Web threats wreak havoc on a business’s security and information. If your company isn’t secure, you leave your network open to data breaches and attacks. When that happens, valuable data is stolen or lost. Without the proper security, your company could be at risk of sharing sensitive information or worse, losing it and never gaining it back. Not only would you be responsible for the data breach, but your business could garner heavy fines for not having the proper protections in place. Compromising data is more than an inconvenience, and it comes with heavy penalties.

Luckily, threats to business information can be avoided when you invest in the proper safeguards. Follow the below tips to help keep your data secure.

Shield Your Data From Viruses 

Securing your network against viruses is essential to keeping your data safe from breaches. Focus on obtaining security software that will stop suspicious websites in their tracks and protect your information from identity theft and spam. Think of not only having a sophisticated firewall but hiring a data wrangler service to aid in this process. Data wrangling will enable you to collect data and hone in on issues quickly and efficiently by pulling raw data, cleaning it, and offering insight into data quality and security.

Protect Your Passwords

Optimize your passwords by ensuring they are complex and not easily identified. Passwords should always have a mix of letters, numbers, and symbols. Having a strong password is only one part of the solution. Changing your password frequently will also help keep your data secure.

Remember, never use personal information, and concentrate on a unique word as your password. Don’t forget to log off of your computer when you’re away from it to avoid personal information being left in the hands of someone else. If you have to work at another location, make sure the internet connection is secure and never put your password on a computer you don’t control.

Utilize Automation Services

Update operating systems and keep out any potential hackers. Automation can help by performing security updates in the background, never leaving your data or system without up-to-date protection.

It only takes one forgotten update to put you and your business at risk. Automate the process to keep the protection of your data streamlined and safe.

Discard Equipment and Data Appropriately 

Office computers and equipment will need to be replaced from time to time. Whether the devices are being fully discarded, refurbished, or reassigned, it is important to make sure the old data can’t be retrieved by the wrong people.  

Put procedures in place to dispose of data from old devices appropriately. Disintegrate data on all memory types to keep it from being retrieved later.

Keep Your Employees in the Know

Educate your employees on best practices for data security. Instruction includes helping employees spot spammy emails, what links to trust, and updating passwords. When the employee leaves their desk, have them lock their computer until they return from break. Passwords should not be written down or easily accessed.

Don’t forget your remote workers in this education. Data loss prevention is necessary no matter where the worker is located. Help your employees understand the risks involved if company information is leaked. This includes maintaining a safe workspace away from prying eyes. Take note of where the computer is faced when working, and if it’s in plain view for anyone to see, then it’s time to rethink the screen placement.

Following these tips will help your business data stay secure. Preventing data breaches before they start will keep your company from dealing with the stress of data loss, hurried fixes, heavy fines, and ruined brand trust. Remember, you’re in charge of your business and responsible for the data it holds. Your customers will want to know they can trust your business with the information they give you. With these proactive steps in place, you’ll be able to offer security and trust.