Cyber Security Awareness and Tips for Protection
As a business owner, you have a lot to think about. You worry about the health of your business, the effectiveness of your employees and the satisfaction of your customers. But, what about how the information you collect is stored and secured? Have you taken the proper precautions to ensure the security of confidential information that you store online and in computer files?
Below are a few helpful tips to protect your most important information.
Ensure your networks are actually secure
Just because there’s a password, doesn’t mean your network is secure. Setting up a firewall and encrypting information are essential steps to protection. Unsure of where to start? Consider hiring an internet security firm to protect what’s important.
Protect each computer and work station
It might seem like antivirus software is just another add-on when you buy a computer. But, it’s important. Take the time to install antivirus software and antispyware tools that are updated regularly.
Educate Employees
Your employees may have access to confidential information relating to your business or your customers; this means proper education is critical. Establish policies relating to the handling of confidential information and consequences for when policies aren’t followed.
A few ideas include:
- Holding monthly meetings to review security practices.
- Creating password requirements (including the use of special characters and numbers).
- Requiring employees to change passwords on a monthly basis.
- Educating employees on trade secrets and how to safeguard them.
- Requiring multifactor authentication for privileged account information.
- Putting procedures in place for lost or stolen devices and information.
- Encrypt backup data.
Store backup information offsite or in the cloud
Crashes happen. Information can be lost. Ensure all important information, including word processing documents, spreadsheets, HR data and financial files, are backed-up weekly (at a minimum) and stored in another secure location. Backup data should always be encrypted; this is particularly important when storing data offsite.
Physically protect what you can
Laptops and other mobile devices can be easily stolen or misplaced. Passwords are a good starting point for protection, but physically locking up devices when not in use and providing ways for your employees to do the same is also important.
If confidential information is stolen, there are steps you can and should take, which means having a pre-established relationship with an experienced business law attorney, like Michael Hynum of Hynum Law in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania is crucial. But, taking steps from the start could prevent theft in the first place.
Have questions? Want to be sure your business is protected? Contact us today. We look forward to working with you.