance attackers can exploit software bugs. It also helps FinTech companies meet regulatory requirements for data protection and transaction safety.
Vulnerability Assessments
Vulnerability assessments scan software to find security weaknesses. They use automated tools to check known problems and configuration errors. These scans cover code, servers, databases, and network points.
The goal is to identify areas needing urgent fixes before attackers discover them. Reports classify risks by severity, helping prioritize remedies. Assessments run regularly, especially after major updates or adding new features.
Teams should combine automated scans with manual reviews for deeper analysis. This process helps maintain a strong defense as software and threats evolve over time.
Penetration Testing
Penetration testing simulates real cyberattacks on FinTech platforms. Ethical hackers use tools and techniques like attackers do to find exploitable flaws. These tests can target web apps, APIs, or mobile platforms.
Reports from penetration tests describe how breaches could occur and suggest fixes. Companies often conduct tests before launching new features or as part of compliance checks.
Unlike vulnerability scans, penetration tests dig deeper by exploiting weaknesses. They provide hands-on insight into risks, revealing complex attack paths that automated tools might miss. This makes them critical for understanding true security.
Incident Response Planning
Effective incident response planning helps FinTech companies quickly spot and limit security breaches. It also guides the deep investigation of attacks and improves future defenses by learning from mistakes.
Detection and Containment
Detection means spotting unusual activity or breaches fast. Tools like intrusion detection systems and real-time monitoring are essential. They alert security teams to suspicious behavior such as unauthorized access or data transfers.
Once detected, containment stops the issue from spreading. This can include isolating affected systems, revoking access rights, and shutting down compromised accounts. Quick action limits damage and protects customer data.
Clear procedures must be in place for staff to follow immediately, reducing response time. Automated alerts and trained teams help ensure faster containment.
Forensic Analysis
Forensic analysis is the detailed investigation after an incident. It looks at how the breach happened, what was affected, and when it started. This helps identify weaknesses in the system.
Experts collect logs, malware samples, and other evidence in a way that preserves integrity. Analysis tools then reconstruct the attack timeline and methods.
The findings guide fixes to system vulnerabilities and help comply with legal requirements. Keeping thorough records supports accountability and future audits.
Post-Incident Review
Post-incident review evaluates the incident response process. It answers questions about what went well and what needs improvement.
Teams analyze the effectiveness of detection, containment, and communication. They update policies and training based on lessons learned.
Review meetings often involve all relevant departments to ensure broad understanding. Changes made can reduce chances of repeat breaches and improve overall cybersecurity posture.
Employee Training and Security Awareness
Training helps employees spot risks and follow strong security habits. Teaching clear, specific actions improves the team’s ability to keep data safe.
Recognizing Threats
Employees need to know how to identify common attacks like phishing emails, fake websites, and social engineering. Signs include urgent messages, poor spelling, and unexpected links.
They should verify suspicious emails by checking the sender’s address and contacting the source directly. Reporting unusual activity quickly helps stop threats before damage occurs.
Training should include real examples and tests to practice spotting dangers. This builds confidence and reduces mistakes that hackers can use.
Cyber Hygiene Best Practices
Good habits reduce the chance of breaches. Employees must use strong, unique passwords and change them regularly.
Two-factor authentication (2FA) adds a second layer of protection by requiring a code or app confirmation. This blocks access even if passwords are stolen.
They should update software and security tools on all devices to fix vulnerabilities. Avoiding public Wi-Fi for sensitive work prevents data interception.
Clear rules about handling files, emails, and devices help maintain safe behavior every day.
Third-Party Vendor Risk Management
Managing risks from third-party vendors is vital to keep financial data safe. It involves carefully checking vendors before working with them and regularly reviewing their security practices.
Due Diligence Processes
Due diligence means thoroughly checking a vendor’s security before making a deal. This includes reviewing their data protection policies, compliance with financial regulations, and past security records.
They must show they follow standards like encryption and access controls. Asking for security certifications, such as ISO 27001, helps verify their claims.
It is important to assess how a vendor manages data breaches. Companies should require vendors to provide a detailed incident response plan to minimize damage if an attack happens.
Continuous Monitoring of Partners
Ongoing monitoring ensures vendors keep their security up to date. This can include regular audits, vulnerability scans, and reviewing security reports.
Companies often set specific metrics, like patch update frequency or unauthorized access attempts, to track vendor security health.
They should also monitor changes in the vendor’s environment that could increase risk, such as new software or staff turnover in IT teams.
Continuous communication with vendors helps detect problems quickly and maintain strong security controls over time.
Cloud Security Strategies in FinTech
Cloud security in FinTech focuses on managing risks while using cloud systems. It balances cost, control, and protection of sensitive financial data. Key choices include the type of cloud service and how data is separated and protected.
Public vs Private Cloud Security
Public clouds are shared environments managed by third parties. They offer scalability and cost efficiency but require strong encryption and regular security audits. FinTech companies must verify the provider’s compliance with laws like GDPR or PCI DSS.
Private clouds give exclusive access to one organization. They provide greater control over security settings and data access. This option suits firms needing stricter regulations and customized security policies.
A table comparing the two:
Feature | Public Cloud | Private Cloud |
---|---|---|
Cost | Lower | Higher |
Control | Limited | Full |
Security Management | Shared responsibility | Full control |
Compliance | Depends on provider | Easier to enforce |
Data Isolation Techniques
Isolating data prevents unauthorized access inside the cloud. Virtual private clouds (VPCs) and subnetting segment a company’s data within shared environments. Encryption of data at rest and in transit is also vital.
