Advances in modern-day technology mean that no matter what business niche you’re in, it’s likely that the majority of your data will be stored online. And while the online world gives you the benefits of being able to easily store lots of data, you also have an increased risk of potentially losing everything.
There’s nothing more frustrating than losing important data, so it’s essential that you have a plan of action for keeping your business’ data as safe and secure as possible. Whether it’s protection from hackers or loss of power, you should write up a strategy that covers all bases so that you’re covered in case the worst happens.
You should have a formal IT security strategy that is as detailed and specific as possible, covering not only how you should be protecting your business’ data, but also what to do if something goes wrong. This allows you to be one step ahead if anything were to happen, allowing you to stay calm and collected in the moment. Here are the 4 essential tips for keeping your business’ data protected:
1. Look Out for Malware and Viruses
Both Your business’ PC and your network need to be secured against any potential malicious software that could cause irreversible data damage. There are many different types of malware, from viruses, to worms, spyware, adware and trojans, which can be spread while downloading software, visiting infected websites, clicking a pop-up window or downloading an email attachment that contains malware.
To prevent malware, you should be sure to keep your computer and software updated, as this helps to improve your system’s security. You should also use a non-administrator account whenever possible, and exercise caution before clicking links, downloading anything or opening email attachments.
Finally, make sure your computer has a good anti-virus software installed, as this can be used to scan your entire computer for malware, as well as identifying any possibly infected content before you go to download it.
2. Use an Uninterruptible Power Supply (UPS)
Our computers aren’t only at risk from online scams. Problems out in the real world like lightning strikes or human error can lead to power surges or other interruptions that can be catastrophic for your business. Power outages can not only affect your business but also your customers too, and you should really consider if this is a risk worth taking.
With a UPS, your business will be protected against certain power problems such as power surges, blackouts, noise, and spikes. These handy devices work by detecting changes in the electrical current and stabilizing it, keeping your computers safe from harm.
Check out Critical Power Supplies for your ups power supply needs. They offer a wide range of UPS systems for all types of applications, from the world’s leading manufacturers. With UPS’ specifically designed to be used in large businesses, it’s guaranteed that Critical Power Supplies will keep your computers sufficiently protected.
3. Safeguard Passwords
This tip has probably been drilled into your brain since computers first became a thing, but you should never underestimate the importance of a strong password.
Generally speaking, the easier your password is to remember, the easier it will likely be for hackers to guess what it is. Birthdays of you or loved ones, names of your pets or children and any other personal information that is easy to find out should not be used as a password. The more letters, numbers and special characters your password has in it, the harder it is for hackers to guess.
On a similar note, you shouldn’t use the same password for every single account. In fact, ideally, you want to be using a different password for each different login. While this might get frustrating having to remember so many different passwords, it’s also the of the surest ways to keep your data safe.
Imagine, for example, that you used the same password for your company’s email address, social media accounts and website? If a hacker was to find out your password, then your whole business would be at risk. But if you had a different password for each account, at least you would know that the rest of your data was still secure.
4. Store Data for Backup
Service providers like The Cloud or OneDrive will not only be able to store your data, but they will also maintain software patches and provide extra security measures. There’s usually a limit to how much data you can store free of charge, but if you’re a smaller business looking for an extra layer of security, then these service providers are a great option.
Using a backup service means that even if you experience a loss of data, then depending on what has caused the loss, you may be able to get it back. All that’s needed on your part is for you to consistently protect your data from your moment of creation. It’s also a wise idea to frequently check your service provider to make sure that everything has been backed up.
