Data protection can decrease the risk of cyber-attacks that can negatively impact your company and your reputation. It is essential to know the best practices to protect your sensitive information and follow these guidelines. A breach of private information could result in lawsuits or fines that could have long-term consequences for your business or you personally.
Password protection is essential for all devices and files This simple action can stop hackers from gaining access to your information. Use passwords that are complex and combine letters, numbers and symbols. Change default passwords offered by vendors to more secure ones as soon as you are able to. Update your anti-virus software regularly and conduct a security scan on your server and computer.
Don’t send personal information or confidential information via email. This includes Social Security Numbers, bank account numbers passwords, etc. Email isn’t safe, and it is susceptible to being accessed.
Secure your network and data – Make sure you use strong encryption to protect your laptops, computers, and portable storage devices. This will allow you to send information to third parties safely and protect data on the devices. It is also essential to have a plan in place for responding to a cyber attack that includes who to notify and how to respond (e.g., employees customers, credit institutions, and employees).
Make sure that you have a copy of all your data. The offline copies should be kept in an entirely separate location from where your primary copies are kept. This will help to prevent attackers from gaining unauthorized access to your primary copy, or from deleting it.