In a world in which personal data is a valuable commodity, protecting that data is a top concern for both individuals as well as businesses of all sizes. A single breach could expose clients to identity theft, financial damage or even lawsuits. There are many ways to protect personal data and stop hackers from gaining access to it.

TAKE STOCK

Make a list of the amount of sensitive information your company holds in computer files and on servers and create a plan to keep it only until it is absolutely necessary. This could mean taking inventory of devices that record information, such as PIN pad and surveillance cameras, as well the identification of connections between computers and external sources, such as the internet computers used to run your network by service providers, or digital copier.

SCALE DOWN

Limit access to sensitive information to those who require it. This reduces the potential of an insider threat or loss from hackers. Pro tip: Apply the principle of least privilege. This means that you grant new accounts access to the lowest level to sensitive data. They can increase that privilege only as they grow in seniority or work-related necessity.

LOCK IT

Passwords should be secure and complex. Simple passwords can be hacked and used to gain unauthorized access in seconds. Also, don’t transmit passwords in plain text through email and be sure to protect any file that contains private or confidential information.

protection for your data