Parquet File Risk: Hidden Security Threats in Big Data Workflows

Parquet files, widely used in big data ecosystems for efficient storage and querying, can pose unexpected security risks if not properly managed. These columnar storage files may contain sensitive information such as personal identifiers, credentials, or proprietary business data. Improper access controls, insecure data sharing, or unencrypted storage can expose Parquet files to unauthorized access or manipulation. Attackers may exploit vulnerabilities in data pipelines or inject malicious payloads via embedded scripts or metadata. To mitigate risks, organizations must implement encryption, enforce strict access policies, and regularly audit data flows. Securing Parquet files is essential to maintaining data integrity and privacy compliance.