If you’re a business, you don’t want just anyone getting their hands on your data. Individuals don’t appreciate this any more than businesses, but data security is an even greater concern for companies since they hold both their own data and that of their customers. Data security is the set of strategies for protecting data from prying eyes and keeping it only within reach of those who should have access to it.
The Rising Tide of Cyber Threats
It’s no news that cyber threats are on the rise. In the past, most malware and cyber threats were created by small-time hackers as a challenge or for a thrill. But this is no longer the case. More than ever, cyber threats are financially motivated and primarily target businesses.
From phishing scams to ransomware attacks, the bad actors are always looking for a way in and a way to profit from it. It’s a never-ending game of cat and mouse. This is why data security is paramount and non-negotiable.
Compliance and Regulations
The above-mentioned rise in cyber dangers hasn’t gone unnoticed by government bodies. Regulations like GDPR in Europe and various state laws in the U.S. are testaments to the fact. Beyond the basic need to protect what’s yours, you must stay compliant to avoid fines as a business. Furthermore, compliance shows your customers you care about their privacy. If customers feel insecure about a company’s treatment of their data, they aren’t as likely to stick around. Therefore, you must keep them happy by following the rules of the law.
The Human Element: Weakest Link or Strongest Ally?
Believe it or not, the biggest threat to your data might be right in front of your eyes, unseen and unacknowledged. And it isn’t a matter of malice. Human error – like clicking on a suspicious link or using “password” as a password – can open the door to all sorts of trouble.
Mistakes happen, and those who make them shouldn’t feel guilty about them. Whether due to an omission, distraction, or panic, your team must be ready to mitigate such errors. Train them to provide a shield to protect your digital domain.
Data Security: A How-To Guide
Knowing why data security matters more than ever is just one-half of the battle. The other half is implementing it in a comprehensive manner. Let’s look at some tips for how to do it effectively.
Assess and Identify
Before you can effectively protect your data, you must have an idea of what needs protecting and how much. For the first task, figure out what data you have, where you’re storing it, and who has access to it.
For example, you might need different defense strategies for locally stored data versus that on the cloud. Similarly, larger volumes or more spread-out data might need different strategies. The steps you take will also depend on the type of business you do. If you handle considerable customer data or sensitive information, such as legal or medical matters, you might want even tighter security. It’s much easier to devise a strategy when you have a structure in mind.
Implement Strong Defenses
Some defenses are easy to implement while still strong. For example, use strong passwords and a password manager. Even better, enable two-factor authentication to protect your accounts, even in cases when your passwords get leaked in a data breach.
If you notice any unusual activity, change the password and notify domain owners or authorities, depending on the circumstances. Also, keep hardware and software up to date, especially against security vulnerabilities. Business software may not get updated as often as individual software, but developers provide support for longer. However, if support for your software has ended, you may want to look into an upgrade soon.
Regular Check-Ups
Review security measures periodically to see if they’re all up to date and if you’ve missed something. Conduct vulnerability assessments or let a professional do it for you. It’s better to stay on top of any vulnerabilities before they get exploited than discover them after an intruder does.
If you have an in-house team, they’ll carry out these regular checks as a part of their routine. However, if such a team isn’t an option for your company, you might benefit from outsourcing to a subscription-based IT service.
Plan for the Worst
If you want the very best outcome, you should be prepared for the worst. Have an incident response plan in place and train your team to act accordingly. It should cover possible data breaches, data loss or corruption, backups, and a strategy to get back on track if you can’t retrieve damaged data. If the worst happens, you and your team will know exactly what to do. Furthermore, be honest with your customers and business partners in case of a disaster. Trying to downplay or cover it up will only invite more problems than you’re already struggling to handle.
Finding Your Data Security Champion
An in-house cyber security team is an option for some businesses. If your business is large, profitable, and deals with sensitive information, it might be preferable to have a local team. However, for others, it might be easier to outsource data security to a trustworthy third-party service.
Data security is a significant concern everywhere, including Burnsville, Twin Cities, Fargo, Duluth, and St. Cloud. Metro Sales is the partner you want by your side if you’re in any of these locations. Our team of seasoned experts is ready to help you build a fortress around your data and keep it safe and sound. From emergency responses to regular check-ups and savvy advice, we can help guide you every step of the way.
If you’re ready to step up your data security game, look no further. Head over to our contact page, and let’s have a conversation about how we can protect your business’s most valuable asset. With Metro Sales, you’re gaining a partner who cares about keeping your data locked down and in the right hands.