In a world where personal data is a valuable resource, protecting the security of that data is a primary concern for both individuals and businesses of all sizes. A single breach could expose customers to identity theft and other financial harm and expose companies to penalties, reputational damage and even lawsuits. There are many ways to safeguard personal information and prevent hacking.
TAKE STOCK
Make a list of the amount of sensitive information your business has in files and on computers, and make a plan to only keep it for as long as is necessary. This could include taking stock of devices that store information, such as PIN pad and cameras for surveillance, as well as identifying connections between computers and external sources like the internet computers used to run your network by service providers, or even a digital copier.
SCALE DOWN
Limit access to sensitive information only to those who need it. This decreases the chance of the threat of an insider attack or loss from hackers. Pro tip: Follow the principle of least privilege. New accounts should be given the lowest level of access to sensitive information and then increase this privilege as the account gains years of experience or the job requirements grows.
LOCK IT
Make sure your passwords are secure, complicated and unique. Passwords that are easy to guess can be hacked in a matter of minutes and used to gain unauthorized access. Also, don’t send passwords in plain text via email. Also, be sure to secure any data that contains sensitive or private information.