Data protection can reduce the chance of cyberattacks that could affect your company or personal reputation. It is essential to understand and follow the most effective methods for protecting sensitive information. A breach of private information could result in fines or lawsuits, which could have long-term consequences for your company or yourself.
Password protection is essential for all files and devices – This simple step can help keep hackers from gaining access to your information. Use strong passwords with complex combinations of letters, numbers and symbols. Change default passwords supplied by vendors to strong passwords as soon as possible. Make sure you update your antivirus software regularly and conduct a security check on your servers and computer.
Don’t send confidential or personally identifying information via email – This includes Social Security numbers, bank account information, passwords, etc. Email isn’t safe, and it is susceptible to being accessed.
Secure your data and network – Use strong encryption to secure your computers, laptops and portable storage devices. This will allow you send data to third parties securely and protect data on the devices. It’s also important to have a plan of responding to cyber attacks which includes who to inform and how to respond (e.g. employees, customers, credit agencies).
Make sure that you have a copy of all your data. The offline copies should be kept in an area separate from where your primary copies are. This will prevent hackers from gaining access to your primary copies, or from deleting them.
