It is becoming increasingly crucial to safeguard sensitive data as companies collect more data. If data isn’t protected, companies face many risks that could result in financial loss, reputational damage and legal issues. A solid data protection strategy can help reduce the risks and help businesses gain a competitive edge.
The most successful companies place a high value on cybersecurity and make protecting data a top action item. They also make use of automated software that makes the best practices easier to scale.
A security risk assessment for a company should concentrate on the most valuable assets it owns and the most risky threats it is exposed to. This will enable it to pinpoint the weaknesses that can be exploited.
Instruct and train employees to prevent human errors which could result in a data breach, such as clicking on malicious email attachments or losing a device with sensitive information. Limit the amount of data each employee is able to access. Also make sure that your systems are logged to display what information they have visited. Separate tasks to prevent one employee from assuming too much responsibility for instance you shouldn’t allow one person to manage expenses and purchases.
Perform periodic vulnerability assessments, and security audits. These should be conducted by a third party to provide impartial information. The company should also consider using a service for destruction of documents to secure shred paper documents and equipment containing old or insufficient data, and encryption of electronic information. This is particularly crucial for companies operating internationally, as countries often have privacy laws that differ in requirements.
POSTED BY
John Avery
28th October 2024
