Data breaches can harm your business, cost you money and trust. Let’s look at how to stop them from happening.

What is a data breach?

A data breach is when someone steals your digital information (data). This can include names, emails or credit card numbers.

Why should you care about data breaches?

Data breaches will cost your business money and time and possibly your customers will stop trusting you. You may even be fined. It is vital to try to prevent them from occurring.

How do you prevent a data breach?

Here are 10 steps to help keep your data safe:

1. Use strong passwords

Use long, complex passwords that are hard to guess. Include letters, numbers, and symbols. Do not use the same password for all of your accounts.

2. Update your software

Always update your software as updates usually patch security holes. Set your computer to update automatically.

3. Train your employees

Educate your employees on data security and how to identify fake emails and not to click on suspicious links.

4. Use encryption

Encryption scrambles your data and only people who have a special key can read it. Use encryption on important information.

5. Limit access to data

Not everyone needs to know everything. Only give staff access to what they need.

6. Create backups of your data

Create copies of your important information and keep these in a safe location. 

7. Use a firewall

A firewall acts like a guard for your computer and blocks intruders. Always turn the firewall on.

8. Be careful with emails

Many data breaches start with a fake email. Don’t open emails from people you don’t know or click on links unless you are sure they are safe.

9. Protect your Wi-fi

Use a strong password on your Wi-Fi and update this frequently. Do not use the default password as provided by your internet service provider.

10. Have a plan

Prepare a plan in the event of a data breach. Know who to contact and the procedure to follow if this occurs. Take action quickly and inform your customers about the breach as soon as possible. Fix the problem that led to the breach and use this to tighten security.

At what frequency is security checked?

Check your security regularly as there are new dangers frequently arising. Keep informed about the most up-to-date ways to keep your data safe.

Can small businesses be targets for data breaches?

Small businesses can be targets too as hackers perceive their security level to be low. Whatever its size, make sure your business is prepared.

Stay Safe and Secure

Data safety is an important part of everyday business; it keeps your business and customers safe. Take the steps above to prevent data breaches. Always be on guard against new threats. If you need help, contact a Pact IT cyber security expert.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Start protecting your data today.

Article used with permission from The Technology Press.