1. **Encryption:** Utilize encryption to protect data both in transit and at rest. This ensures that even if unauthorized access occurs, the data remains unreadable without the appropriate encryption keys.

2. **Access Controls:** Implement strong access controls to restrict data access based on user roles and permissions. This includes user authentication, authorization mechanisms, and least privilege principles.

3. **Data Classification:** Classify data based on its sensitivity and importance. Apply different security measures to different classes of data, ensuring that the most critical information receives the highest level of protection.

4. **Data Loss Prevention (DLP):** Deploy DLP solutions to monitor, detect, and prevent the unauthorized transfer or leakage of sensitive data. This includes monitoring data in motion, at rest, and in use.

5. **Database Security:** Secure databases by implementing access controls, encrypting stored data, and regularly auditing and monitoring database activities. Patch and update database management systems to address vulnerabilities.

6. **Backup and Recovery:** Establish regular backup procedures to ensure that critical data can be restored in the event of accidental deletion, hardware failure, or a security incident. Test data recovery processes to verify their effectiveness.

7. **Secure File Transfer:** Use secure protocols and methods for transferring files, especially when sharing sensitive data externally. Secure File Transfer Protocol (SFTP) and encrypted email are examples of secure file transfer methods.

8. **Data Masking and Anonymization:** Implement data masking and anonymization techniques to protect sensitive information during testing and development. This helps maintain data privacy while still allowing realistic testing scenarios.

9. **Audit Trails and Logging:** Enable comprehensive logging and auditing features to track access and changes to sensitive data. Regularly review and analyze audit trails to detect suspicious activities.

10. **Employee Training and Awareness:** Educate employees about the importance of data security, including the risks associated with phishing, social engineering, and unauthorized data access. Foster a security-conscious culture within the organization.

11. **Data Privacy Compliance:** Ensure compliance with data protection regulations and privacy laws applicable to your industry and region. This includes regulations such as GDPR, HIPAA, or other industry-specific standards.

12. **Secure Collaboration Tools:** Use secure collaboration tools that encrypt communications and files shared between employees. This is crucial for protecting sensitive information during collaboration.

13. **Endpoint Security:** Implement endpoint security measures to secure devices that access and process sensitive data. This includes antivirus software, endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions, and device encryption.

14. **Incident Response Planning:** Develop and test incident response plans specific to data security incidents. This includes procedures for identifying, containing, eradicating, recovering, and learning from data breaches.

15. **Third-Party Risk Management:** Assess and manage the security practices of third-party vendors or partners who have access to your organization's data. Ensure that they meet the same data security standards expected within your organization.