Almost half of all companies in the United States have experienced a data breach, 49% to be exact. Don’t let your business become a part of that number.
Implement a data security strategy that protects proprietary information within your business.
Protecting data is important for the reputation of your business. Companies who safeguard valuable information builds confidence within their stakeholder’s circle.
Safekeeping data also helps businesses avoid litigation and costly fines. Data breaches lead to serious legal actions from customers.
Are you concerned that your company’s valuable information may be at risk? Follow these steps to ensure your data security strategy is top-notch.
1. Start With a Firewall and Perimeter Protection
Firewalls focus on protecting the perimeter around the data. They’re responsible for blocking incoming connections that intend to harm network computers. Check the firewall settings.
Do it to ensure they’re functioning properly.
Secure the data itself with actual security. Make sure you have security personnel in place trained to secure data.
2. Eliminate Internal Threats
A large percentage of security breaches happen due to internal threats. What are internal threats? Staff members and individuals who have access to company data.
Internal breaches are most often accidental, but they are threats. Employees should never open chain emails or emails from people they don’t recognize.
Chain emails and emails from unrecognized sources contain malware and ransomware. These types of malignant software attach to the individual’s computer and spread through the server like a virus.
Provide your employees with proper security training to protect business data. Ensure visitors comply with the same rules as inside personnel.
3. Use Encryption on All Devices, Internal and External
Encryption is the process of encoding plain text and turning it into ciphertext, making it unreadable. Securing your email attachments and using encryption in emails, texts, and instant messaging adds another layer of data security.
Cyber thieves can’t decipher sensitive information when it’s encrypted. Information protection relies on encryption.
4. Establish Two-Factor Authentication
Complex passwords aren’t enough. Cyber malefactors breach passwords like the alphabet. Establish two-factor authentication.
Two-factor authentication is a second layer of online protection. It’s a security step above usernames and passwords. TFA requires users to pass another level of identification before gaining access to sensitive data.
Set up TFA on all company devices, including remote computers, tablets, and phones.
5. Delete Nonessential Data
Stockpiling nonessential data on your company’s server is a security hazard. It’s also a goldmine for hackers. Delete unnecessary, sensitive data.
Use proper software to ensure accurate disposal. Try certus.software/en/data-erasure/. It provides professional data erasure. Also, don’t let sensitive paperwork sit in company recycle bins.
Hire a professional security shredder service. Set a schedule with the shredder to guarantee secure pickup and shred every week.
Implement Data Security Protocol
Don’t wait until your business experiences a breach to implement data security protocol. Use these strategies to start protecting sensitive data right away.
Find out more about how to protect your business from cyber thieves. Read our business articles for the latest tips and implementations.
