How can your company increase data security?

There are many answers to that question but before listing every strategy a cybersecurity professional could work on, let’s answer it right: knowledge! Knowledge is the key and the secret to optimize basically any process in your company as well as in your life.

You need to know your security flaws to correct them. You need to know your business goals to set your path (and your security parameters for that matter) and you need to know all the tools you can count on in the process.

So now, let’s list the most important steps to increase your company data security.

1. Map your data and take inventory

What kind of sensitive data your company stores? Customers database, projects designs, approval history, operational licenses and permits, health documentation? The first step to increase security is mapping every data, information, document you should protect.

2. Define a security strategy

After taking inventory, you can define the better security strategy for each type of data or document. For example, does your company keep a digital copy of its licenses and permits stored somewhere? Who can access that? Who controls it? Who keep track of expiration dates and renewals process? Every strategy should have a person responsible for it, a workflow, and a monitoring process.

3. Create a data protection policy

Once your strategies are set, it’s time to right it down and make it clear to every person of interest in the company and outside of it. Your employees, suppliers and customers should know how you treat your data and how you expect them to treat it as well.

4. Train your team

Training your team is fundamental. Your employees must be onboard, know the tools they will work with and understand why security matters and their roles in the security process. Besides mitigating risks, they will be essential if a breach occurs, and you need fast and efficient response.

5. Reliable Tools and Systems

When choosing tech tools, software, and hardware, it is important to seek for features that allow your security strategy (defined early) and policy to be executed with maximum quality and minimum risks. Search what the market has to offer, talk to other customers, ask for demo versions and test. This decision will make a lot of difference.

6. Protect from Breaches and Attacks

Never assume that because you install an antivirus and an anti-malware software, your data is fully secured. Instead, define security indicators, invest in data encryption, reduce unnecessary access, create a backup routine, perform security audits, and keep your employees aware of risks, mapping possible breaches. Be alert!