It is no secret that data breaches are becoming more common. A 2017 study found that 60% of small businesses experienced a data breach in the previous year. In addition, the cost of these breaches is only increasing; the average cost of a data breach in 2017 was $3.62 million.
How can you protect your business from becoming a statistic?
Your business is your livelihood. Protecting it is your top priority. A data breach can be a devastating event, wreaking havoc on your finances, reputation, and customer base. However, if your business puts the proper precautions in place, you can reduce the risk of a breach happening.
In this blog post, we will discuss some of the best ways to prevent a data breach in your business. Implementing these measures will help keep your confidential information safe and secure.
1. Educate Your Employees About Data Security
Your employees are your first line of defense when it comes to data security. They need to know ways to identify potential threats and the steps to take after a data breach.
2. Use Strong Passwords and Two-Factor Authentication
One of the simplest ways to protect your data is to use strong passwords. In addition, you should consider implementing two-factor authentication (2FA) for all your employees. 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to enter a code from their phone in conjunction with their password.
3. Encrypt Your Data
Encrypting your data is one of the most effective ways to protect it. Encryption transforms data into a code that people can only decode with a specific key. This makes it close to impossible for hackers to access your confidential information.
4. Keep Your Software Up to Date
Your business should always update its software. Outdated software is one of the most common ways that hackers gain access to business data. By keeping your software up to date, you can patch any security vulnerabilities that may exist.
5. Use a Secure Cloud Storage Solution
Cloud storage solutions are becoming increasingly popular for businesses of all sizes. When using a cloud storage solution, it is important to make sure your business stores data securely. Be sure to research a provider’s security measures before entrusting them with your business data.
6. Have a Plan in Place for Responding to a Data Breach
No matter how much you prepare, there is always a chance that your business could experience a data breach. Therefore, it is critical to have a plan in place for responding to a breach. This plan should include steps for notifying your employees, customers, and the proper authorities.
7. Partner with a Managed IT Services Provider
Working with a managed IT services provider is one of the best ways to protect your business from a data breach. Managed IT services providers offer comprehensive security solutions that can help keep your data safe. In addition, they can provide you with the resources you need to quickly respond to a breach if one does occur.
8. Conduct Regular Security Audits
Regular security audits are an essential part of data security. These audits can help you identify any weak points in your security plan. By conducting regular audits, you can make sure that your business is as prepared as possible for a data breach.
Conclusion
Data breaches are becoming more common. However, by taking the proper precautions, your business can reduce the risk of a breach happening. Implementing these measures will help keep your confidential information safe and secure.
If you are looking for more ways to protect your business from a data breach, contact us today.
Medical ITG is a leading provider of managed IT services for healthcare. We offer comprehensive security solutions that can help keep your data safe. Our team of experts can also provide you with the resources you need to quickly respond to a breach if one does occur.
Reference – https://www.upguard.com/blog/prevent-data-breaches
