5 Things Every Business Owner Has To Know About Data Security

Even though there are many other things that can make or break your business, one critical aspect you can’t afford to ignore is how you can better protect your data. Cyber attacks are the reality businesses need to face today.

Now, if you think your business can’t be the victim of a cyber attack, well we’re here to tell you that no matter the size of your business, your data isn’t safe.

As we know that cyber security may seem confusing, we hope this next article will help you understand the basics. So, here are five essential aspects you should know about data security as a business owner.

Update and patch your security systems regularly

Your business can be the victim of a wide array of cyber attacks, from malware that can disrupt your systems, to phishing attacks that can lead to data breaches. And outdated software is one of the major vulnerabilities that cyber criminals can often exploit.

That’s why, to stay protected against these cyber threats, it’s essential to regularly update and patch all your security systems and software. This includes firewalls, antivirus software, and other protective measures to secure your email software or server operating systems.

Keep in mind that many software providers regularly release patches that fix security vulnerabilities, so it’s crucial to apply these patches as soon as possible.

Human error is still a security risk

Even with the strongest cyber security in place, sometimes it’s our own actions that can make our data vulnerable to cyber attacks. It can happen to the very best of us to accidentally click on a malicious link, pick an easy-to-remember password, or maybe overlook a few security steps.

That’s where training your team about cyber security makes a huge difference. When your team learns all about the best practices in cyber security, you are all safeguarding your business.

By understanding and applying these practices, you can all lower the chances of any cyber attacks and keep our business running smoothly and securely. It’s important to understand that you are all playing an important part in cyber securing your business.

Regular backups are a must

Despite your best efforts, it may happen that you still go through a cyber attack. That’s why it’s essential to regularly backup your data and have a disaster recovery plan in place.

In the event of a data breach or ransomware attack, these backups can help restore your systems quickly and minimize downtime. Make sure that your data backups are stored in a secure, offsite location, protected against physical threats like fires or floods.

Now, a disaster recovery plan details how your business will recover lost data and restore operations after an attack. Most of the time, this follows the 3-2-1 rule in data backup and recovery: keep at least three copies of your data, store two backup copies on different storage media, and keep one of them in a separate location.

Understand there are different types of threats

As a business owner, you need to understand there are different types of cyber security threats out there. These can include malware (like viruses and ransomware), phishing attacks, data breaches, or insider threats, just to name a few.

Each of these types of cyber threats requires different preventative measures, so it’s important to be aware of all of them and what are the threats most common in your line of business.

The first step to protecting your company’s data is to have an informed perspective. Once you know this, you can start to develop a cyber security strategy tailored to your business’s specific threat landscape. You should also consult with IT security specialists that can help identify vulnerabilities within your systems and implement an effective protective layer.

Implement security policies and training

Your business should have clear, written IT security policies that are regularly updated to reflect new threats and technology. These policies should cover everything from password requirements to acceptable use policies for company equipment.

More than that, depending on your business niche and the data you handle, there are different data protection regulations you probably need to comply with, such as the GDPR in the EU, or the CCPA in California. For example, a certification like Cyber Essentials can be an essential layer of protection for your business.

Find out more about Cyber Essentials certification

Not complying can lead to huge fines, not to mention damage to your business’s reputation. That’s why understanding these regulations and ensuring compliance is crucial.

This being said we can’t stress enough this: cyber security is not a one-time process but an ongoing project. It requires regular reviews and updates to stay ahead of potential threats, as these are continually evolving.

Again, no matter the size of your business or your domain, investing in cyber security it’s a must.

Start by booking a free call with one of our IT experts.

Tags: business cyber security data security