How to Protect Your Business from a Data Breach

When it comes to data security, there are plenty of standard methods for protecting your business and its information from attacks by hackers and other malicious individuals who seek to steal your data or use it in harmful ways.

Data breaches are too common these days, and they seem to get worse each year. A data breach can have many negative consequences, including the loss of customers, the leakage of sensitive information, or even financial repercussions in the form of fines and lawsuits.

To ensure that your business doesn’t suffer any losses due to a data breach, here are 9 things you can do to keep your business safe from data breaches and other threats in today’s constantly changing tech landscape.

1) Start by making security part of the company culture

There are lots of ways you can shore up your security measures. It all starts with why: why should you be protecting customer data? Why do people care about your company’s information security? And why is it important for you personally, as an owner or manager, to ensure that data is protected? 

Once you’ve figured out a good answer to that last question, everything else becomes easier. From there, it’s just a matter of budgeting for and implementing tools and training employees on how best to keep your customer info safe. 

Start by making security part of your company culture. For example, ensure your employees know how easy it can be for hackers to use email and phone calls to impersonate someone else and ask for their login information. Tell them to use Nuwber for identity verification whenever they receive an unsolicited email or call.

2) Create strong passwords

Every website must have its own password requirements. So, make sure you use a different password for each site. Don’t ever reuse old passwords. Use 12 characters and include numbers and symbols. 

What if coming up with all those complicated passwords is too much work? You could consider using a password manager such as LastPass.

3) Update software regularly

One of our favorite things about technology is how quickly it changes. But, of course, that’s true for computers, smartphones, and just about everything else. 

So if you run your business using technology, you must regularly update (every month if possible) to keep up with those changes. 

A common cause of data breaches is outdated software so ensure you have backups in place and upgrade those systems when updates are available.

4) Use two-factor authentication on all major accounts

Two-factor authentication, or 2FA, is one way to protect your online data. The term describes any system that requires two pieces of information before logging into an account. 

With 2FA enabled on all major accounts (e.g., email, bank, social media), anyone trying to gain access would need more than just your password; they’d also need access to another device you own that has been previously authorized. 

That way, they couldn’t log in even if they had stolen your password. It’s a simple concept but makes it much harder for hackers and cyber thieves to gain access without knowing both pieces of information necessary for entry.

Google Authenticator and Authy are popular options. Once you have either, follow these steps:

• Open up your account settings; 
• Look for two-step verification; 
• Click Set Up Two-Step Verification; 
• Choose how you want to receive codes (via text message or app); 
• Add backup methods in case your primary plan fails (you can also use physical keys that generate codes); 
• Create a unique passcode that only works with two-step verification; 
• Don’t forget your 2FA password. You’ll be locked out of all those important accounts if you do. 

5) Be careful with public Wi-Fi

Be careful when you’re on public Wi-Fi. Don’t enter personal information like bank or credit card numbers, social security numbers, driver’s license numbers, or passport information. These are all details that hackers can use against you and your company if they gain access to your computer through open Wi-Fi networks.

A simple way to avoid these dangers is using virtual private network (VPN) software. VPNs encrypt all your data between your device and the Internet, so only you can access it. 

Suppose someone manages to steal it while in transit (on an unsecured network). They won’t be able to read it because it’s encrypted. Another benefit of VPNs is that they mask your IP address.

6) Back up data

Ensure your company’s data is always backed up in at least two ways. First, ideally, you will also have at least one off-site backup system. In most cases, experts suggest having at least three backup options. 

For example, there are many cloud storage solutions out there, such as iCloud and Google Drive. But, just like with everything else, they are not 100% secure, so it’s a good idea to have an external hard drive connected to your computer that gets backed up regularly too.

7) Securely delete data

To truly delete data for good, you’ll need specialized software. Be sure to check your device manufacturer’s website for free tools that can help you permanently remove data. 

If you’re not comfortable erasing your data with specialized software, at least go into your settings and delete any browser history and search history stored on your device. Even if that information is recoverable, it’ll take someone some time and being computer-savvy. 

8) Implement an end-to-end encryption solution

End-to-end encryption is the only way to keep your business safe from prying eyes, which adds another layer of protection by scrambling files so you can only read them on designated devices. 

End-to-end encryption ensures that only you and your intended recipient can read what’s being transmitted, including not just email but chats and texts. This ensures that even if hackers get their hands on your sensitive data, they won’t be able to decrypt it. 

There are several ways to achieve end-to-end encryption (for example, with removable media like USB drives and cloud storage), but ensure you encrypt everything possible, not just customer information.

9) Consider hiring a cybersecurity expert

No matter how big or small your business is, hiring a cybersecurity expert is a good idea if you don’t have anyone in-house. 

For example, companies can have someone on staff who regularly checks that firewalls are working properly and that passwords are up-to-date. Some larger companies will even hire penetration testers, people who try (and hopefully fail) to get past their security measures. 

Smaller businesses may be unable to afford these types of professionals, but do keep in mind that hiring one may help you prevent serious data breaches and save money if something happens. 

Final Thoughts

There is an increasing number of cyber attacks and breaches on businesses annually. These can lead to some of your valuable information being lost or stolen, meaning more damage to your company. 

There are ways that you can easily protect yourself to avoid becoming a victim. First, ensure all workers are trained on handling personal information and what important documents should be kept locked away in offices or servers at all times. 

Also, ensure you have up-to-date anti-virus software on all computers and strong firewalls in place to keep intruders out. Prevention is better than cure, so act before it’s too late.