Considering the hard work business owners put into serving their customers, increasing their brand visibility and customer trust, and boosting their sales, they should make sure there are security measures to protect their investment, finances, and shoppers’ and clients’ data. Following the security tips listed below, business owners of online and physical businesses can keep their company’s sensitive data secure and safe from hacking, fraud, theft, and other malicious activities.
Classify the types of data the company handles
The first step in dealing with sensitive data and putting the proper protective measures in place is to differentiate between sensitive and non-sensitive data. Distinguishing between the two types of data makes it easier to outline a policy for handling crucial information. Some classifications for corporate data include restricted, private, and public.
For instance, private data requires more security compared to public data and needs more cautious handling. On the other hand, restricted data shouldn’t be accessible to everyone, but only to certain employees on a need-basis only.
Implement robust access controls and data storage
Use a central point to manage the accessibility of sensitive data. Doing so allows workplaces to define who should be able to access certain information accurately. One option is utilizing a virtual private server (VPS) solution—such as that offered by OVHcloud—that can suit all their business needs and is capable of scaling up as a company grows.
VPS solutions by OVHcloud have Intel next-generation architecture power, an NVMe SSD storage capabilities, and resilient infrastructure. Such technology provides optimal performance and an efficient way to manage web projects, store, and save data. Using VPS backup options offered by OVHcloud allows business owners to protect their companies by storing and securing data on external storage spaces.
Have ways to prevent a data breach
Employees must do their best to take precautionary steps to protect the data they possess and can access. Keeping computers, laptops, and devices in safe spaces in the workplace and other public places can prevent theft and data security violations. Should a device go missing, team members and business owners should report the theft immediately. Additional measures to take include encrypting all computers, devices, and technology that contains sensitive data.
Create strategies and solutions for surviving a data breach
Developing a fool-proof plan for protection against a data breach can be challenging. Still, organizations should do their best to implement a planned strategy to follow if sensitive information gets compromised. When the company becomes aware of and figures out lost data in a security breach, the next step should be actions such as changing passwords or switching relevant financial institutions.
Give employees proper education on network security practices
Some businesses permit employees to bring personal laptops, mobile devices, smartphones, and other technological devices in the workplace and on the premises. Such policies can be problematic because everyone may not have encryption on their devices. Additionally, employees with an operating system that isn’t up to date could cause potential data leakage. Furthermore, malware may impact the corporate network because of mobile devices that lack protection.
One solution for business owners is to make a USB thumb drives bulk purchase. A USB flash drive is a safe storage space for data and files. USB thumb drives can have various data storage sizes: 1GB, 2GB, 4GB, 8GB, 16GB, 32GB, 64GB, 124GB, 256GB, or 512GB. Providing team members with a USB drive to use for business purposes only is one way to keep personal data from mixing with private, sensitive corporate information and prevent viruses and threats to data security.
Business owners and data security experts can benefit from providing data and technology use training. To make it known to new employees that the company prioritizes data security, consider educating team members on security practices during the onboarding process.
Addressing security in the workplace and ensuring everyone understands the relevant procedures and policies is crucial to ensuring team members can work with business owners to protect the company and its data.
