We live in a world where online hacks are one of the detriments to any company. With technology constantly evolving, companies have to remember that their corporate data needs to be secure.
However, you can’t just tuck your data away in a storage cabinet somewhere, away from prying eyes. On the other hand, when you store your corporate data in a network, especially a cloud-based network, the potential for hacking and other forms of cyber-attacks is high. But just how do you keep your corporate data safe?
Use Protective Software
Viruses and malware can degrade your computer’s performance and even destroy corporate data. That’s why it’s a priority to have reliable malware protection for your computers. You can use your firewall as well to block potentially harmful programs from accessing your computer. The hardware-based firewalls built into network routers will do the trick, especially in an office environment.
Make Sure Your Password Protection Is Foolproof
This is true especially on cloud-based servers, since most of the attacks in cloud-based servers are due to poor password protection. Remember that when your data is in the cloud, it can be accessed by anyone. So make sure there are no holes in how you protect these files. Encrypt your data if you have to. And if it’s possible, change your passwords often.
Provide Limited Access
Make sure that only those who will use the data have access to them. You can also discuss with your provider how the encryption keys should be managed in order to ensure that access to the data is limited.
Make Regular Backups of Your Data
A cyber-attack is not the only danger your files are facing. A broken hard drive and other failed hardware can result in the loss of important files. That’s why you have to make sure to make regular backups of your important data. Backups will also help in the event of calamities and other unforeseen physical damage to your system.
Be Careful When Clicking Links in an Email
This is common knowledge, but viruses and other forms of breach in security may stem from clicking suspicious links in emails. Be careful when browsing emails, and avoid suspicious emails sent by unknown sources. Same goes with websites. Steer clear of suspicious websites and avoid clicking links unless it’s to a trusted website.
Use a Strong Encryption Plan
Implement a strong encryption plan to protect your data. Encryption software will help you to do this. Also, when sending email, it’s important to use email encryption to protect important email from being breached.
Store Your Data on a Centralized Server
It doesn’t have to be explained. All important data must be kept in a centralized server accessible only by those who were given permission to do so.
Be Organized
Last but not the least, make sure all your data is organized. All of these efforts to protect your data is for nothing if you happen to be just leaving your files around. You have to be meticulous and catalog all of the important data. A good encryption plan is useless if you lose a file due to carelessness.