Multi-tenancy demands strict access controls. Role-based access and multi-factor authentication help limit data exposure. Monitoring tools track data movement and detect unusual activities early.
These steps ensure financial data stays separate and secure even in complex cloud settings.
Mobile Application Security for FinTech
Mobile apps in FinTech need strong controls to protect user data from threats. These controls include managing devices properly and following strict rules for app publication.
Mobile Device Management
Mobile Device Management (MDM) helps companies control access to apps and data on smartphones and tablets. It enforces security policies like remote wiping of data if a device is lost or stolen. MDM also controls app installations to avoid risky software.
Users receive updates and security patches automatically through MDM. This reduces vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit. It can also monitor unusual activity, such as login attempts from unknown locations.
MDM ensures that only authorized users and devices handle sensitive financial data. This lowers the risk of data breaches and keeps transactions safer.
App Store Security Standards
FinTech apps must follow strict security rules before appearing on app stores. These rules include code reviews, penetration testing, and data encryption checks.
App stores require developers to show how they protect user information during app submission. This includes secure login methods like multi-factor authentication and encrypted data storage.
Users benefit from these standards because they help block malicious or fake apps. Trusted app stores also regularly audit apps for compliance and remove any that pose security risks.
By meeting these standards, FinTech apps gain user trust and reduce the chance of unauthorized data access.
Blockchain and Cryptography in Data Protection
Blockchain and cryptography work together to secure financial data by making it hard to change or steal information. These technologies help keep records safe and automate processes while needing careful checks to avoid risks.
Distributed Ledger Security
A distributed ledger records transactions across many computers, making it very hard to change data without being noticed. Each change is checked by the network, so hackers cannot easily alter the records.
Blockchain uses cryptography to link blocks of data securely. Every block has a unique code called a hash, which depends on the information inside. If someone tries to change one block, the hash will not match and the network will reject it.
This method reduces fraud and improves transparency. However, maintaining the network’s security depends on strong cryptographic methods and keeping the computer systems safe from hacks or errors.
Smart Contract Vulnerabilities
Smart contracts are small programs that run on blockchains to automate financial deals. They follow set rules without needing a middleman but must be carefully written to avoid errors.
Coding mistakes in smart contracts can lead to losses. Bugs might let hackers steal money or freeze funds. Because these contracts are automatic, any flaw works without human checks.
Proper testing and auditing of smart contracts are vital. Developers use formal verification and code reviews to find and fix problems before deployment. Even so, users should understand risks before relying on smart contract systems.
User Privacy and Data Anonymization
Protecting user privacy is a key part of securing data in FinTech. Companies often remove or mask personal details to keep customer information safe while still being able to use the data.
Techniques for De-Identifying Data
De-identification means changing data so it no longer shows who the user is. Common methods include:
- Masking: Replacing sensitive data with fake characters (like **** for a credit card number).
- Tokenization: Swapping real data with tokens that have no direct meaning.
- Aggregation: Combining data points to show trends without exposing individual details.
These techniques reduce risk if data is stolen. However, they must be done carefully to avoid reversing the changes and revealing identities.
Balancing Usability and Privacy
FinTech companies need to keep data useful while protecting privacy. Too much anonymization can make data useless for analysis or fraud detection.
They often use techniques like differential privacy, which adds small amounts of noise to data. This keeps details private but still allows patterns to be studied.
Organizations also control who can access raw data and use strong encryption. This balance helps keep services efficient and users’ information secure.
Emerging Technologies and Future Trends
New tools and methods are changing how FinTech companies protect data. These advances help stop hackers, secure transactions, and keep user information safe.
Artificial Intelligence in Security
Artificial Intelligence (AI) helps detect threats faster by analyzing patterns in data. It can identify unusual behavior that might signal fraud or hacking attempts.
AI systems learn from past attacks to improve their defense over time. This makes it harder for cybercriminals to sneak in through new tricks.
Some AI tools can also automate security tasks like monitoring networks or managing access rights. This reduces human error and improves response times to threats.
For example, AI can flag suspicious transactions even if they look normal at first. It helps companies act before damage happens.
Quantum-Resistant Encryption
Quantum computers could break current encryption codes that protect financial data. This poses a big risk for FinTech security in the future.
To prepare, experts are developing quantum-resistant encryption methods. These new codes use complex math that even quantum computers struggle to solve.
This means data will stay safe even if hackers have powerful quantum machines. FinTech firms need to adopt these methods to protect long-term data security.
Some quantum-resistant algorithms are already tested, but widespread use will take time. Companies that start early will have stronger protection as technology evolves.
Measuring and Improving Cybersecurity Posture
Measuring cybersecurity posture helps FinTech companies understand how well they protect user data. It involves checking systems for weaknesses and tracking how well security rules are followed.
Common ways to measure security include vulnerability scans, penetration tests, and security audits. These methods find weak spots before attackers do.
To improve cybersecurity posture, companies often use risk assessments. These assessments rank risks so teams know which problems to fix first.
Training employees is also key. They learn how to spot threats like phishing emails and follow safe practices.
Regularly updating software and systems closes security gaps. Cyberattacks often exploit outdated programs.
A simple checklist for improving cybersecurity posture could look like this:
Step | Action |
---|---|
1 | Run vulnerability scans |
2 | Perform penetration tests |
3 | Conduct security training |
4 | Apply software updates regularly |
5 | Review and update security policies |
By following these steps, FinTech companies can reduce the chances of data breaches. They build stronger defenses and protect customer information better.