7 strategies to keep your business data secure
These seven strategies are some of the most important cybersecurity tactics for a business to use. Employing them will help keep company data secure.
1. Keep Devices Updated
Out-of-date software can make devices much more vulnerable to attack. Most security software relies on a database of virus signatures to detect and defend against malware. If not kept up to date, it won’t flag the latest viruses, potentially making it less effective.
Patches and updates can also close vulnerabilities or gaps in device protection that viruses may try to exploit otherwise.Setting devices to update automatically or creating a regular schedule will help keep your devices secure.
2. Secure IoT Technology
Internet of Things (IoT) devices is increasingly popular in offices and industrial buildings. They have a wide range of functions and can be used to intelligently manage a building’s lighting, adjust an HVAC system or even track the performance of heavy-duty machinery.
These devices can also be somewhat difficult to secure. Varying default security settings, manufacturers, and firmware can make a one-size-fits-all approach to IoT safety less practical.
Following best practices for IoT device security will help ensure any new item you invest in won’t make your business network more vulnerable to attack. Tracking, patching, and using secure encryption protocols are all good places to start.3. Avoid Default Settings
Default security settings can make devices much more vulnerable to an attack. Default passwords can be easy to breach with publicly available information.
Some devices may come with remote access features that your business may not need but could make the item more vulnerable to being compromised.
When setting up a new device, be sure to check default settings, usernames, and passwords.4. Track Company Electronics
Employees who are traveling or working from home may need a loaner laptop or similar device with access to the business network, user passwords, and confidential files.
While they’re becoming rarer, many cyberattacks begin when a criminal steals or finds a business laptop. These devices can provide direct access to a business’s network and store confidential or sensitive information that can be extremely valuable to a hacker.
Training employees in best practices for handling company electronics can help a business prevent these types of breaches. Security devices and software like hardware encryption, password protection, and a USB lock can also ensure that even if a laptop is lost or stolen, it won’t provide much value to a cybercriminal.
Electronics are typically most vulnerable when out of the office, but no business is invulnerable to a break-in. Physical security considerations like surveillance cameras, impact-resistant windows, and professional security guards can defend a company against the theft of sensitive electronics.
Business interrupted’ will likely remain the key underlying risk theme in 2022
5. Train Employees
Many cyberattacks begin with phishing, the sending of emails that appear to be from a legitimate source but are actually from hackers. These messages encourage recipients to download malicious files or divulge sensitive information, like network passwords.
If employees know how to spot a phish, they’ll be much less likely to fall for one.
Training workers in cybersecurity basics can help ensure they understand how to prepare for common attacks like phishing, as well as how to secure the devices they use and connect to the business network safely.
6. Segment Your Network
Many business networks provide full access to all devices on the network. Segmenting the system allows a business to filter traffic and prevent devices like IoT sensors from accessing sensitive business information.
This practice can ensure that if a hacker compromises a user account or device, they won’t be able to do as much damage.
7. Secure Your ‘Crown Jewels’
Securing sensitive data within and outside of the corporate network is paramount for any organization be it SMBs or large enterprises. There are three types of data – data at rest, data in motion, and data in use. As part of day-to-day collaboration in the process chain, all three types of data need to be protected from data thefts.
Organization’s needs to have a foolproof end-to-end data protection solution to protect their ‘crown jewels’ from going into the wrong hands.
Conclusion
A cyberattack or data breach can have a significant impact on any business. These seven techniques are some of the best ways to protect your company’s data against infiltration. Training, regular updates, network segmentation, and an IoT-informed security strategy will help a business keep its information secure.
SECUDE, a strategic partner of Microsoft and SAP is the only solution provider to extend Microsoft Information Protection into SAP and CAD/PLM.
SECUDE’s HALOCORE®and HALOCAD® extend the security templates provided by Microsoft Information Protection (MIP) to protect sensitive data by applying granular authorizations and access control and data is protected wherever it resides be it within or outside the organization perimeter.
To learn more about how SECUDE can help you protect your priceless SAP & CAD/PLM files from data leaks write to us at contact@secude.stagingwebsite.space
This blog was written by an independent guest blogger.
About the Author
Devin Partida is cybersecurity and technology writer, as well as the Editor-in-Chief of the tech blog ReHack.com
