Five Steps Your Organization Must Take to Keep Your Data Safe

Keeping your data safe is extremely important. More precedence has been put on data privacy and security in recent times as phishing and ransomware litter the landscape. Unauthorized access to data can lead to severe consequences. The methods employed by cybercriminals today are more sophisticated than ever; and it quite often allows them to breach organizational data security. Today, we thought we would take a look at a few strategies people are using to protect their data. 

Implement Multi-Factor Authentication

One of the first lines of defense against unauthorized access is the implementation of more robust authentication protocols. Using multi-factor authentication (MFA) to add an extra layer of security beyond traditional usernames and passwords is a good practice. MFA typically involves a combination of something you know (password), something you have (security token or mobile device), and something you are (biometric data).

Train and Educate Personnel

Human error is a significant factor in data breaches. Provide comprehensive training to your personnel on security best practices, including how to recognize phishing attempts and the importance of strong password management. Educated employees are more likely to be vigilant against potential security threats.

Regularly Update and Patch Systems

Outdated software and systems are vulnerable to exploitation by hackers. To keep this from being a problem, regularly update and patch your operating systems, applications, and security software. Automated updates can streamline this process, as long as they themselves are current.

Encrypt Sensitive Data

Encrypting sensitive data adds an extra layer of protection, even if unauthorized users manage to gain access to the system. Encryption converts data into a coded format that can only be deciphered with the appropriate decryption key. This is particularly crucial for data in transit (such as emails) but also useful for data while at rest (stored on servers or devices).

Conduct Regular Security Audits

Regular security audits are essential for identifying vulnerabilities in your system. Conduct thorough assessments of your network, applications, and infrastructure to discover potential weak points. Regular audits help you stay proactive and address security issues before they can be exploited.

Limit User Access and Permissions

Adopt the principle of least privilege (PoLP) by restricting user access and permissions to the minimum necessary for their roles. This limits the potential damage that can occur if an unauthorized user gains access to an account. Regularly review and update user access permissions to fit the needs of the organization.

Keeping your data safe is a major consideration for the modern business, and the modern computer user. If you would like to talk to one of our IT professionals about getting access to the security tools and strategies they use to protect other Northern Virginia, Maryland and Washington DC businesses, give us a call today at (703) 821-8200.