Business data plays a fundamental role in decision-making. This information collection helps companies understand what customers want, how they behave, and what they need to provide better services. This leads to better sales and profits for the company.
However, hackers are accessing data from various companies each day. If your organization is online and stores sensitive customer or company data, it’s best to ensure this information is safe and secure. Otherwise, no one would want to do business with your company if they knew anyone could steal their private data.
Here are some tips to ensure the safety of your business data:
1. Implement Cloud-Based System Security
Cloud-based system security combines technology, protocols, and procedures to secure data stored in the cloud. With cloud-based system security, it lessens the severity of any data or system breach. It protects your organization from cyber threats, phishing, malware, and ransomware.
In addition, it can reduce the impact of any data or system compromise to prevent further data leaks. It’s ideal for businesses with a small budget to spend on IT services but still want state-of-the-art protection against cyber-attacks.
2. Use Encryption Technology
Encryption scrambles your data so no one can read it without the proper key or password. This means that even if someone steals or copies your hard drive or backup, they won’t be able to access any sensitive information unless they know how to decrypt it.
As you use encryption technology, ensure you choose a program tested by independent testing labs and certified by security experts. Most operating systems offer built-in encryption tools that are easy to use but are slower than third-party software solutions like Symantec Endpoint Encryption (formerly PGP Desktop).
3. Leverage A Password Manager
Passwords can be hard to remember, so people often resort to writing them down or storing them in an insecure location, such as a text file on their computer. Using a password manager allows users to generate unique passwords for each account they have access to, which makes it harder for hackers to gain access.
When looking for a password manager, it helps to consider the following features:
- Security: You want to ensure that your passwords are stored securely and encrypted so only you can access them. It would be better to look for secure password generation options and other security features like two-factor authentication.
- Password Sharing: This feature allows multiple people to share one master password if a single user needs access to various accounts. This is helpful when several employees need access to duplicate accounts but want to ensure everyone knows their login credentials.
- Ease Of Use: A good password manager is easy to use. It should also be intuitive so that even non-technical users can utilize it. A good password manager should allow you to store your passwords in an encrypted form, meaning only you can access them. This way, they cannot be stolen by third parties.
Most password managers offer the same basic features but differ in their ease of use and security options. Considering these three main features, you can find a technology that best fits your company’s cybersecurity needs.
4. Modernize Physical Security
Another step in keeping your business’s data secure is ensuring your network security is up to date. This means installing updated firewalls, antivirus software, and other security measures. It also means ensuring all employees follow proper security procedures when accessing company data on their devices.
For example, if employees have access to sensitive information on their laptops or mobile devices, they must lock them down before leaving them unattended in public places. Also, ensure your staff is properly trained to handle sensitive data to prevent unintended disclosures.
5. Update Software And Security Patches
This is one of the most critical security measures to protect your business against cyber-attacks. Hackers use exploits in software to gain access to systems and networks. Hence, keeping your software updated helps prevent these exploits from being used against you.
As you update software, keep in mind that the updates sometimes come with other features that may be useful for your business. For example, antivirus software comes with spam filters and anti-phishing protection, which are highly beneficial for companies that deal with customers over email.
6. Invest In Antivirus Software
Ensure all devices that access company systems have up-to-date antivirus software installed and set up correctly. Antivirus software can only be effective if it’s updated regularly. It’s also essential to check if the antivirus program has the highest level of protection possible for the platform being used.
When looking for antivirus software, it’s best to choose one with a reputation for high quality and reliability. It should also have excellent customer service so that you can get help if something goes wrong with your subscription or if you need assistance configuring it correctly on your computer.
7. Monitor Network Activity
Tracking network activity helps you understand what’s happening on your network. You can use various tools to do this, including devices that monitor real-time activity and more sophisticated software that will give you a detailed analysis of your network.
For example, if a rogue employee is stealing data, this monitoring will let you know. These tools are also helpful when changing your network or keeping an eye on potential network vulnerabilities.
8. Be Careful With Suspicious Emails
Phishing emails, which use deceptive methods to obtain personal information, are standard for hackers to gain access to sensitive information. One of the most common email scams involves sending an email that appears to be from a legitimate company, such as your bank.
The email may have a link that directs you to a fake website where you’re asked to enter your username and password. Hackers can access your account and steal your money if you comply. To avoid these scams, never click on links in suspicious emails or enter personal information into suspicious websites. Instead, call the company directly or visit the website by typing in their uniform resource locator (URL) into your browser’s address bar.
Key Takeaway
Business data is vital in gaining investment and sales opportunities. Therefore, it’s best to invest in its safety with these eight tips. Once you do so, you might attract more investors and customers willing to support your company while increasing revenue.
