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In this day and age, when cybercrime and data breaches are more prevalent than ever before, companies cannot afford to overlook data security.
From phishing and ransomware assaults to carefree password choices, there are numerous methods for hackers to break into your business's digital defenses and obtain sensitive information. In fact, In Australia there is a 30% chance that you will suffer from a data breach.
Here are 10 practical tips for keeping your business’ data secure:
1. Keep your software up to date
One of the best ways to protect your data is to keep your software up to date. “Cybercriminals are constantly finding new ways to exploit vulnerabilities in outdated software, so it’s important to keep your applications and operating system patched with the latest security updates”, points out SAAS business intelligence company Fourth Dimension.
2. Use strong passwords
Another simple but effective security measure is to use strong passwords for all of your online accounts. A strong password should be at least eight characters long and include a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers, and symbols.
3. Use two-factor authentication
Two-factor authentication is an additional layer of security that can help protect your data. With two-factor authentication, you’ll need to enter a code from your phone in addition to your password when logging into an account. This makes it much harder for hackers to gain access to your data.
4. Encrypt your data
Encrypting your data is another great way to protect it from cybercriminals. When data is encrypted, it is converted into a code that can only be decrypted with a key. This makes it much more difficult for hackers to access your data if they manage to breach your security.
5. Use a VPN
A VPN (virtual private network) encrypts all of the traffic between your computer and the VPN server, making it more difficult for hackers to intercept your data. A VPN can also help you stay anonymous online and bypass internet censorship.
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6. Be careful what you click on
One of the easiest ways for cybercriminals to gain access to your data is by tricking you into clicking on a malicious link or attachment in an email or message. “Be careful what you click on, even if it appears to be from a trusted source” suggests employees from My Career Angel.
7. Don’t reuse passwords
Another bad habit that can leave your data vulnerable is reusing passwords for multiple accounts. If a hacker manages to gain access to one of your accounts, they will then have access to all of the other accounts that use the same password.
8. Use a password manager
A password manager is a software application that helps you generate and manage strong passwords for all of your online accounts. A password manager can help you keep track of your different passwords and make it easier to use unique passwords for each account.
9. Back up your data regularly
Backing up your data regularly is an important step in protecting it from loss or damage. There are many different ways to backup your data, including using an external hard drive or a cloud-based storage service.
10. Train your employees
One of the most important steps you can take to protect your data is to train your employees on cybersecurity best practices. “Teach your employees how to spot phishing emails, use strong passwords, and be cautious when clicking on links or attachments”, recommends skip tracing company Acceleon.
Photo by Pavel Danilyuk
By following these tips, you can help keep your business’ data secure.