5 Ways to Protect Your Business from a Data Breach

Data breach threats continue to rise, what are you doing to protect your information?

Information security continues to grow in complexity. It’s not just about protecting your paper records, or your active files online, it also means taking precautions when it comes to how you archive information physically and digitally, and what processes you have in place to destroy out-dated and unneeded information once you’re finished with it. From hacking and phishing to dumpster diving, the number of threats that could lead to a data breach continue to increase. If you’re wondering what steps you can, and should, take to help strengthen the security of your information, here are four simple things you can do.

5 Easy Ways to Protect Your Information from a  Data Breach

  1. Protect your Active Digital Assets: A lot of information exists in digital form today, make sure you are doing everything you can to protect your proprietary information from a breach by doing things like creating secure networks with login access, creating strong passwords, and staying up to date on potential threats like phishing scams and other malware that could damage your systems.
  2. Protect your Active Paper Assets: While there are many digital records out there, paper is still a big player especially in financial, health care, and legal offices, and even HR departments inside many small businesses. Make sure that you have secure storage location for these items and a system in place to ensure they are securely destroyed if you no longer need them.
  3. Find Secure Storage for Archived Records: Not all of your records need to be touched and used every day, but many industries mandate that you keep certain records on file for a number of years. If you have cabinets full of information that is not being monitored or maintained, those records can easily end up in the wrong hands. Consider secure off-site records storage, or at the very least, create a secure space in your facility for archiving older records.
  4. Securely Destroy Out-Dated Digital Devices: Even digital devices that have been “cleaned” can still have traces of information that hackers can retrieve if they have the right tools and knowledge. The best way to protect your digital assets when you are ready to upgrade your technology is to destroy the hard-drives, tablets, cell phones and other devices that can store information.
  5. Schedule Record Purges at Regular Intervals: If you maintain paper records you should have a system in place to purge records as they become outdated or are no longer needed. Whether you do this annually, or ever 2 years, make sure that you outline the process for preparing records for purging and that you are working a secure shredding service provider who can help you document your purges for your records.

 

For many businesses, information security is often an after-thought. Putting simple systems into place now will help create additional barriers of security as these threats continue to grow. Augusta Data Storage is your local resource for Records Management, Secure Shredding, and Electronic Waste Destruction in Augusta, Evans, North Augusta, Aiken, and more. Contact us today to see how we can help you keep your information safe!