Part of Data Governance is the collection and loading of data into the data warehouse (ETL). A typical ETL process collects and enhances different types of data and then delivers the data to a data warehouse. But is the data being retrieved from the right storage location? Is the ETL process missing important information and what is the state of information security?

Sensitive information can be misplaced, unprotected and thus exposed to cyber threats. WiZIT enables better control and security of stored information. 

WiZIT is a tool with several functions; searching sensitive information, searching specific types of data and protecting information (anonymization, masking, encryption). At the same time, WiZIT helps the organization to have control of information that may be affected by regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, etc.

WiZIT can perform comprehensive and advanced searches by searching at all levels in the majority of available sources. Search results are presented in the form of reports and statistics.

Search in unstructured data storage environment

One problem in Data Governance is that a large amount of data in the organization is unstructured, making searchability a time-consuming and complicated procedure. Searching for documents containing personal data and also being able to assess the sensitivity of the information can be difficult without appropriate tools.

WiZIT can search through unstructured data in documents such as Word, Excel, Powerpoint, pdf, rtf, text files as well as data stored in cloud services such as Office365 Mail, Onedrive and Sharepoint. WiZIT can also analyze combinations of different search data - e.g. personal data and text in documents that can increase the sensitivity of the information.

Search in structured data storage environment

Databases are usually easier to manage because of their clear structure and the tools available. However, sensitive information may be stored in fields that are not intended for that type of information according to the data model. An example is comment fields that may contain personal data or other sensitive information. 

WiZIT searches entire databases, all fields in all tables. Thereby all information related to the search is localized. WiZIT can be used for searching the most common databases on the market, such as MS SQL Server, Oracle, Teradata, IBM DB2, PostgreSQL and BDP.

Security in WiZIT is a top priority, the information processed is protected both at rest and in transit. All data is encrypted and access is restricted by multi-factor authentication. Access to WiZIT is controlled by a built-in authorization system, which also controls what each user can see in the system.

WiZIT uses an approach to anonymization of personal data that complies with GDPR regulations. There is no possibility to restore anonymized information to its original value, but some attributes can be saved if needed to support research and statistical monitoring needs.

WiZIT encrypts information based on WiZIT's built-in crypto key management solution (HSM). This makes the solution more secure than the conventional encryption built into some products (e.g. MS Office). Encryption can be performed automatically on selected storage areas or manually on individual documents.

Masking of selected information is also supported. Masking can be done automatically on certain types of data (e.g. personal data) or manually on individual documents.

For traceability, all important activities are logged in WiZIT, the information is saved locally but can also be sent to separate syslog server. Built-in backup routines also ensure that no important information is lost.

WiZIT users do not have to navigate between different systems and analyze different types of documents that may contain the information they are looking for - WiZIT does the job via automatic searches.

WiZIT creates reports that present where the information is located (system, department, path, etc.) and its sensitivity level. The content of the reports can be filtered to adapt to the needs or responsibilities of a specific recipient (e.g. PU manager or DSO).

The reports can be configured to each organization's needs and provide a very good overview of data storage and management within the organization. 

Through the graphical presentation of statistics, data managers can gain control over trends in data retention. For example, the presence of personal data in documents, whether sensitive information was stored incorrectly and actions over time. 

WiZIT is delivered as a complete and ready-to-use system tool. The only actions needed before commissioning are the specification of search conditions, which environments are to be searched and the assignment of authorization to the relevant environments. 

WiZIT takes care of itself. The searches are run automatically according to the schedule desired by the customer. Data sources are processed and indexed, then the customer can access the result via reports or via online graphics through WiZIT's GUI. 

WiZIT is continuously evolving to meet customer needs. The product is designed to allow new features to be easily added, such as scanning new document formats or storage environments. WiZIT's REST interface also makes it possible to develop local customizations and integration solutions with other Data Governance tools.