10 Data Security Tips for Your Business

Data security is an issue that affects small businesses and large corporations equally. As we head into 2018, threats are increasing and breach costs are rising. Preparedness is key. Here are our 10 tips for keeping your data safe and secure:

1. Protect Your WiFi Network

You don’t leave the front door to your business unlocked, so why give cybercriminals the key to your wireless network? Protect your WiFi with a strong password and WPA-2 encryption. Instead of using public WiFi networks when on the go, access network applications through a Virtual Private Network.

2. Backup Your System

A cyber attack could crash your operating system or corrupt your data. Back up your critical system files on a regular basis and consider encrypting sensitive backup data. Electronic vaulting offers automated backup to the cloud through your data protection provider. Offline backup is performed internally on your local server. Use either method or combine the two for a redundant data protection solution.

3. Rotate and Vault Your Backup Media

When using an offline backup strategy, use a backup rotation service to ensure your backup media is routinely and securely transferred offsite to a media storage vault for protection from theft and natural disasters. Screened professionals should transport and deliver your media, maintaining a strict chain of custody at all times.

4. Update Your Passwords

The days of using one password for multiple applications are long gone. Use a unique password for each account. Strong passwords should be as long as possible and contain upper- and lower-case letters, numbers, and symbols. The trick is remembering your passwords. An online password manager can help by securely storing your passwords and remembering them for each account.

5. Don’t Take the Phishing Bait

Replying to or opening attachments from suspicious emails can cause malware or viruses to download to your device. Beware of urgent language (if it’s important, the sender will call you) and verify their authenticity independently.

6. Know What You Have

You can’t protect what you don’t know you have. Make a list of where your hard copy documents and digital information are stored. During inventory, make note of retention and final disposition timeframes so documents and data are stored and disposed of in accordance with state and federal requirements.

7. Don’t Underestimate Low-Tech Threats

Not every data security threat is digital. Thieves go through business trash bins and dumpsters looking for carelessly–tossed confidential information. You can eliminate this risk by outsourcing your document disposal to a professional shredding and destruction company. Security containers are placed in your office, allowing your employees to quickly deposit unneeded sensitive files. Routinely, your documents are collected and destroyed either on-site at your facility with a mobile shredding truck, or off-site at a secure shredding plant.

8. Educate Your Employees

Give your employees the tools they need to protect business data. Offer company-wide training opportunities to help them recognize security risks and implement best practices. Data security threats are ongoing, so make data security training a regular event.

9. Stay Vigilant

When it comes to protecting your data, awareness is essential. Vigilance and positivity can pay big data security dividends for your business.

10. Find a Local Expert

Staying on top of data security can overwhelm even the most stable companies. Find and utilize a data security expert in your community to get the support you need.

Records Management Center offers information management and data protection services for businesses throughout Augusta, Evans, Thomson, and Martinez, GA, plus Aiken, SC and the Central Savannah River Area. For more information, please contact us by phone or complete the form on this page.