Nearly every company collects and stores valuable customer data, representing a significant investment essential to maintaining. Data security is, thus, without a doubt, paramount. But what is the best way for a company to protect its data?
Learn how to minimize the risk of a data breach and implement critical steps to improve your company’s data security.
Table of Contents
Conduct IT training
A successful data-security program involves active participation from all departments, essential tools and services, and a clear understanding of leveraging each technology. IT training (https://www.beyond20.com/training/cissp-certification-boot-camp/) will equip your team with the knowledge to make educated decisions when handling data security.
This approach will teach employees how to handle sensitive data and identify phishing attempts and other common forms of cyberattack.
Adopt a layered security approach
Effective organization-wide policies are vital in preventing cyber threats. Behavioral analysis, secure networks, application firewalls, anti-malware programs, HTTPS, and encrypted transport are the building blocks of layered data security solutions.
Choosing only one or two solutions can leave you vulnerable to attack. Ensure your company uses multiple technologies throughout your organization to create an impenetrable defense.
Encrypt your data
Keeping your network encrypted helps to prevent intruders from accessing sensitive company information.
Use strong passwords, smartcards, and encryption keys with Two-factor Authentication to protect your data further. Consider using SSL certificates, which encrypt and secure web connections.
Keep the company up to date with security patches
Many data breaches in companies trace back to outdated software management systems that are then vulnerable to hackers. Incorporate timely updates into your security policies.
Regularly installing new patches and operating system updates will improve your organization’s security against potential viruses and malware.
Backup your data
A backup provides a way to retrieve deleted files and replace lost data in case of an attack or error in the system.
A comprehensive disaster recovery plan should include backup and restore capabilities. This way, your organization can recover from software failure, malicious attack, hardware failure, or user error as quickly as possible.
Secure your wireless network
Credentials are often not encrypted, leaving Wi-Fi accounts vulnerable to malicious password attacks. Ensure your wireless network is encrypted and secured by using a reliable network access control solution to detect intruders on the web and prevent unauthorized access.
Set internal controls to guard against employee fraud
An effective security program requires a strong culture of accountability, especially in data security. Implementing internal controls to prevent fraud and abuse in the workplace helps safeguard against external entities and malicious insiders.
Store physical documents securely
While electronic storage is convenient, physical documents can provide malicious third parties with a direct source of sensitive data. Follow strict document handling policies to ensure that documents are used correctly and destroyed when no longer necessary.
Parting shot
Numerous factors go into creating an adequate data protection plan, so it is essential to review them individually and in combination. The right mix of security services, including multi-factor verification and access control systems, can help your company keep its data safe.
