How Safe is your Business Data?
These days, vital business information, from documents to client records to financial figures to presentations, is at constant risk from hackers, thieves, viruses and malware. Nearly all computers are connected to the Internet, and are therefore exposed.
Learning to practice safe computing is a must, and by following a few essential security measures, businesses and individuals can drastically reduce the chance of being victimized by the array of online threats.
Here are a few tips to follow:
1. Develop and implement clearly-defined IT security policies. The policies should detail procedures for a security breach, system failure or threat. They should also address remediation and reporting details. Have employees sign a confidentiality policy that outlines employees’ responsibilities, rules for information use and disclosure practices.
2. Implement firewall software and/or hardware, which can control access to your internal network while permitting authorized information flow. Every firm has different requirements for data access. The challenge is to find a balance between keeping threats at bay and adding unwanted restrictions to necessary data access. But firewalls are the most effective way to keep computer hackers out of your system and monitor network traffic. Also consider using folder locking software.
3. Execute additional security measures for your most sensitive data. This includes passcode generators, security software, password protection software and many other solutions. They play a critical role in keeping online criminals away from your most confidential information.
4. Communicate with your employees, contractors and consultants. Make sure all parties have a clear understanding of what information is confidential and what their responsibilities are in safeguarding all information. Audit the security policies of any outside firms who have access to your proprietary business data to confirm your information is secure.
5. Post a privacy policy that is concise, informative, and legally-binding.
