5 Key Steps to Safeguard Your Business from Data Breaches
How confident are you regarding the digital security of your organization? Do you feel that it is capable of thwarting modern threats? These are important questions to ask, as the world of cybersecurity has become more challenging than ever before. Let us, therefore, look at five key strategies which should be employed if you wish to keep proprietary information safe at all times.
1.Employee Education
It has been estimated that up to 95 percent of all security faults will result from employee mistakes. This is why on-site education is critical. All stakeholders should be made aware of any potential threats. They should likewise be provided with the skills and insight required to identify a potential breach as soon as it occurs.
2.A Virtual Sense of Redundancy
Concepts such as edge computing and cloud-based data storage are on the rise. One of the reasons behind this observation is that they provide businesses with an extra level of redundancy. If a data breach is detected (or even if on-site data is compromised), cloud solutions can offer useful backup solutions. Firms can rest assured that they are in good hands and the same respect, clients will appreciate this extra layer of security.
3.Employ Advanced Encryption Methods
Encryption is key in this day and age. Of course, the concept of scrambling information between sender and recipient is certainly nothing new. The main takeaway point here is that times have changed regarding the methods which are now employed.
One of the most advanced and effective solutions involves a system known as Secure Sockets Layer (SSL). SSL encryption renders sensitive information all but unreadable unless a one-time digital “key” is provided to both parties. This is actually the very same system used by countless banks, financial institutions, and government agencies. It can be just as easily deployed within a modern business environment.
4.Data Destruction
There may be times when specific devices are no longer being used for business purposes. Smartphones, tablets, and HDD drives can all fall into this category. The data contained within these systems must not be able to be accessed by a third party. This is when the power of IT asset disposition (ITAD) comes into play.
ITAD is a means by which businesses can render all of the information within such devices useless. Here are some common techniques that are often used:
- Physically destroying the device in question.
- Overwriting the data.
- Magnetic degaussing (erasing the information with the use of a strong electromagnetic field).
As it is now common for important information to be stored on portable devices, embracing the notion of ITAD is extremely important in terms of thwarting data breaches.
5.Proactive Adaptation
Cybersecurity threats are evolving at a breakneck pace. Therefore, many of the methods used in the past are no longer valid. Some may even expose a business to previously unknown faults which can thereafter be exploited. This is why it is critical to keep abreast of the latest technological advancements.
One commonly used strategy involves third-party auditing. These audits will help a business to better appreciate if its security techniques are effective and if any faults are present. They are also great ways to appreciate any additional options that may be available. Perhaps most importantly, the right adaptations can be made at the appropriate times. After all, the best way to counter a cybersecurity threat is to be made aware of its existence.
Stemming the Digital Tide
Studies have shown that a staggering 47 percent of all US-based companies have experienced some type of data breach within the past year. Unfortunately, this number is likely far higher than the figures suggest.
This is why it is important to use the latest technological solutions before a serious data breach actually occurs. All of the steps mentioned above can be employed together to enjoy greater peace of mind. Do not hesitate to refer back to this article for future guidance or inspiration when needed.
- 5 Key Steps to Safeguard Your Business from Data Breaches - August 10, 2021
