Gone are the days of relying on dozens of filing cabinets, but a new challenge has emerged—how to protect your data from server failures, disasters, and cyberattacks. Every organization has a responsibility to safeguard client information, and losing valuable data could set back operations significantly in the event of a major data breach.
As more businesses move online, it’s estimated that nearly 50% of companies will soon be fully digital. While this shift brings growth and opportunities, it also raises concerns about data security, which will likely be the top priority for your customers before they engage with you. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to enhance the security of both your data and your clients’ information.
Essential Practices for Protecting Client Data
Everyone involved—whether working in an office, managing a business, or leading a large organization—can benefit from following these basic rules to safeguard data:
1. Set Priorities
Determine the most critical aspects of your business. While software, apps, and hardware can be replaced, data cannot. If your company collects client information, safeguarding this data should be your top priority.
2. Prioritize Security
If your business uses custom software or apps, prioritize developing them with strong security features. If you rely on third-party platforms, ask those providers about their cybersecurity practices to ensure they stay ahead of potential threats.
3. Use Multi-Factor Authentication
For employees logging in at the office, a simple username and password may suffice. However, for remote workers, it’s wise to implement additional layers of authentication, such as text message verification, voice recognition, or fingerprint scans, to prevent unauthorized access.
4. Prioritize Updates and Patches
Software updates and patches are crucial for keeping your systems secure. Though they can be easy to overlook, scheduling these updates for off-peak times, like early mornings, can help. Updates often include essential new features, bug fixes, and security patches that protect against known vulnerabilities.
In an increasingly digital world, the role of your IT team has expanded. They must manage, develop, and maintain technology while also staying ahead of both competitors and cyber threats. For smaller businesses, maintaining a large IT department can be costly, which is why many companies are turning to cloud-based solutions for their software, apps, and services.
If your IT team is stretched thin and unable to prioritize data loss prevention, outsourcing these tasks to a specialized provider can make a big difference.
At iConnect Technologies, we’re excited to offer a new solution for preventing data loss. Contact us today to learn how we can help secure your business.
