One of the main concerns of marketing departments and business managers is data security. The threat of a data breach today is more present than ever. From account and credit card theft to computer breaches in large corporations, no company can take for granted that its information system is completely protected. Prevention and control are an integral part of business success, and understanding how to protect your company from a data breach is a must-have skill for modern managers. In this article, we explore how managers can protect their companies against data breaches.
Understanding the Risks
The first step in protecting a company's information system is to understand the potential risks to which it is exposed. This includes assessing the key areas where the company could be vulnerable to IT attack. External and internal threats range from physical security threats to misuse or improper disposal of electronic devices. A thorough analysis of the technology environment will help identify specific areas that need to be strengthened to reduce potential risks.
Involve all employees
Managers must remember that data security starts with company culture. Educating all staff members about best practices with respect to security is vital to preventing a data breach. This means providing ongoing education on security-related topics such as strong password, proper device access and phishing protection, as well as monitoring and restricting access to certain systems or sensitive data. Staff should also be aware of proper electronic device use, from always using screen locking to prevent unauthorized access to responsible disposal at the end of the device's life.
Using Appropriate Technology
To effectively protect your company, it is important to have the right technologies in place. This includes tools such as antivirus, firewalls, web filtering and anti-spam software. These tools help block unauthorized access to corporate systems, as well as identify online threats to help prevent successful attacks by cybercriminals. In addition, it is important to keep all software up-to-date to ensure that it can recognize and block new computer threats.
Hiring an Outside Firm
In addition, hiring an outside firm to assess the IT system also helps ensure that appropriate measures are in place to curb the potential risk of a data breach. This firm can perform periodic assessments to test the resiliency of the system and detect potential weaknesses that were not previously apparent. In addition, this firm can also provide guidance on any additional technological measures needed to strengthen the system and provide assistance with incident response plans that are properly implemented in the event of a successful cyber attack.
Conclusion
In short, strengthening systems against breaches is an ongoing effort. Managers should remember that a robust data protection program includes involving staff in security protocols, properly utilizing and continually updating technologies, and periodically engaging an outside security expert to assess and strengthen potential weaknesses in your system. While this task may seem daunting and even overwhelming, it is vital to take active steps today to protect against future threats.
