For any business, data is money. So many companies have lost thousands of dollars as a result of a data breach. A data breach occurs when information about a client is lost, stolen, exposed or viewed by unauthorized individuals. This information can be their payment details, health records, financial records or any other information deemed sensitive.
When these data are breached, these can cause harm to the client, and that is why it’s important that a business takes all the measures to protect the data. It is also wise that a business engages firms offering managed IT support services in their data protection processes to maximize data security.
If you have been keen on data breach statistics, you will realize that the trend is going upwards. And the worst part about it is that it can take as long as three months before a company realizes the damage. And, what follows after that is suit after suit.
So, what are some of the ways a business can protect its client’s data from hackers?
Use tiered data protection
Having a single layer of protection to a system is very dangerous because once it is hacked, that is it. On the other hand, having several layers helps to counter any threats and, hence, protect your data. You can incorporate different protection techniques such as encryption, authentication, passwords, and authorization. Encryption software helps to distort information and make it unreadable in the case where information is unlawfully accessed.
When using passwords, make sure that the passwords are hard to guess. If possible, combine numbers, symbols, and letters in the passwords and codes. Another good alternative is to use passphrases instead of passwords. These can be a quote from a favorite author or just about any phrase that you can easily remember.
On top of that, solutions such as antispyware, firewalls, and virus and threat detection programs can save you a whole lot of loss in securing your networks and servers to protect your stored data.
Limit employee access
Limit access to your servers by regularly changing door-lock combinations and codes. Ensure that only the chosen few have the access codes and that they understand the consequences of leaking them out. If a staff leaves your company and they had access to passwords and codes, make sure you change them immediately.
Regular updates
Regularly update your anti-malware software as well as operating systems to protect your data from recent malware. Updating operating systems may seem so time-consuming, but the dangers of not doing it are regrettable. Most OS updates are done once a month or biweekly so make a point of setting the updates on automatic. Every day, there is new malware created by hackers, and without regular updates, your data is at risk.
Do a remote data wiping
Most businesses allow their staff to move around with their laptops and office cell phones which poses a great risk should they be stolen. The solution to this is to immediately perform a remote data wiping in case a staff reports that their device has been stolen. For those who use Apple’s iCloud to store their data, this function is part of their standard package. Google, too, has a similar function for its clients.
Once a client trusts you with sensitive information about themselves or their business, it is vital that you protect that information. Some information is so sensitive that if it lands in the wrong hands, it will bring your business down faster than you can imagine.
