10 Proactive Tips to Protect Your Company’s Data in 2018

Cybercriminals will do everything in their power to gain access to your network, so they can steal or destroy your data. Unfortunately, hacking is on the rise, as it is believed cybercrime costs will reach approximately $6 trillion annually by 2021, which will have doubled from $3 trillion in 2015.

However, it is not only cybercriminals who pose a threat to your data, as your employees can also be one of the biggest data security threats to your business. For this reason, you should read the 10 proactive tips to protect your company’s data in 2018.

1. Data Encryption

Sensitive files should be inaccessible from eavesdroppers onsite and when sending them to a colleague, business associate, supplier, investor, or lawyer. If you want to keep your critical data private, you should seriously consider data encryption, which will keep your files confidential. It simply translates data into another code or form, and only those with a decryption key will be able to gain access to the file to read it.

2. Encryption within the Cloud

It is not only your onsite data you will need to encrypt. You must also encrypt any data stored within a cloud solution. Using the cloud is a little like storing your critical files on another person’s computer, as you will lose some form of control over the data. If you classify a document as sensitive or classified, you should encrypt it before storing it inside the cloud. You should also learn more about the cloud solution’s backup policies, data breach communication policy and learn who will have access to your files.

3. Create Stronger Passwords

Human error can be the biggest threat to your business. It only takes one weak password to help a cybercriminal gain access to your network. It is critical that both you and your employees continually create strong passwords to prevent hackers cracking your system and rifling through your data. All employees must follow the strong password policy to ensure your network security is protected at all times, and provide cybersecurity training to educate them on cyberattacks and what they can do to strengthen onsite data security.

4. Update Your Software

Have you constantly been avoiding a computer update? Is your security software set to expire? Or maybe your CMS system is requesting you update to the latest version. If so, you must keep every computer, software or solution updated to protect your business and data. Cybercriminals will look for vulnerabilities within your systems to release and spread malware across your network. An automatic update could ultimately defend your business against vulnerabilities and threats.

5. Secure Your Office

Unfortunately, there might be a disgruntled member of staff who is willing to go to great lengths to steal or destroy your data. For example, an ambitious employee might be tempted to gain access to your classified information to steal your clients or provide information to your competitors. It is essential to monitor your office space to ensure there isn’t an internal data breach, which could negatively impact your company. For this reason, you should consider installing security cameras, which you can incorporate into your personal office or in an open-plan space. You can then routinely review the footage and identify if unscrupulous tactics are taking place across the business. Visit Sentel Tech for the best security and hidden cameras for your workplace.

6. Prepare for a Data Disaster

Even the most secure organizations can suffer a data disaster. It only takes one small vulnerability to risk your onsite security. For this reason, you must create a plan of action, so you will have effective steps to turn to following a cybersecurity breach. By swiftly taking steps to secure your business and restore your data, you could potentially prevent legal ramifications and maintain your positive corporate reputation. For example, you should have a data backup in place to help you make a swift recovery following a malware attack, such as ransomware.

7. Do Not Punish Your Employees for a Data Breach

It is important to develop an open-door policy when it comes to a data breach. You should encourage your staff to report a potential data breach immediately, and you should not punish an employee for creating a vulnerability. If you punish your staff, they will be less likely to report a potential data breach for fear of repercussions.

8. Care for Portable Devices

Many business owners and employees will take portable corporate devices offsite, such as laptops and smartphones. Remember, portable devices will contain sensitive data that could be easily accessed by a third-party, especially if you were to leave the gadgets in a public place or taxi. Again, all data should be encrypted on each device to protect your business, but you should also utilize a remote wipe facility if a device is lost or stolen. You should also encourage all employees to report a lost device immediately, so you can take the appropriate action.

9. Executives Must be Diligent

Cybercriminals are intelligent. They are more likely to target a CEO or executive, as they will understand they will hold the most sensitive information. Yet many companies make the big mistake of providing executives with more leniency when it comes to data security, as they operate more freely outside the firewall. Both the business owner and executives must, therefore, be more diligent when it comes to data security, which can prevent financial, legal, and reputational ramifications.

10. Update Security Models

Many companies have an “if it is not broke, don’t fix it” approach to running their business. As a result, they may fail to consider improved systems that could help them adapt to the ever-changing security landscape. This level of complacency could, unfortunately, be a business’s downfall, as they could be using obsolete technologies that could pose a risk to their security. Regularly review the finest security models available for your business, which should be combined with cybersecurity training and education.