If you run a business, you’re interested in current affairs, or you’ve been browsing the news of late, you may be aware that we’re on the brink of a major modification in data handling. The GDPR is due to come into action in the coming weeks in the EU. Even if you’re not involved in trading within the EU or dealing with European clients, it’s as good a time as any to take a good look at how you handle data and ensure that you’re doing everything possible to keep data secure. Here are some simple security measures every business can employ to reduce the risk of cybercrime and provide customers with peace of mind.
Upgrade your servers
If you’re still using fax servers or you haven’t switched to cloud services in your office, it’s wise to use NENS IT services to help you transition. Fax servers don’t always encrypt data effectively and storing all data in-house can increase the chances of significant disruption and data loss in the event of an unexpected attack. Some people have reservations about the safety of using cloud servers, as they are shared solutions, but cloud hosting companies should provide high levels of security and data protection. If your Internet connection goes down, the impact is likely to be much less dramatic if you have access to cloud services, as data is backed up on a continual basis. If you’re not well-versed in computer technology and you don’t really know which option is best for your business, it’s worth consulting with experts. They could help you to identify solutions that could not only boost security but also increase productivity and cut overheads.
Train your employees
Cybercrime is a very real threat in 2018, but this doesn’t mean that everyone is aware of the warning signs to look out for or the steps to take in the event of a security breach. If you handle data on a daily basis, it’s beneficial to ensure that your staff has the relevant training to understand data policies and spot the signs of a potential attack and the knowledge to ensure that the way they work maximizes security. If you’re introducing new policies or guidelines, for example, you’re preparing to make changes to meet standards set out in the GDPR, it’s particularly useful to set up training sessions to ensure that everyone is familiar with the modifications.
Change your passwords
This sounds very simple, but it’s an effective means of keeping your data safe. Even if you have a secure network, every individual should have their own password to access documents, files and personal email accounts. You should encourage employees to use passwords that are difficult to guess and to change them on a regular basis. Using passwords to protect sensitive or personal information will help to keep data safe. If you have a BYOD policy, and you have employees accessing corporate data from their own phone or tablet, it’s wise to insist that they connect to your secure network.
Cybercrime is one of the most potent threats to modern businesses. If you’re on a mission to lock up your data, hopefully, you’ll find this guide useful.
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