In a time when personal information is a valuable commodity, safeguarding the security of that data is a primary concern for individuals and businesses of all sizes. One breach could expose clients to identity theft, financial damage, or even lawsuits. There are a myriad of ways to protect personal information and prevent hacking and theft.

TAKE STOCK

Consider the amount of sensitive data your business has in files and on computers and create a plan to protect it only for as long as is necessary. This could include taking inventory of devices that store personal data, such as PIN pads and security cameras and identifying connections between computers and external sources, such as the internet, computers utilized by service providers to help support your network or digital copiers.

SCALE DOWN

Limit access to sensitive information only to those who need it. This minimizes the chance of www.datafinest.pro/2022/03/29/what-are-the-signs-of-bad-records-management/ an insider attack or hacker loss. Pro tip: Use the principle of least privilege. This means that you grant new accounts access to the lowest level to sensitive data, increasing that privilege only as they advance in seniority or work-related necessity.

It is locked. IT

Passwords should be secure, complex and unique. Passwords that are easy to guess can be hacked and used for unauthorised access in a matter of seconds. Don’t send passwords via email in plain text. And encrypt all files that contain private or confidential information.