Tips to Avoid a Data Breach Tips and how to reduce potential risk
Did you know that over 75% of all data breaches target small to medium sized businesses (SMBs)? If you are affected by a data breach, it can cost you both financially and ruin your reputation. Follow these 7 steps to help reduce your risk of a breach.
- Protect your Network. Have a firewall installed, perform periodic vulnerability scans, and restrict WiFi access to your network.
- Train your Employees. Train your employees and staff on how to help keep sensitive data safe, providing security awareness training, and how to deal with the growing threats of phishing and deceptive practices.
- Secure Your Devices. Identify, track, secure, and encrypt your employee’s devices, such as smartphones, tablets, USB drives, and laptops.
- Secure Physical Space. Track and Log visitors, limit access with locked doors, lock computer screens while away.
- Where’s Your Data? Locate, understand, and limit where all sensitive data resides. Implement encryption if required by law or out of concern.
- Create Clear Policies. Write clear and concise policies on the use and disposal of sensitive data.
- Disposal Procedures. Create a procedure or document that outlines the steps necessary to dispose of any devices, equipment or paper records safely and securely.
