Whether they like it or not, data security has become a priority for businesses in almost all industries. Government data shows cyber-attacks are becoming more frequent, with almost one in three businesses and a quarter of charities experiencing breaches or attacks at least once a week. With the average cost of a cyber-attack reaching £2,670 in 2021, this trend makes it vital for organizations to take data security seriously.
Society is doing more and more online, after all, while events such as Russia’s ongoing invasion of Ukraine are creating an environment of heightened risk. Thankfully, business owners can take several relatively simple steps to stay vigilant.
Read four effective ways to tighten your business’ data security below.
Train employees
Even with many layers of impenetrable system security, the fact remains that many cyber-attacks focus on where businesses are most vulnerable: their employees. This makes comprehensive training and tools from Trustifi on cybersecurity risks essential, from how to spot phishing scams to best practices while working remotely.
Your training should be consistent and frequent too. After all, you wouldn’t leave it a year to update your devices or software. So why do the same with your team?
Use open banking solutions
If your business makes lots of transactions, open banking offers improved ease, speed, and safety for you and your customers. It’s a relatively new innovation that allows users to share banking data securely with other providers.
Not all open banking solutions are built equal. But partnering with a reliable open banking provider will help safeguard your transactions and protect your business from financial fraud.
Install a virtual private network (VPN)
VPNs encrypt your data and protect your internet connection, making them useful for avoiding prying eyes on public Wi-Fi. But they’re also an important tool for businesses looking to avoid cyber breaches.
If your business has remote employees, using a VPN allows them to access your network from anywhere without putting your data at risk. They can also control who gets access to what by verifying user credentials and protecting connected devices like cameras and machinery.
Don’t forget about physical security
It’s easy to overlook physical security in favor of cybersecurity, but protecting your physical premises, devices, and documents is important. Access control and surveillance are two core aspects of physical security.
The first involves controlling who can go where on your premises through measures such as gates, doors, key cards, and codes. The second relates to monitoring movements and activity through guards, alarms, CCTV, and sensors.
Innovation is rife in both areas, with businesses able to create interconnected systems to deter or catch unwanted intruders.
Is your business doing everything it can to protect its data from modern threats?
Featured Photo by FLY:D on Unsplash