How to Provide Protection For Your Data

In a time when personal data is a valuable commodity, safeguarding that data is a top concern for both individuals as well as companies of all sizes. A single breach could put customers at risk of identity theft and other financial harm and could expose companies to penalties, reputational damage and even lawsuits. There are a variety of methods that can be employed to protect personal information and help prevent hacking and theft.

TAKE STOCK

Create a plan to store sensitive data in your business’s files and computers only until it’s necessary. This could include taking stock of devices that gather information, such as PIN pad and cameras for surveillance, and the identification of connections between computers and external sources like the internet, computers used to support your network by service providers, or digital copier.

SCALE DOWN

Limit access to data room sensitive information to those who require it. This helps reduce the possibility of the threat of an insider attack or loss from hackers. Pro tip: Stick to the principle of least privilege. New accounts should be given the lowest access level to sensitive data. Then increase this privilege as the account gains rank or the job requirement increases.

It is locked. IT

Make sure that passwords are strong, complex and unique. Passwords that are easy to guess could be hacked and used for unauthorized access in seconds. Do not send passwords via email in plain text. And secure all files that contain confidential or private information.