Strengthening data security and compliance in a highly regulated sector
The Client
A Dutch organisation specialising in social security and human resources services, providing software solutions and advisory services to help organisations manage compliance and reduce the financial impact of employee absenteeism. The organisation operates in a highly regulated environment and manages large volumes of sensitive personally identifiable information (PII).
The Challenge
Operating in a highly regulated sector, the organisation needed to strengthen its ability to protect sensitive data while ensuring ongoing compliance with GDPR. Key challenges included classifying and safeguarding data, mitigating insider threats, and implementing effective monitoring and governance controls.
Limited visibility into risky behaviours and data movement made it difficult to identify and address potential security and compliance risks. The organisation required a comprehensive approach to improve insight, reduce exposure, and build a more resilient security posture.
Key Challenges
- Data protection: Safeguarding large volumes of sensitive PII
- Compliance: Meeting strict GDPR requirements
- Insider risk: Identifying and mitigating risky user behaviour
- Visibility: Limited insight into data movement and exposure
- Governance: Strengthening monitoring and control frameworks
The Solution
CWSI conducted a detailed review of the organisation’s Microsoft security configuration, including Microsoft Intune and Entra ID, covering Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) and Conditional Access policies.
Through participation in the Microsoft Cyber Security Investment (CSI) programme, CWSI delivered a Data Security engagement that identified critical risks and gaps in the existing setup. Based on the findings, CWSI developed a clear security roadmap aligned to regulatory requirements and business priorities.
Key elements of the solution included:
- Deep-dive review of endpoint, identity, and access controls
- Data Security engagement delivered through the CSI programme
- Identification of compliance and insider risk gaps
- Strategic roadmap for security uplift and governance
- Guidance and support for transition to Microsoft 365 E5
The Result
The engagement enabled the organisation to significantly strengthen its security and compliance posture and lay the groundwork for future innovation.
Key Outcomes
- Business case support to upgrade over 600 users to Microsoft 365 E5
- Improved visibility and control over sensitive data
- Deployment of Microsoft Purview underway to support data governance
- Stronger insider risk management and monitoring capabilities
- Copilot security proof-of-concept initiated for defined business use cases
Why CWSI
CWSI’s expertise in Microsoft security and compliance solutions enabled the organisation to take a structured, risk-driven approach to improving its security posture. By combining detailed technical assessments with strategic guidance, CWSI helped the organisation confidently adopt advanced security capabilities while maintaining regulatory compliance and operational continuity.
“We work extensively with privacy-sensitive data, so compliance and security are of critical importance. CWSI’s deep knowledge of the Microsoft 365 ecosystem aligns perfectly with our organisation’s needs. Based on their recommendations, we transitioned to Microsoft E5 and were supported in effectively implementing the advanced security and compliance capabilities that come with it.”
Director of IT Solutions, Netherlands Financial Services Organisation