Cybersecurity threats demand that you institutionalize proper data protection measures for your business information. On the other side, business data isn’t only in danger of cyberthreats, but it can also get lost because of natural calamities, like fire, storms, and earthquakes. As a result, exercising vigilance is vital for every business owner.
Moreover, important information concerning your customers, such as credit card numbers, bank details, among other information, must be secure according to cybersecurity laws–many states and countries have laws that make it mandatory to protect private business information from access by hackers. If any data security is compromised, it might result in severe repercussions such as facing some lawsuits, loss of business revenue, or closure of business operations.
You can learn more about data security by reading this article or other reputable sources. If you’re thinking of boosting the security of your business data in 2022, here are some measures that you can implement:
One of the leading measures you can use in your business is to ensure that your local business network isn’t open to the public. As a result, you should liaise with an internet professional to design a VPN for your business. The advantage of a VPN is that it ensures all devices that aren’t registered to operate in your network are denied access.
Additionally, you can add an extra layer of security to your VPN by introducing a firewall that reinforces internal security by protecting all external traffic. A firewall uses two-factor authentication. Only grant authentication into the network to internal staff to bypass the firewall protection measure through passwords. If someone needs to use another device, your IT professionals will have to manually allow access.
An antivirus is a data security software used to scan viruses and malware, such as ransomware. So, buy an antivirus that suits your data security needs. Different antiviruses have specific uses. Ensure that every gadget has the antivirus and that it regularly updates. Moreover, teach your staff how to use and update the antivirus.
Another advantage of antivirus software is that it helps identify sites that are non-secure. In addition, you can also scan any document online to know whether it has potential threats before downloading it to your computer.
Data backup is one of the security measures that you can’t do without. When you have a backup for your data, it ensures the continuity of your business operations if you lose some data due to fire, hailstorms, or earthquakes. When any of these calamities happen, then you have a restore point of your data.
Some of the measures you can use for data backup are storing your information in external media, such as external hard disks and flash disks. Additionally, you can also have a backup server that isn’t on your business premises. An external server acts as a failover if hackers compromise your internal server or natural calamities destroy it.
The cloud is made of large data centers in several places of the globe. They offer vast space for storing any amount of data. Therefore, you can consider transferring your data to the cloud.
Cloud services employ the latest form of internet security, which is difficult for hackers to compromise. Additionally, the work of ensuring online security for your information doesn’t lie on your shoulders but the cloud service providers. With cloud services, you can choose who can access your data by sending them a link.
Moreover, you can set up a cloud VoIP telephone system that safeguards your business communications. A VoIP also provides call forwarding, recording, teleconferencing, and remote working services.
Strong passwords are essential for all your software, especially your customer relationship management (CRM) system, and human resource software. You need strong passwords for all company devices such as laptops, desktops, tablets, and smartphones. Strong passwords shouldn’t be less than eight characters. Additionally, use a combination of lower-case letters and upper-case letters. Moreover, use special characters within your passwords.
Avise staff to avoid using their name or other simple names as a password because they are easier for hackers to guess.
Every business should place great importance on data protection measures. History has it that even some organizations with high-security measures suffer breaches of data security. Whether you own a small business or a large corporation, you have to exercise vigilance in modern cyberspace. Protect your rights and know if you are also entitled to a data breach claim. Therefore, your in-house team has a big responsibility for helping you with data protection measures. Also, managed IT services might also be an alternative.
