Today, data is the most valuable asset for modern businesses, yet its protection is more challenging than ever. While firms have made significant strides in discovering and securing sensitive data in databases (structured data), the task of identifying, tracking, and protecting sensitive data in files remains a major obstacle. Many organizations face the issue of a “long tail” of files that contain sensitive information, often overlooked and inadequately protected. This presents an acute risk, demanding innovative solutions to address these gaps. In the face of these challenges, Qohash has emerged as a beacon of hope, offering the tools needed to secure this critical data.
Founded in 2018, Qohash emerged from a deep-rooted understanding of the risks associated with data breaches. Drawing from its background in defense and security, the company’s founders witnessed firsthand the devastating consequences of mishandled information. The catalyst for Qohash’s creation was a series of high-profile data breaches involving employees with access to high-risk unstructured data.
“Imagine a world where sensitive data is protected without hindering its use.”
This was the vision that drove Qohash. Recognizing that traditional security measures were falling short, particularly in safeguarding sensitive data within files, the company set out to develop a more effective approach.
| Website | https://qohash.com |
| Industry | Computer and Network Security |
| Headquarters | Québec, Quebec |
| Founded | 2018 |
| Chairman and CEO | Jean Le Bouthillier |
| Specialties | Cybersecurity, Unstructured Data, Compliance, Data Risk Management, DSPM, Data Security, Data Breach Response, Data Security Posture Management, Privacy Governance, Incident Response, File Security, and GenAI Security |
A North American Solution for Global Challenges
The inspiration behind Qohash was born from a deep-seated concern about the reliance on overseas software development for data security solutions. This realization fueled a determination to create a company dedicated to safeguarding the world’s most sensitive information with solutions developed and managed entirely within North America.
Over time, Qohash’s mission has evolved to focus on securing files, which are often the hardest to protect due to their widespread distribution across various data sources like workstations, shared drives, file servers, and cloud platforms such as OneDrive, Teams, and SharePoint. The company has successfully provided critical organizations with the tools to gain visibility and control over their sensitive files, and the company continues to innovate to ensure its solutions remain effective.
A Foundation for Data Security
It is committed to ensuring data security through the relentless pursuit of excellence. Rooted in a mission to protect the world’s most sensitive information, the company fosters a culture of resilience, transparency, and accountability.
| Mission Focus: | Qohash’s primary mission is to protect the world’s most sensitive data and create a safer digital future. |
| Pursuit of Excellence: | The company strives for continuous improvement in every aspect of its work. |
| Resilience: | Qohash is built to endure the challenges of the ever-evolving security landscape. |
| Embracing Conflict: | The company encourages honest and courageous communication among team members. |
| Accountability: | Qohash focuses on making good on promises and owning up to errors for employees and customers. |
A Comprehensive Data Security Platform
Qohash offers a comprehensive SaaS data security platform (DSP) and data security posture management (DSPM) solutions designed to protect organizations from data breaches and ensure compliance with regulations.
Qohash focuses on securing the most vulnerable files accessed daily by employees and AI systems, providing targeted protection where it’s needed most. The platform tracks even the smallest data elements, ensuring comprehensive coverage. Additionally, Qohash offers quick deployment and scanning capabilities, providing decision-makers with valuable insights.
Unlike volume-adjusted and modular pricing models, Qohash’s flat-rate pricing ensures predictable costs and avoids budget strains. Moreover, It supports a variety of environments, including workstations, file servers, cloud platforms, and on-premises deployments.
What sets Qohash apart?
Qohash provides targeted protection by focusing on the most vulnerable data sources, ensures comprehensive coverage through 24/7 granular data tracking, offers rapid deployment and insights, provides predictable pricing, and supports a wide range of environments.
By offering a comprehensive, targeted, and efficient data security solution, the company helps organizations protect their valuable assets and mitigate the risks associated with data breaches.
Case Study: A Qohash Success Story
Qohash has successfully helped a large financial institution reduce its data security risks and improve compliance. The leading bank client faced significant challenges with the vast quantities of sensitive data circulating in multiple documents, such as loan forms, tax documents, and more. This included highly sensitive information like social security numbers and credit card details.
Qohash began by conducting an initial inventory of the bank’s sensitive data, which revealed millions of sensitive records scattered across thousands of workstations and shared repositories. Through a combination of data cleanup and continuous monitoring, The company helped the bank achieve a remarkable risk reduction. The bank went from managing millions of unique sensitive data elements, representing a very high risk, to less than 100,000 in circulation. This effort resulted in a 90% reduction in data security risks within just six months.
