How to Provide Protection For Your Data

In a time when personal information is a valuable commodity, safeguarding this data is a major concern for individuals and companies of all sizes. A single breach could expose customers to financial loss, identity theft, or even lawsuits. There are a variety of methods to safeguard personal information and help prevent hacking and theft.

TAKE STOCK

Consider the amount of sensitive data your business has in files and on computers, and make a plan to only keep it for as long as necessary. This could include taking stock of devices that gather information, such as PIN pad and cameras for surveillance, as well as identifying connections between computers and external sources like the internet computers used to run your network by service providers, or even a digital copier.

SCALE DOWN

Limit access to sensitive information to only those who require access to it. This data room reduces the potential of insider threats or losses from hackers. Pro tip: Use the principle of least privilege by granting new accounts the smallest level of access to sensitive data, increasing this privilege only as they grow in seniority or work-related necessity.

It is locked. IT

Passwords should be strong, complex and unique. Passwords that are easy to guess can be hacked in a matter of minutes and used to gain unauthorized access. Don’t send passwords via email in plain text. And encrypt all files that contain confidential or private data.