Is your company data really safe? Even after basic security protocols, such as firewalls, data encryption, and backups are in place, most companies will still need to patch some of the holes in the system that could let cybercriminals in.
Below are some of the vulnerabilities shared by many companies. Go through this list to make sure you’re not putting your company data at risk.
Not Checking Vendors
Never take for granted that the vendors you share data with take security as seriously as you do. Any vendor that handles, stores or transmits your data can create vulnerabilities for you. Ask your IT security expert prepare a questionnaire about data encryption, hardware, and other security issues that you can use to collect information from your current vendor and incorporate it into your future RFP process. Also schedule regular security audits with your vendor.
Lax Employee Password Behavior
Have you ever been in a business and seen an employee’s password written on a sticky note and scattered across their monitor? Your secure system is meaningless if employees outside your IT department don’t understand why security is important. Talk to them about guarding their passwordschange them regularly, and never share or enter passwords in response to emails or phone calls, no matter how official they may seem.
Also talk to them often about what information they shouldn’t share via email, and why they shouldn’t let anyone into secure areas of your building unless they know exactly who it is.
Unsecured Cloud-Based Applications
When you use cloud-based apps to share data with your team, that data is at risk. Even if the app itself is locked, it is still your responsibility to use the app wisely and apply proper security settings. For example, Slack is a popular team communication applications that need to be properly managed to be secure.
More than 18 percent of files uploaded by Slack app users contain sensitive information. It is important to inventory the data you share and categorize it according to security level, implement appropriate access controls, and watch closely for insider threats and compromised accounts.
Not Having an Ongoing Plan
Who is responsible for reissuing passwords when an employee leaves the company? What type of plan do you have to make your employees aware of how they handle data and passwords? Who in your company is responsible for ensuring your security practices keep up with changing standards? Data security is not a set-it-and-forget-it function to be ticked off the to-do list. Without regular attention and maintenance, your security plan is bound to become outdated and develop weaknesses.
Data security is a tough reality in today’s connected business environment. It’s tempting to set up minimal security rules and devote as little time and resources to this problem as possible. But breaches cause costly and egregious disruptions to your business and can even destroy your company. It is wise to devote abundant resources and time to prevention and safety.
