What Can You Do To Prevent a Data Breach?
If you haven’t read part 1 of our 3 part data breach series, please read it here:
What Are The Various Forms of Data Breach
With most things in life, prevention is the best cure. It is true that hacker technology is evolving somewhat faster than the technology to prevent hacking. That being said, there are things you can do that will make your business a less attractive target for hackers, all while helping to protect personal information about your customers, your employees, and your organization.
Educate and Train Employees about Security Risks
Chances are high that your employees pose your biggest risks when it comes to cyber security. Educate your employees about their role in keeping your business information safe. This includes simple things like using complex passwords, changing passwords frequently, and updating software on their computers regularly. It can also include other strategies, such as avoiding the inclusion of business materials on personal devices (mobile phones, tablet devices, and home computers).
Restrict Data Access
Whether this involves physically securing documents in areas employees who do not need the information have no access to it or limiting access to virtual copies of sensitive data, restricting access helps to reduce risks related to employee maliciousness, negligence, and, in some situations, carelessness.
Encrypt Data Transmission
There are many ways encryption can be beneficial. While it may not prevent attacks against your business by hackers it can make it infinitely more difficult for them to get useful information from those intrusions. You should also avoid using Wi-Fi networks for business as it makes your information more vulnerable to attacks designed to intercept data as it is being transmitted.
Screen Employees Thoroughly
One thing you want to explore is any history of cybercrimes in an employee’s history. Follow the laws in your state related to employee background checks, but do your due diligence to protect your customers, employees, and business from those who have committed these types of crimes in the past.
Limit Use of Portable Data Storage
This includes, but isn’t limited to: USB sticks, portable hard drives, DVDs, CDs, and, in some cases, laptops and tablets themselves. Portable devices with personal information about employees or customers can become a powder keg if lost, or if it falls into the wrong hands.
These things are easily lost or stolen and can place your business and its reputation in great risk. One possibility is to create policies in which only encrypted data can be downloaded to and stored on these devices.
In addition, businesses not allow a BYOD (bring your own device) policy as they have no control over its security. Further, after an employee leaves the company, the business has no control over the data stored on the BYOD device.
Avoid Cutting Corners with Security
Many businesses today are facing substantial financial crunches. It’s natural to look for ways to cut costs without sacrificing product or infrastructure. Data security is not one of the areas where you can afford to cut costs, though. The risks are simply too great.
Invest in Adequate Data Breach Insurance Coverage
Despite every step you take to make your business a less attractive target for hackers and thieves, the odds are not in your favor that you will be able to remain one step ahead of them forever. Investing in data breach or cyber liability insurance is one way you can help mitigate the scope of the fallout that happens when data breaches occur. It can help shelter you from the financial costs of the liability, litigation expenses, and even credit monitoring services for those affected by the breach. The right policy can also help you secure public relations assistance to help you through the process.
Begin your search for outstanding data breach insurance coverage by email info@icnj.com or calling Insurance Center of North Jersey at 201-525-1100 today.
With more than 80 years of service to New Jersey business and homeowners and surrounding areas, we have the tools, technology, and insurance products to protect your business when data breaches occur.
Read part 3 of our data breach series here: