In a world where personal data has become a valuable commodity and is now an important concern for both businesses of all sizes. A single breach can expose customers to identity theft and other financial damage and could expose companies to penalties, reputational damage and even lawsuits. There are many ways to protect personal information and avoid hacking.
TAKE STOCK
Create a plan to store sensitive data in your business’s computers and files only for in the time necessary. This may include taking inventory of devices that collect personal information, like PIN pads and security cameras and identifying connections between computers and external sources like the internet and computers that are used by service providers to support your network or digital copiers.
SCALE DOWN
Limit access to sensitive data only to those who need it. This reduces the risk of an insider attack or loss to hackers. Pro tip: Use the principle of least privilege. Give new accounts the lowest access level to sensitive data and increase that privilege as the account grows in seniority or the requirement for employment grows.
It is locked. IT
Make sure your passwords are strong, complex, and unique. Passwords that are easy to guess can be hacked within a matter of seconds and used to gain unauthorized access. Don’t send passwords via email in plain text and secure all files that contain confidential or private information.