If you’re running a small business, it’s safe to say that improving data security should be your number one priority. Research shows that hackers have been busy in recent years, as cyberattacks saw a 424% rise in 2020 alone. Worse, around 60% of companies go out of business within six months of a data breach—meaning that even one incident could spell doom for your brand.
Luckily, there’s plenty you can do to protect your critical data from the most common data security mistakes. With these potential pitfalls in mind, you’ll be better poised to ensure your data’s long-term safety.
1. Using Poor Password Protection
We all know that creating strong passwords is an essential part of protecting business data, but that doesn’t mean that everyone follows proper protocols.
Many businesses make mistakes like using the same passwords across the board or using common or predictable passwords. Worse, even companies with strong passwords might have poor protection if employees don’t have the right training on their storage and use.
2. Falling for Common Cyber Threats
Though blunt-force hacking can be a significant threat to your business, it’s important not to forget about more subtle threats. Phishing emails, suspicious links and files, and other social engineering tactics can make your business—and, in turn, your essential data—vulnerable to cyber thieves. Ensuring that your team is up to date on the current best practices for cyber protection can help.
3. Not Hiring an IT Specialist
A failure to hire an IT team might cut costs, but it can also expose your business to potential threats. The right IT specialist will have the expertise to protect your most common business activities and assets, including helping with backups, network security, encryption, disaster recovery, and more.
4. Using Poor Data Management Tactics
Unless you’re hosting all of your data in-house, it’s crucial to know where it lives.
It’s easy to put your trust in the cloud, but it’s essential to be aware of your data’s location and management. Storing sensitive, unencrypted data in the cloud can open you up to leaks or even accidental deletion. Furthermore, you should know if and how your data is backed up, the information laws of the country in which your data is stored, and how the company protects your data.
5. Forgetting to Erase Old Data
Data destruction is crucial for any business that keeps information that shouldn’t fall into the wrong hands. From your clients’ financial records to your employee’s personal details, it’s important to get rid of unwanted data the right way to protect your business. Using specialized software like the tools at www.certus.software/en/ can help.
Avoid These Common Data Security Mistakes
If you want to protect your business’s information and reputation, you’ll need to keep these common data security mistakes in mind. Investing in your company’s protection with the right data security tools and strategies can help you keep your sensitive information safe and where it belongs. Make sure to work your data security policies into your business plan for long-term results!
Want more of the essential business tips you need to make the most of your brand? From cybersecurity to marketing to strategy, we’ve got the guides you need. Check them out to learn more.