While many business owners rarely think about it, their clients trust them with a high level of personal data. Everything from credit card information to a wealth of personal metrics flow through business databases on a daily basis. In a world where these assets are increasingly valuable currency for potential criminals, it’s important that you keep the private information of your customers safe. Follow these simple steps to ensure their privacy and protect your reputation.
Scrutinize What Information You Need to Keep
Whether you’re just starting your business or looking to reevaluate your data storage practices, a full audit is important. Take the time to consider what data your company needs to function properly, and then put procedures in place to carefully expunge the rest. Particularly sensitive information like social security and credit card numbers should be reserved only when completely necessary. The Federal Trade Commission has a number of policies in place for when information is allowed to be stored. It can serve as a valuable resource when putting together your data management plan.
Keep Your Equipment Updated
Tech companies like altechradio.com can play crucial role in your organization by making sure you’re always equipped with communications equipment designed to withstand the newest cyber dangers. Secure wireless networks can greatly improve the efficiency of your company, but it also offers one of the most tantalizing vulnerabilities for criminals who trade in private information. Investing in custom Sierra Wireless solutions in NYC or wherever you may live can keep your infrastructure modern without sacrificing security.
Be Cognizant of Human Errors
Through malice or carelessness, staff members with access to personal information can serve as weak links in your security chain. Minimize the staff members who have access to privileged information, and be sure to conduct a thorough background check before putting them in their position. All employees who might come in contact with sensitive information should be provided with a thorough orientation regarding your company’s data security protocol. Implement a strict policy for removing security access when a staff member leaves your company, and follow it to the letter.
Prepare for the Worst
While strong safety protocol can minimize the risk of a security breach, you’ll still want plans in place just in case the worst happens. You should always have a designated senior member on staff with the training to implement your emergency security plans precisely. Threats left unattended can quickly compound and jeopardize even more information, so a quick response is important. Be sure to maintain a chain of command so that your personnel know what institutions and individuals to contact in the case of specific incidences.
It’s important to remember that the techniques used by data criminals change with some frequency. That means that your security protocol needs to change as well. You should make sure that data security training is performed on a regular basis and that your plans are assessed with some regularity.
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