When you’re running a business, it’s vital to take information security precautions seriously. It only takes one incident to bring an organization to its knees, so understanding how to protect your company against data breaches is paramount.
Here are five ways that you can implement information security at your workplace:
Figure Out Which Security Tools You Need
Every threat has an appropriate solution, but it’s not always the same. In other words, you need to understand which security tools are required for different types of cyberattacks. Additionally, it’s crucial to set these up correctly and use them the right way.
To find the right security software, many organizations turn to professionals – a decision that offers several advantages. For starters, this approach ensures you don’t miss anything and have all of your bases covered. Additionally, it makes things easier if your business needs to comply with privacy laws.
On top of this, a professional organization can give you proactive response services, which means that you’ll never be stranded when a complicated problem arises. Plus, you’ll have options to prevent an incident from reoccurring.
For example, with Emagined, you can benefit from tailored security services for your company – regardless of what industry it’s in.
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Keep Updated on Detailed Policies and Procedures
Apart from seeking a professional’s help, you can also develop a culture of information security within your workplace. In short, data security begins with proper documentation. This means incorporating detailed procedures that facilitate employee training and daily operations.
Here are some examples of policies you can include:
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Data retention
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Passwords
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Firewalls
Once you create a policy document, keep it up to date and ensure that everyone has access to current information on the company’s information security protocols.
If your organization is required to follow specific compliance laws, include these as well. Some standard data security mandates include the Payment Card Industry DSS, the HIPAA Security Rule, and the General Data Protection Regulation.
Manage Sensitive Data Properly
Many factors play a role in day-to-day operations. It’s vital to train employees on how to manage sensitive data using current technologies and efficient processes. Naturally, most of your organization’s data will consist of documentation, which means you’ll need a healthy and protected flow of information.
A risk assessment is the best way to begin managing sensitive data. Using this approach, you can analyze risks, pick up on threats and weaknesses, and test your environment. Some of the other tools you’ll likely work with include:
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Risk Management Plan
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Data Destruction
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Data Encryption
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Secure Remote Access
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Wireless Networks
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Prepare a Data Breach Response Plan
If you’re required to satisfy specific security mandates, you may be hit with a steep fine if a data breach attack is successful. However, if your business information is compromised, having a response plan will significantly benefit you.
Keep in mind that there are different breach procedures for every compliance mandate. To ensure everyone at your company is aware of these policies, get the word out as soon as possible. Additionally, send out regular updates through various platforms like emails, newsletters, meetings, and training sessions.
Typically, a data breach response plan consists of six stages:
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Prepare
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Identify
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Contain
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Eradicate
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Recover
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Review
It also includes things like an emergency contact list and a pre-written PR response, among others. You should train your employees on possible scenarios that could occur while also considering the things they shouldn’t do, like wiping all their data. Lastly, it’s crucial to run tests on your response plan and iron out any inconsistencies.
Understand What Your Compliance Mandates Require
To help organizations improve their information security, specific regulations provide guidelines on the best practices. There’s a wide range of compliance mandates, and the type of data your company handles will primarily determine which restrictions apply. If you don’t comply with these rules, you can face severe fines.
For the average person, it can be challenging to assess which mandates your company needs to follow. As a result, many people choose to partner with a security professional that can decode the regulations and provide tailored systems and policies.
As we mentioned earlier, the most common compliance mandates include the PCI DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR. However, there are many more that you can encounter, including COPPA, FACTA, and FRCP.
Take Away
A cyberattack can devastate your company, so it’s essential to implement efficient information security protocols. Additionally, you should be aware of the different compliance mandates that might apply to your organization; otherwise, you could find yourself in hot water. If you’re unsure where to begin, you can start by hiring a professional information security company.
