9 Ways To Improve Your Data Safeguards

Data security is one major concern for many businesses, whether you’re operating a small business or a large corporation. The more security measures are advancing, the more cyberattacks are stepping up to breach the newer-generation security measures. There are several types of cyberattacks that you need to guard your business against. They include malware, phishing, SQL injection, DVS tunneling, denial-of-service (DoS) attacks, and man-in-the-middle attack.

More businesses are becoming data-driven, which makes business data a major component of their operations. And to protect such data, you must invest heavily in cyber security measures. Losing business data can mean the closure of business, decreased revenue, lack of client trust, or even loss of your loyal customers.

With that said, this article brings you some cyber security measures you can invest in to boost the safety of your data.

1. Use A Firewall

For a secure network, you must use a firewall. A firewall can check every incoming and outgoing traffic in your network. Depending on the software or website, a firewall decides whether they should be allowed or blocked access to your network, a decision made according to a set of security protocols. The main functions of a firewall are:

• to prevent a change of other party data,
• to keep a log of user activity,
• to acting as a network security post, and
• to guarding your information against leaks without your knowledge.

2. Secure Your Computer

Whether you’re using a desktop or a laptop, you should employ security measures that’ll guarantee the security of your data. Encrypt your computer with a strong password such that no one can access the data on your computer without the password. A strong password should have a minimum of eight characters including both upper-case and lower-case letters, special characters, and digits.  Additionally, you could a secondary layer of protection with two-factor authorization where a code is sent to your email or use biometric data, such as face scans or fingerprints, to verify logins. (More on this later.)

3. Encrypt Your Phone

Just like a computer, you should protect your phone using a strong password. A phone can be easily stolen and be a point of access to your vital business data. You can configure your phone with an automatic lock-out too. In case your phone is stolen, you can use your synched email to lock it or wipe the data stored in it.

4. Avoid Accessing Links From Strangers

When you get an email from a stranger, you shouldn’t open it or access any links in it. The moment you open the email or the links, it activates malware that can damage your network. In some cases, you don’t have to download an attachment to trigger the attack. Even the best in cyber security can fall into this trap. S, the best solution for you is to completely avoid opening strange emails.

5. Update Your Devices

In case your browser, device, security software, or OS isn’t configured to update automatically, you should just go ahead and turn on automatic updates. Updates contain software patches that seal any security loopholes that your software provider has detected. If your device doesn’t update automatically, you remain exposed to cyber threats.

6. Employ Two-Factor Authentication

Two-factor authentication could be as simple as requiring you to complete your username and password during each login. But the goal of this security measure is to deter unauthorized access to your accounts. Moreover, you may be required to enter a code that may be sent to you through your email or your mobile phone number. You may also be asked to answer security questions. Whenever there’s an option for two-factor authentication, you should always use it as it gives you an added layer of data security.

7. Avoid Public Networks

Refrain from using unsecured networks such as public Wi-Fi connections with your devices. They can be a cybercriminal’s entry point to corrupt your devices and gain access to your data. It’s even worse to use a public network for entering critical information such as your financial data or your Social Security number, which can be intercepted and used to withdraw funds from your accounts. You’ll be secure when using a virtual private network (VPN) when you’re not at home. VPNs can encrypt the data that you receive or send.

8. Regularly Back Up Your data

The moment your data has been hacked; it’d be impossible to retrieve it unless you have a backup. Cyberattacks such as ransomware can wipe away every information you have. With a backup, you’re assured your data is kept safe, in case of an attacker compromising your data and demanding a huge sum of money.

9. Don’t Share Personal Information

Keep all your personal details private. Never reveal details such as your full name, financial data, or address with a stranger online. Be careful with the information that you give on online surveys, as some of them may collect your data and use what they have on you for fraud.

Conclusion

Data security in the workplace is the responsibility of every individual. The new threats to cyber security may require you to teach your employees how they can remain secure online without exposing their devices and company data to threats. This article is a masterpiece of critical strategies that ensure that your personal and business data is safe.