As we all live in a hyper-connected smart world, surrounded by lots of data, the risk of data breach is bigger than ever before. Technology is evolving day by day and cybercriminals are getting smarter, driving the techniques they implement to strip data.
Whether it’s an organization, a start-up, or an individual, data is equally important for one and all. Thus, it needs to be well-protected and secured.
Major security breaches in organizations, keep on happening to make headlines, as a large number of delicate records get stolen. Today, data heist is a major concern for every organization. Even, the fortune 100 companies are struggling with the issues associated with data breach.
A data breach can cut down the entire system, making a business reach to a sudden end. Also, the damage led by these thefts, not only affects the organization that loses the records, but also their business partners, customers and suppliers.
Do you know, Yahoo is one of the biggest victims of data breach in history!
Many people think that it is impossible to impede a cyberattack. It may be but, by taking some immediate steps you can at least lower down the risk of such online threats.
1. Think Beyond Usernames and Passwords
Gone are the days, when a username and password gave enough assurance! Things have changed now. To keep your data secure, you need to think beyond usernames and passwords. You can set up two-factor authentication to enhance the security level. This authentication acts as a security layer, that decreases the possibility of unknown access.
2. Don’t Compromise with Cybersecurity Tools
The security of your data largely depends on the tools you are using to protect your business from online attacks. If you are not having the right cybersecurity tools, you are inviting such threats with open arms. In this digital age, it’s extremely risky to run a business without the right security tools.
Malware is one of the most common ways, attackers used for data heist. Malware creates a path for cybercriminals to get through your data. Thus, it’s important to use the right cybersecurity tools to protect your devices from such viruses. You can use a strong antivirus, that may help you to block those vulnerable spots, through which a hacker may invade your privacy.
3. Mandate Encryption of Data
According to a recent study, 60% of organizations that are a victim of the data breach had not used encryption. Data encryption plays a major role in protecting a business from cyberattacks. It protects your confidential data from hackers in all the states, including at rest and in transit too. Data encryption ensures the integrity of your data and protects it across every device.
4. Hire a Cybersecurity Expert
A cybersecurity expert takes care of your business by identifying possible risks and ensures there are no imminent threats. Hiring a cybersecurity expert may help you to improve on the cybersecurity of your business. You can hire a networking expert or a good cybersecurity company to perform security checks on your business system.
5. Educate and Train Your Employees
You may be on the right track to prevent your business from data breach, but if your employees are not aware of such data heists, then your business will remain vulnerable to these online threats.
Remember, your employees are the prime contact of your business. Hence, they should be more alert then you.
You should organize a cybersecurity awareness program for your employees that would help them to protect themselves, and the organization against cyberattacks or online threats. You can also establish a policy about data security for your employees. Also, limiting unnecessary access will help a lot in protecting your business data.
6. Use a Dedicated System for Financial Activities
These days, social networking sites are posing a biggest threat to data.
Facebook is the major medium, subjected to these cyberattacks.
A single click to an infected social website can become a path for hackers to get through your data. Thus, it’s better to use a dedicated system for your online banking and financial activities.
Final Words
No business is small or large for a hacker, every business is equally vulnerable.
You may not stop the next data breach, but you can at least, develop a shield to protect your business from data heists. Data can be very crucial, you never know, you may be protecting a fortune!
Author Bio: Riya Roy is a technical content writer at Agdova Technologies. She carries expertise and a flair for writing on Management Consulting, Software & Analytics and Digital Media. Apart from distilling her technical ideas into creating innovative solutions, she is a practitioner of Electric guitar. You can connect with her on LinkedIn.
