Exterro's Commitment to Data Security and Privacy

Data security and privacy have become paramount concerns for businesses across the globe. Organizations today face a myriad of data security threats that continue to evolve in complexity and intensity. Cyber attacks such as phishing, ransomware, and malware seek to exploit vulnerabilities in systems to steal sensitive information or disrupt operations. Insider threats, whether malicious or accidental, can lead to significant data breaches and leaks. Additionally, data breaches resulting from weak passwords and unpatched software highlight the need for robust security protocols within enterprises.

As digital landscapes expand, the potential attack surface for cyber threats increases, necessitating proactive and comprehensive security measures to safeguard critical data assets. Sharing data with a SaaS vendor is one way organizations can inadvertently increase the data risks they face--but at Exterro, we recognize the critical importance of safeguarding customer data, and we're committed to providing the highest levels of protection through comprehensive strategies and cutting-edge technology.

One recent demonstration of our commitment to customer data security we're proud to announce is that Exterro's SaaS software systems have achieved HITRUST e1 Certification for foundational cybersecurity. This certification highlights Exterro’s dedication to implementing essential cybersecurity controls to ensure robust data protection and security. In a time when cybersecurity threats are continually evolving, Exterro's compliance with HITRUST standards affirms its commitment to safeguarding information security and privacy.

Third-Party Certifications

Third-party certifications like HITRUST are an important part of Exterro's information security plan. From one perspective, they give customers a level of assurance and transparency that Exterro is doing all the right things from a security perspective to protect their data. In addition to the e1 HITRUST certification Exterro's SaaS platform has earned, we've also received a FedRAMP moderate authorization and TISAX, a global security certification, derived from the ISO 27001 standard, governing the automobile industry. But at another level, the audits of Exterro's data systems, technical infrastructure, and procedures provide an important for Exterro to identify and address any potentially problematic security issues. Exterro Chief Information Security Officer Anthony Diaz explains, "It's healthy because third-party audits help identify gaps that we may not have otherwise known or thought about. No organization is perfect."

Security-by-Design Architecture

Another key element of Exterro's security strategy is built into the very architecture of our software solutions.  Exterro's product architecture is fundamentally designed around a "no access" model, which means once data enters the Exterro platform, it is encrypted in transit, in use, and at rest. Exterro has no visibility into the data stored in its platform, which is especially reassuring to customers storing highly sensitive data in our software suite. Diaz explains, "Our security architecture ensures we can't see customer data at any point in time. This design not only protects customer data but also helps manage our own risk."

This approach aligns with the principle of 'privacy by design,' integrating privacy and data protection into the design and architecture of IT systems and business practices. In reality, though, data privacy and information security are related and intertwined. Diaz continues, "People like to separate privacy and legal and compliance and security--and in a lot of large organizations that makes sense, given the scope and volume of what they do. But in a smaller organization like Exterro, we've got to wear all those hats. Security practitioners, and a lot of the frameworks and certifications, will look at the CIA triad: confidentiality, integrity, and availability of data and systems. They are the guiding principles of everything we do."

Overcoming Challenges in Data Security

Maintaining robust data security in an evolving threat landscape is no small feat. Exterro faces the same heightened risk environment that our customers face, from cybercriminals to nation-state actors conducting cybersecurity. In response to those risks--both external and potentially internal--Exterro implements procedures and policies around data protection from multifactor authentication, to change management, data backups and continuity plans in the event of some sort of event or disruption scenario like ransomware or an outage.

But there are also data risks associated with third-party vendors, for which Exterro has developed a Vendor Risk Assessment (VRA) tool to evaluate the security practices of our partners that ensures that anyone Exterro collaborates with upholds the same security standards we do. Additionally, the rise of generative AI also presents new challenges. Exterro is actively working to mitigate risks associated with these technologies, ensuring that customer data remains secure.

Exterro understands the responsibility it carries to safeguard its customers' data. As a data risk management company, we strive to uphold the highest standards of data security and privacy, recognizing that the trust customers place in us is a privilege and an obligation. Through rigorous adherence to security protocols, continual investment in cutting-edge technologies, and the very architecture of our software suite, Exterro has implemented a comprehensive approach to ensuring the security of our customers' data.