Protect What Matters: 11 Ways to Secure Your Data
Innovate & Integrate
The Daunting Reality of Data Security
You’re likely well aware of the daunting risk of data breaches and cyber-attacks that can have devastating consequences to your company. The numbers are alarming: the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) found that there were a staggering 3,000 data breaches in the U.S alone. This harsh reality underscores how critical data privacy is in today’s business landscape. At IST, we firmly believe that protecting your data is not just a necessity, but the foundation for confidence in your corporation.
The Solution to Protecting Your Data
Our experts agree that educating your team about the most effective ways to protect your data is the greatest defense against cyber threats. Human awareness and engagement allow you to do the following:
- Protect your organization
- Prevent damage to your information
- Safeguard your reputation
That’s why we created a step-by-step guide on how to enhance your data security:
1. Be Intentional with Passwords: Create complex passwords by pairing special characters with a mix of uppercase and lowercase letters. The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) suggests aiming for passwords longer than 15 characters. To make your password easier to remember, try using passphrases - a combination of words unique to you. And here’s a crucial tip: avoid repeating passwords across platforms to minimize breach risk.
2. Use Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA): MFA adds an additional layer of authentication by requiring an extra step of verification after putting in your password. The following factors are important to consider when using MFA:
- Any kind of MFA adds an extra boost of security, but keep in mind the risks of using certain types.
- Authenticator apps are safer than SMS-based methods due to the risk of SIM swapping.
- Do your research to figure out which MFA is best for your company’s needs.
3. Update Software: Updating systems regularly is one of the simplest ways to protect your sensitive information. Outdated software leaves your company vulnerable to security flaws, creating an easy pathway for hackers.
4. Watch Out for Phishing Attempts: You’ve been told time and time again to be careful when clicking on email links, especially from unfamiliar senders. However, phishing attacks have evolved, and it’s more than just being cautious of suspicious links. Employees must be aware of spear phishing, which are emails that appear to be from a trusted sender. Here’s what to look out for if you are uncertain about an email:
- A sense of unusual urgency in an email
- Incorrect grammar and abnormal sentences
- A request for you to do a task out of the norm
- An email with a small variation in the address
5. Be Mindful When Using AI: While LLMs can be a powerful tool to enhance your cybersecurity practices, it is important to be cautious when using them. Inputting data into these systems can pose a risk of spreading sensitive information. Additionally, watch out for AI-generated deepfakes.
6. Restrict Access Privileges: Be intentional with who needs access to sensitive data to perform their responsibilities within your company. Routinely check in on who has permission and how it should be shifted based on job responsibilities. The less access to sensitive information, the better.
7. Protect Your Workspace: Even your physical workspace can affect data security. Always shred confidential documents instead of tossing them in the trash. Additionally, whenever stepping away from your desk, get into the habit of locking your computer to prevent unauthorized access.
8. Be Wary of Third-Party Vendors: When working with cloud services or external vendors, always do your research on their security practices and regulatory compliance to make sure they meet your standards. Do not hesitate to ask further questions before proceeding so you can be at peace knowing your data is in good hands.
9. Stay Up to Date on Privacy Regulations: Making sure you’re familiar with the privacy laws and regulations that apply to your organization is a non-negotiable. Regulations like GDPR and CCPA are not just legal checkboxes, they are crucial for protecting data privacy.
10. Invest in a Vulnerability Management Platform: These platforms can detect and resolve potential security gaps in your workplace, eliminating potential threats before they can become a problem.
11. Develop a Cybersecurity Culture: Keep your team equipped by staying up to date on the latest cybersecurity threats and defense strategies. Create a proactive culture where open communication about suspicious activity is easy, encouraged, and seen as a shared responsibility. And of course, always ensure everyone is informed of your company’s response plan.
Data security may seem overwhelming, but with the right practices in place, it will become second nature to your company. By taking the right measures, you will be protecting your workplace’s reputation, integrity, and future. At IST, we believe that when security becomes part of your goals, trust in your business will follow.
If you want to hear more about how to defend your company against cybersecurity threats, check out Episode 27 of the Outside-IN Podcast, where host Brad Burgess sits down with Security Engineer II Sean Mannix to discuss how human engagement is one of the greatest ways to protect your data security.
Sources:
- https://www.idtheftcenter.org/post/2024-annual-data-breach-report-near-record-compromises/
- https://www.nist.gov/cybersecurity/how-do-i-create-good-password
- https://www.cisa.gov/audiences/small-and-medium-businesses/secure-your-business/require-multifactor-authentication#:~:text=Use%20the%20strongest%20MFA%20option,t%20available%20for%20that%20account.
- https://www.verizon.com/about/account-security/sim-swapping
- https://www.washtrust.com/blog/5-tips-to-protect-your-business-from-email-compromise
- https://www.horizonbank.com/about-us/newsroom/advice/sensible-advice-categories/security-center/security-center/2023/03/02/red-flags-to-help-you-prevent-business-email-compromise
