Data: it’s the
most basic,
foundational
information that
TECHNOLOGY
PROTECT YOUR
COMPANY’S DATA
runs businesses. From
website code to client
databases and product
inventory management,
data files are critical to a
modern-day company.
Therefore, it stands to
reason that we should
protect our data with
every ounce of effort that
we have. Most likely,
your company contains
personal client and
customer information
collected over the years.
However, even if you don’t
store data like this, your
business’s online presence relies heavily
upon the ones and zeros that make up
each data file that is stored. In the wrong
hands, this information could destroy
your company – even if it only affects your
credibility. For this reason, it’s incredibly
important to make sure your information
is consistently protected.
Here are four ways you can protect your
data:
#1: Audit and Have Sufficient
Infrastructure
First and foremost, it isn’t enough to
“set and forget” security infrastructure.
Firewalls, malware databases, spam
blockers, and more tools all need to be
updated regularly. As attackers become
smarter and more innovative, your
business must evolve alongside them. Your
first line of defense should be your firewall,
spam blocker, and antivirus. Any internetconnected
device – either inside or outside
the office – should be protected with these
features. Furthermore, monitoring these
By Robert Hessel
tools is paramount. If no one is keeping
track of the attacks on your network, you
might miss something entirely.
#2: Secure Your Passwords
Access to your company’s systems
can and should require login credentials
that are unique to each individual. Each
password should be difficult to guess
and unrelated to the person who selected
it. If possible, it is highly recommended
that you employ some form of two-factor
authentication for your employees’ access
to company systems. If your company
stores passwords in a database, make sure
that this file is secured in some way or is
inaccessible from the internet.
#3: Train Your Users and Employees
Even the best infrastructure features are
no match for an invited, solicited attack.
Scammers and data phishers will always
be prying for information on how your
infrastructure is built. It’s your job to train
your employees and users on how to spot
and report these suspicious interactions.
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You can enroll your
teams in programs
like KnowBe4
or have your IT
department develop
weekly bulletins
and emails. The best
thing to do is create
non-threatening test
phishing emails and
see who falls prey to
them. You can use
this information to
determine who needs
more training.
#4: Initiate an
Administrative Data
Security Layer
The final piece
of the data security puzzle requires an
administrative eye. As mentioned in the
first recommendation, a firewall or other
security system that no one monitors
is practically useless. There should be
someone monitoring and checking the
security infrastructure at regular intervals.
It’s virtually impossible to find a modern
business that doesn’t use some type of
database or another digital data storage
method to manage customer interactions
and operate necessary systems. It is,
however, quite easy to find a company that
doesn’t stick to its data security policies
in order to ensure the safety of its critical
information. Applying these four methods
will greatly increase data security in any
business. Knowledge is the key to your
data safety. 9
EDITOR’S NOTE: Robert Hessel at Source 1
Solutions can be contacted at (727) 538-4114
or by visiting source1solutions.com.