2016 was not a very good year for businesses, if you talk from the perspective of data breaches. There were around 550 data breaches reported in 2016, resulting in the exposure of 13 million accounts.
While big companies, like Centene, fell victim this year, reports indicate that small businesses run a higher risk. 71% of all cyber-attacks occur at businesses with less than 100 employees, causing many of them problems in growth stages. Anything that's on the cloud is susceptible. However, data runs other risks as well. You may lose files or a virus/malware may allow hackers to access your files. So, how do you ensure security and avoid data disasters? Here are some effective tips:
- Always Back Up Your Data
Make it a habit to back up all of your data at regular intervals. It does not matter how secure your system is, you should always have a backup. The cost of not having a backup strategy for your business is too high to neglect.
There are many tools that you can use to automatically back up your data. If you have your information secured in the cloud, make sure to ask your cloud provider to back up your data regularly. However, experts recommend that you should have your own backup plan as well, since counting on your provider is not foolproof. This will not only safeguard you against data theft, but also put you in a safe spot in case you lose data due to a crash or other issue.
- Be Careful Who You Share Your Information With
You need to be careful with who you give access to your files or who you share confidential information with. There is no need to share passwords with your colleagues or employees, and doing so can lead to major reputation disasters. Most applications allow you to share content without having to share login details. Google Drive, for example, provides shareable and editable links that you can give to anyone without having to provide your login information.
Nonetheless, if your business requires giving access to others, make sure to keep an eye on what they're doing with the files. The access should always be limited. For example, if you add a contributor to your website, you should not allow him or her to make changes to content shared by others. Such limitations will ensure that your data remains secure.
Finally, whenever an employee leaves your office, make sure to remove all access and also to change passwords to safeguard against a potential breach. Additionally, retrieve all company devices and request them to sign out of accounts from their own devices. A specific 'sign out' policy should be in place.
Moreover, be wary of phishing techniques. Many hackers create fake pages to retrieve information. To be safe, never give out your private information, including financial details and passwords, on a page that looks risky. Lead-on pages or links provided on random pages or fake looking emails should be avoided. Always use official sites for all purposes!
- Pick Your Password Carefully
Believe it or not, many people still keep passwords that are very easy to guess. Passwords are case sensitive and should always be chosen with care. An ideal password contains a mix of numbers, symbols, as well as capital and small letters.
If you cannot think of an appropriate password, you may use a password generator. Since generated passwords can be hard to remember, you can use tools, like LastPass, to help you remember passwords. In addition to this, use different passwords for different platforms. For added safety, use two-factor authorization whenever available.
- Only Download What You Really Need
The easiest way to hack your computer is with the help of malware and spyware. Sadly, they can be installed just by clicking on a poison link. You need to be sure what link you click and only download files from trusted sources. If your computer warns you against certain sites or files, it's better to take the warning seriously.
Additionally, use a tool, like Allow Block, to block unwanted downloads. Also, use antivirus software for added security.
- Be Wary of Networks
It is possible for hackers to get access to your data without even using your device. This can be done with the help of Wi-Fi networks and Bluetooth devices. While an unsecured Wi-Fi network is attractive, you are risking your data by connecting to it.
So, always be careful about what network you join, since the information you share while being on a specific network may be hacked. In addition to this, keep your Bluetooth closed or 'undetectable' for added security.
The data found on the cloud is increasing day-by-day and is predicted to reach 44 zettabytes by 2020. It is important to safeguard this data and the key lies in keeping secure passwords, using solid encryption methods and not giving access to others. If you have more tips on how to keep your data secure, feel free to share them with us.