How to Provide Protection For Your Data

In an age where personal data has become a valuable commodity and is now an essential concern for all individuals and businesses of all sizes. A single breach can put customers at risk of identity theft or other financial damage and expose companies to fines, reputational damage and even lawsuits. There are a variety of methods that can be employed to safeguard personal data and to prevent hacking and theft.

TAKE STOCK

Create a strategy for storing sensitive information in your business’s computers and files only in the time essential. This could include taking stock of devices that store information, such as PIN pads and cameras for surveillance, and monitoring connections to external sources, such as the internet computers used to run your network by service providers, or a digital copier.

SCALE DOWN

Limit access to sensitive data to those who require it. This reduces the risk websites of an insider attack or hacker loss. Pro tip: Stick to the principle of least privilege. New accounts should be given the lowest level of access to sensitive data. Then increase this privilege as the account gains rank or the job requirement increases.

LOCK IT

Passwords must be secure, complex and unique. Passwords that are easy to guess could be hacked and used to gain unauthorised access in just a few seconds. Also, don’t send passwords in plain text via e-mail and be sure to encrypt any data that contains sensitive or private information.