In a world driven by technology, business owners know that they must have safeguards to keep client data secure. Customers have come to expect this service, and an uncontrolled data breach can be detrimental to any business. You may think your company is too small to need data safeguards. However, companies of every size and industry need this service. Your customer database is one of your company’s most valuable assets, so start taking steps to protect it. Consider these five ways to keep your customers’ information secure. You will have peace of mind knowing your company is reducing its chances of a data breach, while your clients will appreciate your dedication to keeping their information private and protected.

1. Organize Your Data

You cannot properly secure data if it is not organized, so your first step should be managing your customer database. This will help you keep track of information more efficiently and breaches will be easier to identify. A data wrangling cheat sheet is essential for organizing your database. Formulas on these cheat sheets allow you to catalog your client information in the most efficient way possible. This reduces the stress of organizing and securing your company’s data. With this technology, you can easily view aspects of your customers’ data by changing filters in your database. 

2. Train Employees

You can invest in the best data-wrangling technology out there. However, if your employees do not know how to operate it, things will not run smoothly. Before implementing a new database security system, host training sessions. This way, all employees who will use the program will be prepared. When workers feel comfortable using new programs and software, the transition into a more secure database is easier. When new employees are hired, ensure they are given ample training on your security platforms. You can host refresher courses as needed for all employees on a regular basis to keep everyone trained and up-to-date on technology updates.

3. Install Firewalls

Your company should have basic internet security protocols in place. Internet firewalls make your data less vulnerable to data breaches. Without firewalls, your company’s computers are more likely to obtain viruses from the internet. These viruses can cause your customer data to come under attack by hackers. This type of attack is a major data breach, so it is much better to prevent it rather than deal with it later. Require your employees to only use the company’s internet services for work-related projects. By eliminating personal internet use, you will make your company and customer data more secure and prevent potential breaches from unsafe sites and hackers who want to steal and sell company data.

4. Change Passwords Frequently

In most companies, each employee has his or her own unique login credentials for your company’s database. Your employees may also have login credentials for other websites that your business uses, such as vendor sites and other software. If your employees are reusing passwords or not changing them frequently, your company’s data is open to attack. Encourage employees to change passwords frequently. After staff turnover, change all login credentials. Make sure former employees no longer have access to your database. Some companies are moving to password-less or multiple-step authentication to further protect data, which is a very smart move to keep your data protected. Their are plenty of password creating tips such as making a password that includes capital and lowercase letters, symbols, and is unique.

5. Address Data Breaches

Unfortunately, many companies deal with data breaches. While this is a scary situation to find yourself in, there are steps you can take to deal with the breach and prevent further attacks. Manage a breach as soon as it occurs; do not wait for more data attacks to occur. Be upfront and inform your clients whose data has been compromised. Tell them what steps you are taking to eliminate the risk associated with the breach. Explain to your clients how you will protect their data in the future to ensure this doesn’t happen again. When faced with this situation, many companies offer clients free identity monitoring services for a year or more to apologize for the situation. Overall, clients always prefer honestly and transparency about data breaches rather than trying to sweep it under the rug. You have a higher chance of maintaining your clients if you keep their trust when mistakes happen.

Conclusion 

The face of business is constantly changing as technology adapts and expands. Keeping up with these changes is important for any business owner to succeed. Consider how data security can help your business prosper. Clients must know that you prioritize the safety of their private information. When you inform customers of your dedication to prevent security breaches, they will be more likely to trust you for their business needs in the future and even recommend your services to other companies.