Image Credit: Business2community.com
The threats to data security and personally identifiable information are very real, and fraudsters like identity thieves are constantly looking for ways to steal your company’ data. As a result, you need to take every precaution possible to avoid the theft of your information. Below are four ways to enhance your security, online and off.
Constantly Change Your Passwords
One of the simplest ways to protect company data is to change your computer and application passwords on a regular basis. All of your staff members that have access to terminals and important applications, such as your ledger system or customer relationship management system, need to change their passwords. This will help cut down on the theft of data by internal employees, as well as external parties.
Use Encryption
If you’re electronic messages are not encrypted, you need to purchase an application with data encryption or have your IT team come up with a solution. Given the prevalence of electronic communication and the sophistication of data thieves, you need to have your messages encrypted. Data encryption will protect your company from both internal and external threats to your data security.
Shred Paper Documents
Shredding paper documents is a simple, yet effective means to eradicate the threat of data theft. Paper documents can contain all sorts of sensitive information, such as passwords, credit card numbers and proprietary information, which is why shredding documents when they’re no longer needed, is important. Shredding can take place in a number of ways, including hiring a third-party service provider to help with the destruction and removal of the paper.
Lockdown
If you have sensitive or confidential documents at your place of business, make sure you store them in a safe, secure place that can only be accessed by trusted individuals. If necessary, have the locking system on your storage location upgraded to a newer, less vulnerable system. Use vaults and safes to provide the ultimate security for important documents and company information.
Perform Employment Screens
It’s important that you have the right people working for you. This is true in terms of skill sets but also in terms of character. If your employees have a criminal background and you do not know it, you may be setting your company up for a data breach. Employment screens can be handled in-house or by third-party service providers. You’ll have greater peace-of-mind if you perform background checks, especially if your company deals with financial information. Credit card numbers, bank account numbers and social security numbers need to be handled by trustworthy individuals.
Protecting your company’s information, online or off, should be a priority for everyone in your business. Try using the four aforementioned techniques to protect your data, so you can mitigate risks and enhance your operational security.
Informational Credit to Babb Security Systems
Emma Sturgis is a freelance writer living in Boston. She writes on a variety of things, most often real estate and education. When not writing, she enjoys reading, rock climbing, and film noir. Twitter: @emmasturgis2
