More data is created as firms increasingly build their digital presence and capabilities. Much of the information is sensitive and has to be diligently protected.
Still, not every business takes the precautions necessary to secure its data. Even huge conglomerates like Amazon have fears about breaches and what they might mean for their customers. Instead, though, you and your colleagues should be confident about your data precautions, and you should similarly have peace of mind.
There are many ways to improve data security. For your convenience, we’ve listed three of the most promising measures after the jump.
Secure ISO 27001 Certification
Many businesses do the bare minimum to protect their data. Your firm should always go the extra mile. An Information Security Management system helps your firm to comply with internationally recognised standards on information security. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about failing to comply with regulations or facing any subsequent legal ramifications. You can prioritise things like confidentiality too, and build a culture of security within your business.
There’s no legal obligation to acquire ISO 27001 certification, but it’s strongly recommended that you do. QMS International can help you find a fair, personalised quote for free. Simply fill out their easy-to-use online calculator to get started. Considering that ISO 27001 sets out all the procedures needed to implement risk controls across legal, physical, and technical basis, abiding by this framework is a no-brainer for the good of your data.
Assess Internal Complacency
Focusing on external threats is understandable, as trusting your colleagues is only natural. That said, lapse’s in judgement are all too common and risk triggering the most seismic data breaches of all. Official government offices have asserted that ‘the biggest cyber risk is complacency, not hackers’, and these are words worth thinking about. Anything from lost passwords to permitting strangers to enter the business premises can create enormous risks, so all employees must understand their responsibilities.
Reminders of these obligations should be regularly given too. Training on data security should be steady, even if there are no new measures to speak of. Cybersecurity won’t be the most exciting topic of discussion for everyone, but it’s vital, and its importance should be impressed upon the workforce at every relevant opportunity.
Dispose of Data
Some entrepreneurs are under a very dangerous assumption that they have to store all of their business data. However, old redundant data should be promptly deleted. While it can feel like everything must be stored for sentimental or ‘just in case’ reasons, your business should be steadily evolving and not depending too greatly on the pillars of the past. Things like the information of long-gone employees will serve only to bloat out your storage and leave them at risk for no reason.
Hackers can’t steal what isn’t there. Develop a robust information disposal system, eliminating any data that isn’t bringing value to or helping your firm. Consult your colleagues to be confident that what you’re deleting is useless. If there are any physical copies of this information, be sure to run it all through the shredder.
There is another option if you feel uncomfortable deleting old data. You could make it indecipherable. That way, you have a reference point, and hackers would think it useless.
