Data breaches cost an average of $3.86 million. For a small business, losing money from data breaches alongside the accompanying damaged reputation can be difficult to recover from.
When it comes to data security, being on the defense works much better than trying to clean up the resulting damage. If you’re looking for ways to take your data security to the next level, here are simple ways to do just that.
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1. Create a Strategy
Instead of having a vague verbal idea of procedure and data policy, have a well-thought-out one on pen and paper.
This should be as detailed as possible and capture the thoughts of all internal parties involved. If you do not have a professional equipped to handle this adequately internally, consider bringing a security consultancy firm on board.
Ultimately, this document will be your reference point on all matters of security. Some of the things it should cover include data protection policy and resources, breach reporting procedure, and a systematic approach to handling breaches.
Also Read: Is DevOps the Future of CyberSecurity? An Analysis
2. Malware Protection
With over 9.9 billion attacks in 2019 alone, entrepreneurs can no longer assume that they cannot be hit.
It’s an open secret that malware can be delivered into your work machines without you realizing it. And you don’t want to think about the kind of trouble this can mean. Data loss is almost always guaranteed when this happens.
Ransomware is equally rampant. Here, cybercriminals take charge of your stored data and ask for a ransom with the threat of leaking it. Even after paying, you can never be sure that access to your files will be stored and if the information will not be used maliciously.
What this means is that data security must be main concern for businesses. Always be conscious of the fact that no business is too small to be attacked.
3. Update Software
Having software is one thing. Having outdated software is another. Hackers can identify old versions of software, which makes systems easy to exploit.
It is absolutely important to update operating systems, device security settings, and other software’s to run on the latest versions to prevent this from happening.
4. Partner With a Reputable VDR Service
Reputable Virtual Data Room service providers offer specialized protections for the data they hold for your business.
Some of these protections include segmenting access with varying access permissions. This ensures that different people access different sets of information, as is necessary. Data encryption and malicious software detections are other perks you get here.
But not every data room service will guarantee top-notch security. Check out firmex.com if you are looking for a tried and tested virtual data room provider.
Also Read: Why Taking Disciplinary Action Against Cybersecurity Errors Is a Grave Mistake
5. Employee Education
Looking at security as a preserve of management or the IT department is bound to end badly. Everyone who handles your business information or your computers can leave the business vulnerable to an attack.
For this reason, every employee at your firm should get security training. The first exposure to this should be during induction. There should then be several refresher training sessions and drills to ensure each person knows what to do when.
Companies with more sensitive data also institute strict policies like banning employees from bringing their own devices or leaving the premises with work computers and storage disks.
6. Dispose of Data Properly
Data disposal is another critical factor in avoiding data breaches. Once information becomes obsolete, you still have to ensure that it does not fall into the wrong hands.
If you cannot do this internally, getting an IT disposal partner can ensure your data is overwritten severally, making it impossible for a third party to recover the data.
Your data protection strategy should also clearly outline what your data disposal protocol is for each item. These include phones, flash memory, computers, and external hard drives.
7. Consistency is Key
When it comes to security, small, consistent efforts will take you farther than larger, occasional attempts. Define your policy and follow through on it on the day to day.
In the end, you will realize that protecting your business information is probably even more important than growing it.
