As more and more data breaches hit the news as time goes on, it comes as no surprise that data security is on the minds of business owners throughout the country.
While it’s optimistic to think your business will never experience a data breach, it’s really an unrealistic expectation. It’s this kind of thinking that could leave your network vulnerable to an attack if you don’t prepare.
So with that said, below you’ll find three ways of practicing better data security within your organization.
Data Security Best Practices
In a way, your employees hold a lot of responsibility in keeping your business’ information secure. Your employees spend most of their work-day working around the network, leaving themselves vulnerable to attacks.
Ultimately, it is your responsibility as a business owner to make sure each employee knows your business’ data security policy and best practices. Are they able to recognize a phishing attempt? Can they spot an email that might contain ransomware?
Keeping your employees up-to-date on preventative measures could save you from a major attack or data breach.
Enforce Password Standards and Require Two-Factor Authentication
Your password is often the only bit of verifiable data that differentiates you from someone else, from the computer’s perspective.
Most password requirements require that a password has a certain amount of characters, including a least one letter, one number, and occasionally one symbol with both capitalized and lowercase letters.
While these passwords are considered effective against someone trying to deduce your credentials, a brute force attack will likely crack it.
There is also the option of using a passphrase. A passphrase is a sentence that takes the place of the password.
Both of the above approaches work very well. A hacker will have no idea if you are using one method or the other, let alone which one.
In addition, two-factor authentication, or 2FA, is another effective means of securing an account, as it requires a second set of credentials that is delivered directly to you via a mobile device before it will permit access.
Use UTM to Help Defend Your Network
A UTM, or “Unified Threat Management” tool is an essential part of any data security plan. A UTM includes a spam blocker, enterprise-level firewall, antivirus solutions, and a content filter to keep your employees away from risky websites.
By implementing a UTM in your security measures, you will cover all the bases needed to protect your business.
Along with the features of a UTM, your reaction time to threats will become quicker. You’ll be able to respond to an attack and stop it before it does much damage.
Overall, the above three defenses that we briefly talked about are an effective way to minimize the risk of a data breach.
For more best practices for maintaining and protecting your business, keep reading our blog, and if you’re ever in need of an experienced IT management team with years of experience, then feel free to connect with us to see how we can help.