Data security is an essential aspect that many small business owners overlook. Such owners assume that hackers wouldn’t target them because they do not have much data. But, this is a fallacy that is misleading many individuals, leaving them exposed to hackers. Hackers have automated means through which they access the business systems that lack adequate security. Here are steps you can take to enhance your data security.
Encrypt Any Sensitive Data
Data encryption is a strategy of ciphering data such that only approved parties can decipher it. You may use homomorphic encryption, where you use an encryption algorithm to generate ciphertexts that cannot be read unless decrypted. Alternatively, you can mask data such that it becomes de-identified or obscured to unauthorized persons. Also, consider encrypting your backups to avoid leaving room for data pilfering.
Data masking doesn’t require any unique key to decode because it appears in plain text. However, the data set contains no references to the actual data, rendering it useless to the hackers. When selecting an encryption solution, consider factors like the data they protect, the threats they block, and the software they support. Remember to encrypt any data meant to be transferred over shared networks or the internet.
Install a Firewall
A firewall is one the best first-line defenses you can adopt to escape cybercrimes. A standard external firewall will put a barrier between your data and potential hackers. For maximum protection, you need to establish an internal firewall that serves your company’s systems. You can have your firewall in software, hardware, or both forms.
In this work-from-home era, your employees could set up a firewall on their home network. You can get robust firewall programs for home networks to ensure every employee complies. The software will ensure that all messages exchanged through the network pass through the firewall, thus eliminating anything suspicious.
Use Virtual Private Networks When Accessing Your System Via an Insecure Network
A VPN is a technology that enhances online safety, and it is not password protected. If you are to access your job systems and data from a public Wi-Fi, ensure you use a VPN to avoid middle-man attacks and malware. Usually, unsecured networks are an easy target for cybercriminals because they are aware of many people’s ignorance.
Accessing the internet from public places exposes your private information and may put you at risk. Hackers will access details like your location, the sites you visit, private chat platforms like emails and text messages, the files you share, and more sensitive information. When they access your login credentials, they could navigate critical sites like banking apps and clear your account.
Create Strong Passwords and Encrypt Them
Nearly every platform you visit allows you to create a password to secure your account. It is not advisable to have a common password for all your accounts. Consider creating a unique password for each service and change it often. Most services will alert you when your password is not strong enough.
If you can’t memorize your passwords, utilize a reputable password manager other than recycling them. A password manager operates more like a vault. However, it employs fiendish mathematics. When possible, you should utilize two-factor authentication. Unfortunately, most people do not take passwords seriously until the worst happens.
Enforce a Data Backup Strategy
Having a fallback plan is vital in case of a data breach. Each file that is critical to your business should always have an up-to-date copy in the backup file. Whether it is financial information or debtors list, ensure you can retrieve it in its original form in case of any eventuality. Unfortunately, most malicious hackers gain unauthorized access to systems and disrupt industrial processes.
Every business has to evaluate various security strategies and implement the most appropriate ones before hackers attack them. To maintain high levels of security, business owners must develop multiple protection layers and detection measures. It is safer to tighten your defense than to wait until damage happens to take action.
Some business owners might think that they will never be targeted. However, according to statistics, both small and large businesses may be attacked by cybercriminals. Enhancing cybersecurity for offshore facilities is no mean feat, but the effort is worth making because the risk would be costly.
Be the first to comment