Most businesses collect personal information about their clients, associates and others. This information is very valuable to hackers. Small and medium businesses with fewer data security resources are often targeted by cyber criminals.  In fact, last year, the Identity Theft Resource Center documented nearly 800 data breaches, involving 675 million estimated records, containing sensitive personal information. To prevent your company from becoming the next victim, here are some steps you can take to mitigate a data breach or theft.

  • Passwords: This is the most neglected area, as some businesses use plain readable passwords. We recommend using a mixed lowercase and uppercase password consisting of alpha numeric values, with punctuation marks or special characters. Never use or re-use single password for all of your accounts. Account hackers tend to use your credentials on other sites you may sign up for. Some applications also have a special or additional layer of security, such as SMS or call confirmation after logging in, to make sure you are the right person. If you encounter a confirmation while you are not logged in, change your password immediately or issue a “forgot password” email.
  • Educate Associates: As HR or department heads train new associates, IT Departments should also include sessions for training new associates, before the issuance of their own computers. This training should include proper use and pointers on how to prevent data breaches, handling private and sensitive information, and avoiding phishing emails.
  • Update your browser and plugins: Make sure you are always on the most updated version of your preferred browser, as well as plugins. Older versions have higher chances of vulnerability, and are often no longer supported. Assuring that you’re always on the latest version of browser and plugin’s, increases your level of security against possible data theft. Of course, you can always call your friendly IT service provider to support you, and answer any security questions you may have.
  • Secure your computers and operating systems: Make sure that your computer is also on its latest updates. Have reputable anti-virus software installed with the latest anti-virus definition. Outdated OS and Antivirus software are much more vulnerable to attacks.
  • Secure your internet devices: Routers, switches and firewalls or UTM’s (Unified Threat Management) equipment should be secured as well. Most of the commonly used routers and UTM’s have a blocking feature, that intercepts certain attacks on the internet side before the data comes to your local network.

There are many ways to prevent data breaches or data theft. If you are unsure that your company’s information or data security is secure, please give us a call.  We offer your company a free tech and data security assessment. We are happy to speak with you, and help you learn about how you can prevent them. Prevention is better than the cure. Call us anytime at (630) 365-0025.