Editor's Note: Take a look at our featured best practice, Digital Transformation Strategy (145-slide PowerPoint presentation). Digital Transformation is being embraced by organizations across most industries, as the role of technology shifts from being a business enabler to a business driver. This has only been accelerated by the COVID-19 global pandemic. Thus, to remain competitive and outcompete in today's fast paced, [read more]
Also, if you are interested in becoming an expert on Digital Transformation, take a look at Flevy's Digital Transformation Frameworks offering here. This is a curated collection of best practice frameworks based on the thought leadership of leading consulting firms, academics, and recognized subject matter experts. By learning and applying these concepts, you can you stay ahead of the curve. Full details here.
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Data is a business’s most valuable asset. Protecting it should be of the utmost importance, but unfortunately, many businesses do not have an adequate data protection strategy. In this article, we will discuss what you need to know about protecting your company’s data.
Update your Business’s Antivirus Software
Antivirus software is important for your business because it protects your computers from viruses, spyware, and other malware. But it’s important to make sure the software you are using is updated because outdated antivirus programs will not protect your business from new viruses that come out.
This should always be one of the first things you do when protecting data on your computer. It might seem like a waste of time if no computers have been infected by malware, but it will shut down a virus before any damage is done. If you’re using macOS devices for work, VPNpro recommends having reliable antivirus for Mac to protect sensitive business data from emerging threats. If your device is already infected with a virus, we advise you to familiarize yourself with Trojan virus removal guide.
Maintain Current Backups of Your Data
To protect the data on your business, you need to have an up-to-date backup system in place. This way, if anything goes wrong with a computer or server, there is no problem because everything has been backed up and can be restored.
Simply doing this will protect your data from all types of computer problems, including viruses and other malware infections. It is a good idea to keep a backup system in place at all times anyway because it doesn’t cost much money or time but could save you thousands if something goes wrong with one of your computers.
Use Strong Passwords to Protect Your Computers and Devices
The last step you can take to protect the data on your business is by making sure all of your devices are password protected. This includes computers, laptops, USB drives, and even smartphones. If anyone could access these without a strong password, they could easily download important company information or use it for malicious purposes like identity theft.
Make sure every device has a password and that the passwords are complex. This will protect your data and make it difficult for anyone else to use your devices without you knowing about it, which could lead to bigger problems down the road.
Encrypt Sensitive Data on the Hard Drive of Every Computer
This is another important but simple thing you can do to protect the data on your business. Every computer should have an encrypted hard drive because it prevents anyone from getting access to all information that could be dangerous if they found out about it (such as passwords, credit card numbers, and more).
The best way to make sure this happens is to ensure that everyone in your business knows they should be doing it. If someone doesn’t have an encrypted hard drive, they could get fired for not taking the proper security measures. Make sure to view the types of encryption to make the right choice.
Keep All Company-related Documents in a Safe Place
While having an encrypted hard drive is the best way to protect every computer, it would be even better if you could keep all of your company-related documents in a safe place. This will ensure that no matter what happens with any computer or device, there are always backups available, so nothing gets lost.
This can also help prevent identity theft and secure your company from any other types of criminal activity. It is a good idea to keep these documents in a safe place at all times, but it’s even better if they can be kept somewhere else off-site as well so nothing ever happens to them.
Include passwords on every device and have strong ones for the most sensitive information
Store Backup Copies of Important Files Securely Offsite
There are many options for storing backup copies of your important files. You can do this on an external hard drive, USB flash drive, or even online. The best thing to do is use a combination of all three so that no matter what happens in one place, your files are safe and secure.
This is the best way to protect your business. If anything ever happened and all of your computers or devices were destroyed, you would still have a copy in another location that could be used whenever needed. Be sure to store them offsite, so no one can find where they are located, even if something was able.
Consider Using Two-factor Authentication
While using strong passwords and encrypting your hard drive is great for protecting data, it’s even better if you can add more security to the mix. This would be two-factor authentication, which requires a user name and password and another form of identification before allowing access to protected information on their computers.
This would include something like a code sent to their smartphone or via text message. While this is another layer of security, it could make someone think twice about trying to access your files because they know there’s more than just one way for them to be discovered and stopped.
Data protection is a serious matter and should be taken seriously. If you are concerned about the security of your customer data, consider these tips. Your business has a responsibility to do everything in its power to protect the information you receive from your customers.
18-page Word document
This Word Document provides a template for an IT Security & Governance Policy and is easily customisable. Areas cover are: Security, Data Back-Up, Virus Protection, Internet & Email usage, Remote & 3rd Party Network Access, User-Account Management, Procurement, Asset Management and IS Service
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Want to Achieve Excellence in Digital Transformation?
Gain the knowledge and develop the expertise to become an expert in Digital Transformation. Our frameworks are based on the thought leadership of leading consulting firms, academics, and recognized subject matter experts. Click here for full details.
Digital Transformation is being embraced by organizations of all sizes across most industries. In the Digital Age today, technology creates new opportunities and fundamentally transforms businesses in all aspects—operations, business models, strategies. It not only enables the business, but also drives its growth and can be a source of Competitive Advantage.
For many industries, COVID-19 has accelerated the timeline for Digital Transformation Programs by multiple years. Digital Transformation has become a necessity. Now, to survive in the Low Touch Economy—characterized by social distancing and a minimization of in-person activities—organizations must go digital. This includes offering digital solutions for both employees (e.g. Remote Work, Virtual Teams, Enterprise Cloud, etc.) and customers (e.g. E-commerce, Social Media, Mobile Apps, etc.).
Learn about our Digital Transformation Best Practice Frameworks here.
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