When it comes to protecting their data, enterprises should not think twice in terms of the measures that need to be taken or the budget that needs to be allocated. Regardless of the size of your business, it is imperative to fiercely protect sensitive data such as your customer’s’ private information or your company’s financial records.
Ever since companies started networking with their international peers, the data that was once cozily sitting within the warm enclosure of its own enterprise is now severely exposed to hackers, and ultimately to loss, insider threat and even ransomware. Since a company’s stakes are not comparable to those of an at-home user, neither should be the means to combat these cyber threats – a firewall and a stronger password simply won’t cut the mustard. Let us look at four of the best-in-class measures that companies can opt for to protect their data.
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1. Invest In Data Encryption
This is one of those terms that get swung around everywhere in your environment but is not ever clarified to its full extent. Data encryption is basically one of the best methods around that can be used to build armor around your data and prevent seriously damaging events. In order for it to reap maximum benefits, it needs to be applied to all your devices and to be used together with other data protection measures.
[pullquote]For example, you can protect moveable parts such as USBs and external hard drives, in order to keep them safe from potential thieves or unwanted third parties.[/pullquote] Whenever you have a business outing, it is also advisable to not leave your sensitive data on the hands of a public WI-FI, but rather connect to a third-party VPN that encrypts the information. To this extent, your own internet service providers may be targeted so it’s best to prevent any unpleasant scenarios.
When it comes to your drive, know that it can do with more than a simple password, especially if it is physically stolen – this is why it’s crucial to go with data encryption for it as well. Although this option is on the pricier range, you need to consider that the possible losses far outweigh the premiums for data encryption.
2. Do Not Underestimate Patches
We all know how annoying it can be when you’re knee-deep in work on your PC or laptop and a window pops up prompting you to upgrade your system. In most cases, you will blink it away and postpone it endlessly as if it’s a pointless nuisance. On the contrary, upgrades and patches were created especially with the intent of addressing past vulnerabilities that hackers already spotted and prayed on. Fortunately, operating systems periodically offer their users patches that don’t require much time or skill to be applied.
3. Perform Periodical Penetration Testing
Otherwise known as pen-testing, penetration testing is a safe way to test your IT infrastructure and see where the cracks lie. Pen-testing will basically identify any issues, ranging from those related to the operating systems and configurations to non-compliant end-user behavior. By having access to the reports made in conclusion to this testing, you will then be able to take appropriate decisions for your company’s future as to avoid potential costly downtimes and extravagant fines. The more often you perform this penetration testing, the more hassle-free it will be for your business will be down the line.
4. Don’t Shy Away From Network Monitoring
They say that you can’t fix what you can’t measure. This is a saying that beautifully applies to cybersecurity as well and supporting this is the good, old-fashioned network monitoring option as another great way to protect your data. With a network monitoring tool that is right for you in terms of budget, you can easily keep track of any failing a server, router or network may have. These tools set in place thresholds that when reached launch fault management processes that will deal with the specific issue. Among others, you will also be provided with information regarding the down- and uptime, response time to users and error rates.
When thinking long-term for your company, having a solid data protection system in place should rank above anything else you have in plan. Consider all the options above and if your budget allows, be sure to mix and match in order to remain invulnerable when faced with major threats. Even more so, when it comes to business it’s simply better to be safe than sorry.
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