In an age where personal data has become a vital commodity and the need to protect it is an essential concern for all businesses of all sizes. A single breach could expose customers to identity theft or other financial damage and could expose companies to penalties, reputational damage and even lawsuits. There are many ways to protect personal data and stop hackers from gaining access to it.
TAKE STOCK
Consider the amount of sensitive data your company holds in computer files and on servers and devise a strategy to only keep it for as long as necessary. This could involve taking inventory of devices that collect information, such as PIN pad and surveillance cameras, as well identifying computer connections with external sources, like the internet and computers that are used to support your network by service providers, or a digital copier.
SCALE DOWN
Limit access to sensitive data only to those who need it. This minimizes the chance of an insider attack or loss to hackers. Pro tip: Stick to a principle called least privilege. New accounts should be given the lowest access level to sensitive data and increase this privilege as the https://datafinest.pro/2020/06/17/data-management-by-data-room/ account gains seniority or the requirement for employment grows.
It’s locked IT
Be sure that your passwords are secure, complex and unique. Passwords that are easy to guess can be cracked within a matter of seconds 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.