Data breaches can harm your business as they can cost you money and trust. Let us look at what a breech is and how to stop them from happening.

What is a data breach?

A data breach is when someone steals information. This information can be things like names, addresses, drivers license, emails, credit card numbers or proprietary company information. The public release of this data is bad for your customers and your business.

Why should you care about data breaches?

Data breaches are terrible things. They will cost you money, time and trust as your customers will stop trusting you. Depending on your industry and what type of data was breached, you may even be fined. Thus, it is vital to try to prevent the breach from occurring in the first place.

How do you prevent a data breach?

Here are 10 steps to help keep your data safe:

1. Use strong passwords

Use long, complex passwords that are hard to guess. Be sure to include letters, numbers and symbols. Also do not use the same password for all of your accounts. For more information see out blog on Changing Your Passwords.

2. Train your staff

Educate your employees on data security and how to identify any security issues. Teach them how to identify fake emails, what not to click on and safe browsing techniques. Having everyone on the same page can save your business any future issues.

3. Keep your software up to date.

Always update your device’s operating systems and programs. Updates patch security holes as well as providing new features. Have each of your devices set to update automatically.

4. Limit access to data

Not everyone needs to know and be able to see all your data. Only give access to data that people actually need for their work.

5. Create backups of your data

Backups are essential for all business. You need to create copies of all your important information in a safe location. This helps if anyone steals or destroys that information.

6. Use a firewall

A firewall acts like a guard for your network and computer. Firewalls sit between your internal network and the internet outside. They are like a nightclub bouncer that allows the good people through while keeping the bad people out! . A firewall works in a similar method by preventing unwanted traffic from getting through.

7. Protect your wireless network

Use a strong password on your Wi-Fi and do not leave the default password on. Also update your wireless password frequently.

8. Be careful with email

Almost every data breach starts with a phishing email. Do not open emails from people you don’t know and never click on links unless you are sure that they are safe. If you are not sure about an email, phone the person to confirm – look on their website for a phone number and don’t use any phone numbers listed in the email.

9. Use encryption

Encryption scrambles your data and only people who have the decryption key can open it. Use encryption on important information.

10. Have a plan

Prepare a plan in case you experience a data breach. The plan should include who to contact and what you should do. Test the plan so you are ready if there is an intrusion and so you can add or take things away. Even with good plans, data breaches can still happen. If the unthinkable does happen:

• • Take action quickly.
  • Inform your customers about the breach ASAP.
  • Fix the problem that led to the breach.
  • Afterwards, use what you have learnt from that mistake to make your security better.

At what frequency is security checked?

Checking your security regularly, at least once a month. New dangers are surfacing all the time. So keep informed about the most up-to-date ways of keeping the data safe and adapt your plans to cover any new issues.

Can small businesses be targets for data breaches?

Yes, small businesses can be targets too. Actually, most hackers target small businesses as their security levels are usually much lower thane bigger businesses. Whatever your business size, make sure your are prepared.

What are some tools that can prevent data breaches?

The cost may be high to prevent data breaches, but it costs much less to prevent the breach than it does to fix a breach after it has happened. Consider this as insurance for your data; thus, the cost is well worth keeping your business safe.

How much does it cost to prevent a data breach?

The cost may be high to prevent data breaches. But it costs less than fixing a breach after it has happened. Consider this as insurance for your data; thus, the cost is well worth keeping your business safe.

Stay Safe and Secure

Data safety is extremely important; as it keeps both your business and customers safe. Take the above steps to prevent data breaches and always be on guard against new threats. If you need help, contact us and together we can make sure your data stays safe.