The world is using digital solutions with increased frequency. Technology has, without a doubt, revolutionised the business world, made everything faster, easier and more efficient. Tasks that would be known as time-consuming to a fault in the past can now be solved in the blink of an eye via automation. It has also meant that employees don’t have to concern themselves with repetitive, tedious tasks and can allocate their energy and expertise to more important workplace pursuits.
But how about safety? Has technology made business practices of all kinds more secure? The answer is both yes and no. While on one hand the improvements brought to safety and reliability are second to none – given how tech has brought innovations such as workforce management software, facial recognition, security robots and touchless access systems – there have also been drawbacks. Society’s ever-increasing reliance on technological developments has also meant that there’s a bigger opening hackers can sneak through in their search for sensitive data to exploit.
For businesses this has become a serious problem, and companies are constantly trying to stay ahead of the attackers and protect the integrity of their data. It’s a serious problem if it becomes exposed. Not only does it translate to loss of reputation and clientele, it can signify looking down at a long path of solving lawsuits and legal claims, which affect business progress like no other. And while large corporations may be able to bounce back after a while, many small or medium-sized businesses never recover. The best way to avoid this gloomy scenario is to prioritise data security within your enterprise. Here’s how to do it.
Devise A Strategy
When you’re trying to improve business procedures, the most important thing is to create a clear action plan. Having only a rough, vague idea of what you want to do is going to hamper your progress, causing you to reach your goals slower. When you have a clear aim in sight, it’s more difficult to get sidetracked, as when you start working on something you’re going to discover more things that aren’t right about it. However, taking up new projects when the initial one isn’t finished will only cause you to leave many tasks unfinished.
Create an IT security policy that’s as comprehensive and exhaustive as possible. Include strategies for heightened protection, as well as plans for what ought to be done in the event everything goes amiss. While you want to avoid that point, it’s also important to be realistic and prepare for the worst-case scenario. This is a beneficial mindset because it will help you make better decisions in the hypothetical situation of a data breach. When companies learn they’ve been targeted, IT teams and managers are likely to panic. Spur of the moment reactions can actually add to the damage, and may not even be effective at halting the damage.
And don’t believe that just because you’ve outlined your strategy once you’re completely done with it. Do your research and keep yourself upgraded on any new arrivals in the cyber security market. Stay knowledgeable about the digital threats that are making the rounds in the online sphere so you can keep your business safe and sound. Update your plan as often as you need. After all, you want it to act as a practical solution, not a purely theoretical one.
Fight Back Against Malware
Malware is a chief cause of data infringement. The best way to avoid it is to secure computers against it. To do this, you need to install a powerful antivirus on company computers. It’s very important to choose a software that’s strong and can withstand attacks. If just one computer is compromised, chances are the rest will be too, given how businesses often connect PCs.
For the best, safest solution, choose the Norton 360 suite. It protects a wide range of devices, ranging from computers to tablets and smartphones, against malware, phishing (a leading cause in data breach events), and spyware. Norton scores high on specialised tests, due to their policy of frequent updates. Hackers are getting craftier and more adept at cracking systems, so it’s important to get protective software that is aware of these changes and seeks to stop them in their tracks before they get the chance to cause substantial damage.
You should also make sure the system is getting constant updates. Older versions of the operating system and applications you use are likely to pose vulnerabilities. They’re easier to exploit, while the latest upgrades offer increased protection. Doubled by the additional safety offered by an antivirus, you can be sure you’ve got optimal security in place.
Data Disposal
When you’re running a small start-up, you probably don’t have a very good idea of the proper practices used for data disposal. However, it is one of the key factors that can help you avoid a security breach. The truth is that in many instances of private information leaks, the source is someone working for the company. Providing proper training for your employees is the easiest way to avoid this situation, as this type of breach is typically not maliciously motivated and only results from a lack of adequate knowledge in the field.
Data disposal procedures must be followed in the case of both software and hardware components. In the case of the former, you’ll need to use specialised software that overwrites data multiple times to ensure it is completely unrecoverable. Reinstalling the operating system, or even hard drive formatting are typically not enough to delete everything, and sensitive information can still remain readily available for hackers to grab.
If hardware has reached the end of its lifecycle or must be discarded for any other reason, consult with a specialist about the proper measures and regulatory standards. You should search for an e-waste recycling plant that can handle your old computers and devices for you, to be on the safer side of things both environmentally and from a safety standpoint.
Cybersecurity and data protection are the pinnacles of a well-run, trustworthy business. Make sure you prioritise them in your company.
