How to Guarantee Your Data is Secure

The internet has improved businesses for the better, increasing flexibility, reach and engagement. However, the world wide web also has its dark side, as there are cybercriminals hoping to take advantage of your company’s online vulnerabilities.

It’s therefore essential to protect your sensitive files as much as possible. Find out how to guarantee your data is secure.

Data Compliance

Every business must operate in accordance with the Data Protection Act (1998). It is imperative that your business is compliant with the DPA, and must actively take steps to improve security of personal digital information, such as staff records. It is therefore advisable to appoint a trained data protection officer, who can improve onsite data privacy while ensuring a business continually adheres to the law.

Analyse Your Existing Data

Every business owner must know exactly where their data is located within the business, as well as who has access to it and what the data is used for. The data can range from trade secrets, employee information or industry research. It is vital to set user permissions to align with an employee’s job responsibilities, which can restrict junior members of the team from accessing sensitive data. This will prevent disgruntled employees from gaining access to critical files, which will minimize security risks. It’s also essential to analyse employees’ abnormal behavior, such as data tampering or multiple failed access attempts.

A Security Gap Analysis

A gap analysis is an effective way to identify the areas where your company’s data security can be improved, such as employee education or stronger password control. The gap analysis must also focus on physical security, too. For example, are computer screens visible to non-employees? Do you have cybersecurity policies in place, which are readily available to all members of staff?

A Secure and Flexible Cloud Solution

Many small and large companies are turning to the cloud to improve both their business security and flexibility. Office 365 for business makes it easier than ever before to save and backup data, and each file will be readily available on any device from anywhere in the world. It’s an effective way to organize and backup files, so you can quickly gain access to your sensitive data in the event of a hardware failure.

Data Landscaping & Ownership

Data landscaping will determine the impact a data loss or compromise would have on a business. For example, identify the potential damage that may be caused if critical data was unexpectedly released to an unauthorized identity or was suddenly unavailable. Once the value of the data has been determined, it is vital to assign data ownership at a managerial level, so your senior team members are individually responsible for different forms of data.

All managers must review all critical files that terminated employees had access to or had been working on prior to dismissal. The department manager should then determine which documents to keep or delete. All the data should also be transferred to a secure location to prevent security vulnerabilities.