Data is the lifeblood of any business. Keeping your business’s data secure and safe is critical for your organization and, in turn, your clients. Here are some essential tips on how to keep your business data protected.
1) Always Encrypt your Business Data
One of the first safeguards to secure your organization’s information is by implementing robust data encryption. If you encrypt your data, it becomes useless unless the passphrase or password to decrypt it is available. Even if your critical data files are duplicated or stolen, you are protected as nobody can read the data without the appropriate decryption code. You should make it a company policy to encrypt your company’s desktops, tablets, laptops, USB drives, e-mails, and even smartphones. By doing so, you can protect your valuable business data.
2) Have a Robust Data Backup Policy
If an employee’s device is stolen or damaged, you could lose all the data stored in it. You should implement a well enumerated backup policy across your organization. It should cover data backup frequency, person to contact in case of data loss, and the protocol to restore backed up data.
3) Backup Your Data in the Cloud
Backing up your data in the cloud can be more secure than storing it on site. There are some significant advantages of using cloud computing in your business. A few cloud computing service providers even encrypt your data for you. In fact, in some cases, the cloud service provider’s security is so robust that it allows file decryption files only when the file in question is accessed from specific IP addresses by certain individuals.
4) Implement Secure Remote file Server Storage with Need-Based Access Restrictions
Extend your existing IT infrastructure by implementing secure remote file server access. By doing so, you can enable cloud access to your existing on-premise file servers. What’s more, you can leverage your native NTFS permissions for folder hierarchies already setup in your organization. It is essential to choose a remote file server solution that allows you to restrict remote server access based upon the individual’s requirement to access the data.
5) Always Update your Computers Regularly
It is a fact that antivirus and operating system updates consume a lot of time and eat up system resources. But, these are critical from the data security perspective. In many cases, such updates improve security, close back doors, and have patches that fill security holes. If you ignore updating your computers, you could expose your system to hackers on the internet.
6) Implement Robust Password Policies Across your Organization
Ensure that your employees adhere to password best practices and select hard-to-guess passwords. Enable two-factor authentication wherever you can, and have your employees use passphrases or use a combination of symbols, numbers, and letters. It is critical not to use the same password for more than a single account.
Your password policy should prohibit saving passwords in browsers or writing them down on paper. Another strict no-no is storing passwords in spreadsheets, documents, or other unsecured files. In case of a resignation or a dismissal, you should be able to quickly revoke access and change passwords so that your ex-employees cannot access sensitive business data.
7) Carry Out Regular Staff Training Programs
You should carry out regular training programs for your staff across the organization. The training should cover how to follow best data security practices during your staff’s day to day operation. Be sure to emphasize how your team should practice appropriate discretion in communications by not including personal information in unencrypted emails. Restrict staff access to software and systems containing personal or financial data only in areas directly related to their work.
In Summary
In an always-on and ultra-connected world, vast quantities of personal and business data are handled daily. To stay on top of various cybersecurity issues such as phishing attacks and ransomware threats, you must take appropriate steps to keep your business data protected at all times. By implementing the tips mentioned in this article, you and your system administrators can breathe easy and get a good night’s sleep.
