If you thought that the recent data theft from celebrities, where over 200 private pictures appeared on the internet, was just something individuals had to worry about, you’re wrong. Data security is as important for businesses as it is for individuals. In fact, business data security issues can cause all the associated and affiliated individuals to lose money.
According to IP International, Inc., “All the major incidents of data breach from 2005 to 2014 have one thing in common – they have led to losses for both the business and their employees. So, don’t underestimate data security thieves or overestimate your security system when it comes to data.” Even banks like Citibank have faced data security issues. Following are some data security tips to help protect your business –
• Know Your Data – For businesses, sensitive data includes employee data records, credit card details of clients and customers, and financial records of the business. It is important that these sources are identified and appropriate protection is enforced in these areas. They will be the top target for data security thieves if they are not protected adequately.
• Control User Access – Blanket access is the root of all evil. Except auditors, no one in your company should have blanket access to all the data. Always have access controls based on login information. It ensures that only those files that are related to the work of an employee are accessible. For instance, the factory level worker does not need to have access to top management’s growth plans. Sometimes, employees can disclose vital business information unintentionally. Control access prevents that as well. Moreover, it is one more layer between the business and data thieves. It also provides a valuable trail regarding the viewing and usage of every file, especially sensitive ones.
• Mobile Data Security – Because of the BYOD (Bring Your Device to Work) culture in workplaces, data security is as important for mobile devices as it is for computer systems. Smart phones have become technologically capable enough to store vital business information and employees use them all the time. Even mobile banking is growing in frequency, with banking apps on every phone. For mobile data protection, your businesses should introduce policies for security apps on phones to prevent vulnerable data from getting stolen. There are virtualization tools that allow business data on mobile devices to be split into two equal and separate parts.
• Data Encryption – If most of your data is kept onsite, you need to use encryption tools to secure it. These data encryption services make use of security keys to stop data misuse and fraud. Various third party expert data encryption services have access to state of the art tools and technologies that would make your data bullet proof to hackers and data thieves.
• Cloud Storage – Cloud storage is the new tomorrow, now that Google has jumped in on the bandwagon. Various storage plans are available with third party cloud storage services that cater to all the needs of your business – big or small. Make use of cloud storage to store data offsite and away from vulnerabilities. It also has a ton of benefits attached to it, like better security, easy access to data anywhere and anytime, prevention of data loss, and backup.
• Secure Wireless Network – Because of ease of use, wireless networks are used in businesses more frequently. However, it is important to use encryption and password protection in business networks too, so that all the shared information stays private and secure.
• Regular Password Updates – Have the IT department in your company install inbuilt password updates for user accounts at regular intervals. Also, alphanumeric passwords that are system generated should be used instead of users choosing their own weak passwords.
• Hard Data – Hard data is as vulnerable to security theft as soft data. This is why data shredding services should be used to dispose of employee records, credit card statements, and other vital information present in hard copy formats.
Simple tips like this can make your data secure and fend off attackers and thieves.