These days, businesses can no longer ignore cybersecurity. When valuable information is stolen, businesses might face financial losses, customer mistrust, and even legal trouble.
Below are data-loss prevention solutions that can keep your business safe from all kinds of online threats:
Encrypt sensitive data
Encryption is one of the most common forms of data security. It’s the method of turning information into an unreadable code if it is accessed without authorization. Encrypted data will only be visible to those with the right decryption key or password.
Update your encryption strategies regularly and ensure all sensitive data is covered. Encryption technology also ensures removable storage devices are well protected. While USB storage or external hard drives allow easy access and transfer of data anytime and anywhere, they can easily be misplaced or stolen. Safeguarding such devices with encryption and passwords can help mitigate the risk.
Practice a zero-trust approach
Security threats can come from anywhere, both inside or outside your network. Implementing a zero-trust approach within the office can reduce leaks and prevent sensitive data from falling into the wrong hands. Zero trust means limiting employees’ access to information based on what they’ll need for the day.
To get started, evaluate your current security permissions and know the scale of each person’s access to data. Then create access policies with clear limitations on employees’ network privileges based on daily business activity.
Employees who act out of the ordinary such as accessing unusually large amounts of data or trying to open restricted documents are instantly detected. Similarly, devices or applications that showed suspicious activity, whether intentional or not, is automatically distrusted. The user has to undergo a verification process first to reclaim their access.
Employ a strong anti-virus system
When a virus infects an employee’s computer, it can potentially spread to other devices and networks. A solid anti-virus program will help you detect and counter cyber threats before they can even harm your systems.
An antivirus can combat many viruses in a single day without your knowledge. They also work against pop-up ads and spam websites that can damage your computer network.
Additionally, anti-virus software provides increased protection against hackers and identity thieves. It can either implement anti-hacking locks or conduct regular scans to discover malicious activities or hacking based programs within your network.
Set up network firewalls
A firewall acts as your first line of defense against potential threats. It gives administrators the ability to limit what can enter and exit a network. Doing so provides you maximum security from both internal and external attackers.
Having a firewall also limits access to certain types of sites, activity, or network communication that can pose risks to data security. Signs of non-business activity is immediately tracked and reported.
However, for firewalls to work properly, they must be regularly updated. Someone should also be in charge of monitoring reported behavior.
At the end of the day, the best form of data protection is full transparency. Knowing where your data is located and who has access to it will allow you to spot and resolve potential threats before they escalate. Not only that, but you’ll also be able to satisfy compliance audits and focus on running your business.
