Today, it’s difficult to imagine running a business without using technology. Because before, data collection and management has always been done manually. While this system has been proven effective in the past years, encoding data and information manually can be a long and tedious task, which may result in backlogs, and in some cases, inaccuracies in your records.
Enter the digital age, and businesses have an easier, more storage efficient, and secure way of dealing with data. Files and records can now easily be accessed and stored, helping streamline business processes. However, as much as technology and digitalization have been advantageous, it’d be worth noting, too, that they also come with drawbacks.
Importance of data security
As technology progresses, so do the various threats and risks that come with it. And considering the value and importance of data to businesses and their consumers, they have become vulnerable to data theft and leakage.
And as such, businesses should ensure security system measures to ensure that the data they collect and store is protected. Failing to do so may result in data loss that may have financial repercussions. And more so, the possibility of losing their customers’ trust.
With that in mind, this article will outline some essential tips to help you further improve your small business’s data security.
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Regularly backup your data
Regularly backing up your business data and records is perhaps the most common and easiest way to ensure that your files and essential data are protected and secured from data loss. More so, aside from securing your data, a backup also allows you to recover data and records in the event of a data breach, loss, or theft.
For instance, cyber threats such as malware attacks or hacking, cyber hackers gain access to sensitive business information. And when this happens, they can access, modify, compromise, and even destroy your data storage system. But aside from cyber threats and risks, backing up your data also allows you to retrieve essential business information in the event of system failure or when your network shuts down or crashes.
When backing up your data, it’s essential to have numerous storage options instead of solely relying on a single backup. For instance, you can utilize a backup server or cloud storage to back up your data alongside external hardware, and perhaps, you can also consider a printed copy of your records too. Doing so can allow you to have multiple recovery options should the other backup storage devices get compromised.
Furthermore, you can also consider getting professional assistance and advice from an official source for data services and IT support functions. Doing so allows your organization to be more equipped when facing various data security threats.
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Invest In data security technology
Investing in sound data security software can significantly go a long way in boosting the security measures within your organization. Data security software is designed to protect your data and even your company devices against cyber threats such as malware attacks, suspicious links, and sites.
Generally, antivirus and anti-malware software warn you when a site or link you’re about to visit seems suspicious. More so, they also scan the files in your system for possible viruses. They can sort out files found to be infected with malware in quarantine, isolating the file from the rest of your system.
With that said, installing data security software can notably boost the security strength of your system and devices and equipment used by your employees.
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Use a secure network connection
Indeed, technology and the internet have made transactions and collaborations, both within the organization and outside, more convenient and highly accessible. In just one click, you’d get to send and receive files and documents necessary for your operations. However, as beneficial technology is, online transmission of files and documents poses risks too. They can easily be intercepted, and emails can be hacked.
A secure network connection is a must. Cybercriminals can infiltrate your system and data exchange through your network. Consider adding additional online security measures, such as a firewall and a VPN, to strengthen your network security. Consider transmitting your data only through a network protected with WPA2 encryption.
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Utilize strong passwords in accounts and devices
Enforcing strong passwords is essential to the security and protection of your business data. Essentially, a password acts as a gate that filters employees from accessing sensitive information and records.
Ideally, passwords must be changed regularly, and a good rule of thumb to follow is to update them once every three to six months. More so, a strong password has a good combination of uppercase and lower-case letters and numbers.
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Train your employees on data privacy
Your employees play a vital role in helping ensure that your files and data are secured and protected. After all, they’re the ones regularly accessing and modifying these files. As such, it’s essential to make sure that your team members know how important data security is and how they can contribute to safeguarding sensitive files and data.
For instance, some companies have a policy prohibiting employees from using unauthorized external storage devices on company laptops, as doing so allows them to limit file transfers. While, other companies do not allow downloading files that aren’t related to the business operations, such as games and non-company associated media.
More so, you can further improve security measures in the workplace by conducting regular employee training and holding seminars on how your employees can stay vigilant and prepared against suspicious links, downloading files from unusual sources, and being susceptible to phishing. Investing in a managed file transfer solution can further support data security without impairing worker productivity. In doing so, you’ll be able to protect your business’ data along with your employees and customers.
Final words
It’s without a doubt that more small businesses are now continuing to shift and rely on digital technology, as they’ve been proven to be more practical, efficient, and convenient. But along its advantages come the risks and potential threats. As such, it’s essential for business owners to ensure that they protect the data they collect, store, and process.
And with the tips mentioned above, along with your research, you can be on your way to making a more informed decision on how you can further improve and boost your business’ data security in this digital age.
