Anthony Andrada, Negosentro | Taking steps to protect digital information and infrastructure is no longer a concern that businesses can afford to ignore. The potential risk of a data breach is a significant issue, one that may have far-reaching consequences for businesses spanning a wide range of industries from retail services to healthcare. Learning more about the numerous ways that businesses may be able to better protect themselves and their data is an important step in the process. From providing staff and associates with superior training and ongoing education to seeking assistance from a third-party security expert, finding ways to make data loss prevention (DLP) and digital security with web filters a top-priority can make a world of difference.
Understanding the True Cost of a Data Breach
Businesses that find themselves the victim of a data breach may be faced with far more serious consequences than they may have anticipated. A breach or other digital security issue that may compromise the financial, personal or account information clientele can cause lasting damage to the brand or image of a business. The relatively small cost needed to upgrade existing infrastructure or to improve employee training efforts may provide a superior return on investment by allowing businesses to minimize the potential risks and costs of a breach.
Staff Training and Education
Employees who have been poorly trained and those that lack awareness regarding the bad user habits that may increase the risk of a breach can often be a significant liability. Finding ways to improve training or making an effort to ensure that all employees possess a current and comprehensive understanding of today’s security threats is often the single most effective way to avoid a breach or other security issue. Users who have been poorly trained are far more likely to download malicious software, visit unsafe sites or to rely on poor password and digital security habits that may place sensitive data and information at far greater risk.
Hardware Upgrades and Software Solutions
When it comes to enhanced security, the current state of digital infrastructure is another matter that should be assessed and addressed. Older model equipment, software that may no longer be up to date and applications that may be exploited in order to gain access to a system or network can become serious liabilities. Updating equipment and investing in the software applications and other resources that will ensure DLP efforts are met with greater success can go a long way towards ensuring businesses are less likely to experience a data breach in the days ahead.
Seeking Professional Assistance
Smaller businesses, new start-ups, and organizations that may be unable to afford an in-house IT specialist or department would do well to seek out the services of a third-party provider. Professional expertise makes it easier to identify and address underlying security threats. From mundane issues to the installation and configuration of the latest DLP systems, a little professional help can often go a long way. Contracting with an experienced service provider ensures that even smaller businesses and those that may be operating within the confines of a fixed or limited budget will be able to benefit from the best resources and the most effective solutions.
Formulating a Plan for the Future
Underestimating the potential consequences of a data breach may prove to be nothing short of a disaster. Formulating a plan or security strategy helps to ensure that businesses are able to better address any problems, issues or complications which may be specific to their current or future circumstances. Security measures and DLP efforts that may be sufficient today may quickly become inadequate in the days ahead. Constant vigilance, access to the latest range of security resources and services as well as an effective plan for the future can all be essential concerns for businesses that are seeking to protect themselves and their data.