Key outcomes of the project included:
| Significant reduction in data security risks (more than 90%) |
| Improved compliance with industry regulations (PCI-DSS, SOX, etc.) |
| Enhanced incident response capabilities (what data was involved) |
Qohash provided the bank with clear and specific information about data breaches, enabling them to conduct narrow and precise notifications, thereby minimizing the impact of incidents.
Leveraging AI for Data Security
Qohash incorporates cutting-edge technologies, particularly in artificial intelligence (AI), to enhance its data security solutions.
- Natural Language Processing (NLP): Qohash utilizes NLP techniques to detect sensitive data within text-based documents accurately.
- Large Language Models (LLMs): The company is integrating LLMs to automate tasks like summarization and data extraction, making its solutions more efficient and user-friendly.
By focusing on customer-centric innovations, it remains at the forefront of data security, continually refining its offerings to meet evolving market needs.
GenAI: Evolving Challenges and Solutions
One of the most significant challenges facing the data security industry is the rapid adoption of generative AI tools. These tools, while offering competitive advantages, also introduce new risks. The risk of data breaches and unauthorized access increases as machines and AI start using organizational data in unexpected ways.
Innovative Approach to Addressing These Challenges:
Qohash addresses these challenges by providing a focused and efficient data security solution.
| Targeted Approach: | The company focuses on the riskiest data sources accessed by employees daily, ensuring the protection of the most vulnerable files. |
| Rapid Deployment: | The solution can be deployed in days, providing organizations with a quick overview of their data security posture. |
| Granular Data Inventory: | Qohash offers a detailed inventory of sensitive data, helping organizations understand and manage their risks. |
| Collaboration with Industry Partners: | It works with leading service partners to provide expert guidance and recommendations. |
By adopting a proactive approach and leveraging innovative technologies, Qohash helps organizations steer the data security landscape and mitigate the risks associated with generative AI.
The Future of Data Security: AI and Beyond
The proliferation of data has driven a paradigm shift in data security. AI, particularly large language models, is at the forefront of this revolution. Qohash is strategically positioned to capitalize on these trends by leveraging AI to achieve more accurate data detection, better contextual understanding, and streamlined processes.
This translates into improved detection accuracy, enhanced threat analysis, and streamlined user experiences. For instance, Qohash employs AI-driven chatbots to provide efficient customer support. By embracing AI, Qohash is not only strengthening its data security offerings but also positioning itself as a leader in the dynamic sector of cyber protection.
An Overview of Future Plans and Launches
Qohash is excited about several upcoming projects and partnerships in 2024. It is partnering with world-class consulting firms and technology providers to deliver exceptional value to customers in data security. Additionally, Qohash is integrating its solutions with Microsoft Purview, enabling customers to seamlessly incorporate their labeling policies and apply these labels manually or automatically.
The company is also launching a podcast titled “The Future of Data Security” to share insights and experiences from industry experts. These initiatives reflect Qohash’s commitment to expanding its capabilities, delivering innovative solutions, and fostering knowledge-sharing within the data security community.
Key Points:
| Strategic Partnerships: | Qohash is collaborating with leading firms to enhance its offerings. |
| Microsoft Purview Integration: | It is integrating with Microsoft Purview for seamless data labeling. |
| New Podcast: | The company is also launching a podcast to share insights and experiences in data security. |
These developments demonstrate Qohash’s dedication to providing comprehensive data security solutions and staying at the forefront of industry trends.
Words of Wisdom: Understanding Sensitive Data Location
“The most crucial step for organizations looking to strengthen their data security strategies is to understand where their most sensitive data is located.”
Qohash emphasizes that having a clear and accurate inventory of sensitive data is essential for developing an effective security plan.
Piece of Advice by Qohash:
Avoid designing a security strategy without considering the location and usage of sensitive data — what is the ground truth when it comes to sensitive data?
It’s always best to conduct a thorough inventory to identify all locations where sensitive data resides, including workstations, file servers, cloud platforms, and other storage systems. Analyze the sensitivity of different types of data and prioritize protection efforts accordingly.
By following these guidelines, organizations can create a focused and effective data security strategy that addresses their specific needs and risks.
