Almost every modern business store data about customers as well as information about the day-to-day running of the business. Data is often stored electronically, such as on hard drives, however, this can mean that it is at risk of being lost. If data is lost or stolen, it can have financial consequences that are difficult for businesses to overcome. If you are looking for advice on how to prevent data loss from your business, this guide gives you some tips.
File Back-Ups
Regularly
backing up your files to another external storage device, or onto a cloud-based
system, means that you are covered should your files be mistakenly deleted or
become corrupted by malware. If you do use another external hard drive, then
keep it in a separate location. That way, if your building is damaged by fire
or floods, your data will still be secure.
If data
has been lost, it may still be possible to recover some of it. Specialist companies such as
Secure Data Recovery have helped many people regain precious files,
including photos and documents that have been wiped.
Encrypting Data
Encryption
is where the information within a file is transformed into a jumble of code
that is unreadable, except to those who have authorization. This helps prevent
sensitive information being accessed and protects your data from hackers.
Password Protection
Having
long-form passwords to prevent unauthorized access to files and accounts is an
essential layer of protection against data loss. Choose passwords that are difficult to
guess, such as a combination of letters, numbers, and characters.
It
is also essential to change passwords regularly and avoid using the same one
for different accounts. Although it might be a nuisance to keep changing
passwords, or choosing ones that are difficult to remember, it is better than
having to recover from data loss.
Software Updates
Holes and weak points can develop within the software that isn’t updated, and that creates entry points that malware can access. When software is regularly updated, it keeps it strong enough to withstand most of the newest forms of cyber-threats. Most software can be set to update automatically, saving you from having to remember to do it manually.
Training Staff
Human
error can be one of the biggest factors in data loss. Staff will do many
processes while at work, and it can be easy to mistakenly send an email with
sensitive information in it, to delete the wrong file, or not dispose of
paperwork correctly. If staff take laptops off-site, the information stored on
them is vulnerable as laptops can be left behind, stolen, and screens can be
spied on. Training staff to follow proper procedures will help to prevent data
loss.
Losing
data is something that can have a detrimental effect on a business. It can cost
thousands to recover from, and some small businesses may not be able to fund
those costs. It is also damaging to the reputation of a business, as customers
lose trust that their information is safe. Prevention is always better than cure,
so minimize the risk of data loss and protect your business.