When running a business that handles large volumes of sensitive data, it won’t do you good to set aside cybersecurity needs. The cost of a data leak can do more than eat into your revenue. You could face legal complaints and put your business’s reputation into question for failing to take preemptive measures. For this reason, investing time and money in preventing data leaks will determine your business’s long-term survival.
As technology evolves, so do the tools and methods used by hackers and online saboteurs. You wouldn’t want to remain complacent when the latest threats appear. If growth, profitability, and a good reputation matter a lot to you as a business owner, here are a few things to keep in mind in defending against data breaches and preventing leaks:
1. Consider the Type of Data You’re Handling
Any strategy to improve cybersecurity should be based on your business’s current security posture. This involves knowing the kind of data your business requires to process transactions and authenticate customers and employees. You may require customers to share information such as addresses, phone numbers, and birthdays to sign up for an account or complete a purchase.
Additionally, your business may also store employee files containing the names and numbers of their emergency contacts and bank account information for payroll purposes. By determining the type of data you’re handling, it will be easier for you to look for tools and methods that cater to your business’s security needs.
2. Identify Vulnerabilities in Your Security Infrastructure
Now that you have a good understanding of what sensitive data is shared with your business, you will need to locate possible gaps that hackers can exploit. A thorough needs assessment should be conducted to know what needs to be improved or added to your current security setup.
You may find that you lack robust access controls or that you’re not using a secure payment gateway complete with user verification features. Server rooms and data centers may not be properly secured and security software may be outdated. This can help you prevent zero-day attacks that usually happen when there’s a lack of regular cybersecurity assessments and monitoring.
3. Build a Cybersecurity Team You Can Rely On
Preventing data breaches isn’t always a matter of investing in the right tools. Security software will only be efficient in the hands of seasoned professionals who are capable of identifying threats and security gaps, conducting penetration tests, and reinforcing existing defenses. With this in mind, consider recruiting a team of cybersecurity professionals who can do more than conduct regular audits.
You need people who are familiar with the latest data security threats and the best ways to preemptively counter them. As you form your team, make sure to hire business people with the best credentials and a clean employment record. To be certain, reach out to their previous employers, or use a service like Triton Canada to perform a background check.
4. Train Your Employees to Be Vigilant
In some cases, data leaks occur as a result of human error rather than system failures or deliberate attacks from the outside. You should include human error as a threat that you need to address by implementing authentication protocols and more efficient access controls. It’s also important to train employees to keep their credentials and on-site hardware. You can implement policies that strictly regulate access sharing, such as blocking third-party communication platforms and changing passwords.
Endnote
You wouldn’t want to overlook the effects of a data leak when it happens to you. Preventing them from happening at the outset will help your business and, more importantly, your customers steer clear of trouble.
