Your servers are under constant threat because hackers, spies, thieves, and competitors know
that your company’s data is valuable. You need to be proactive and take the
right steps to shield your company's data from such bad actors.
Step #1 Educate Your Employees
Studies reveal
that employees are responsible for most data breaches in an organization.
Consult with a professional cybersecurity team if needed. Establish clear
guidelines and train employees at every level to follow all regulations and
cybersecurity rules. Teach them to avoid unsecured networks and other unsafe
practices.
Step #2 Conduct Thorough Background Checks
Whether you’re
hiring long term employees or short-term contractors, conduct thorough
background checks before welcoming them into your organization. Crooked
competitors often rely on industrial
espionage to steal company secrets. Planting employees in an organization
is a common tactic.
Always check the
references for job applicants carefully. Investigate further if a potential
employee appears too good to be true. For example, be wary of a candidate who
is highly qualified and experienced yet has low salary demands.
Step #3 Use VPNs
Paid Virtual
Private Networks (VPNs) are an excellent way to protect your security and
privacy. Good VPNs encrypt your data, making them nearly impossible to hack.
Avoid free VPNs because these platforms are usually fraudulent.
Nowadays, more
employees are working from remote locations to help reinforce physical
distancing rules. Unfortunately, this leaves them vulnerable to hackers,
especially if they’re connecting to company databases through a public Wi-Fi
network. The right business VPN can secure such connections.
Step #4 Use Cybersecurity Software
The default
security software on PCs and Macs isn’t enough. Both platforms are being
increasingly targeted by crooks. Invest in good cybersecurity software to
protect company computers from viruses and other malware such as spyware and
ransomware.
While spyware
can secretly record and pass company secrets, ransomware can lock your
organization’s entire system until a ransom is paid anonymously through digital
channels. Usually, companies have no option but to pay the ransom.
Unfortunately, this only makes them a regular target for robbers on the
Internet.
Step #5 Use Encryption Tools
Encrypt your
data at every phase to protect yourself from theft. Use encrypted hard drives,
USBs, and cloud services to protect your sensitive information from prying
eyes.
Step #6 Invest in Rugged PCs
Theft
isn’t the only way for your company to lose valuable data. Many businesses
suffer setbacks because of computer hardware failure. Avoid buying regular
computers for your business. Such computers can permanently crash without
warning. Invest in rugged PCs. These computers are built to last.
Regular
retailers don't sell such PCs. Turn to a renowned manufacturer like Small PC – that specializes in developing
rugged and reliable computer solutions in small form factors. This company has
served clients such as the US Navy, the Canadian Coast Guard, Boeing, Honda
Aircraft, Dow Chemical, CV Hospital, MDR Robotics Lockheed, Pacific Seafood,
and others.
Besides
investing in rugged PCs, formulate an emergency data recovery plan and
regularly back up your systems.
Always
take data security seriously. Follow these six steps to ward off all kinds of
threats and to protect your organization’s valuable data.
