In a world in which personal data is a valuable commodity, safeguarding this data is a major concern for both individuals and companies of all sizes. One breach could expose customers to identity theft, financial harm or even lawsuits. There are a variety of ways to protect personal information and avoid hacking.
TAKE STOCK
Make a plan for storing sensitive information within your company’s files and computers only when it is necessary. This could include a review of devices that gather personal information, such as PIN pads and security cameras and the identification of computer connections to external sources, such as the internet and computers used by service providers to support your network, or digital copiers.
SCALE DOWN
Limit access to sensitive information to those who require it. This decreases the chance of insider threats or losses from hackers. Pro tip: Apply the principle of least privilege. Give new accounts the lowest access level to sensitive data. Increase that privilege as the account grows in years of experience or the job requirements increases.
THEN LOCK IT
Passwords must be secure and complex. Passwords that are easy to guess can be cracked in a matter of minutes and used to gain unauthorised access. Also, avoid sending passwords in plain text through email and be sure to secure any data that contains private or confidential information.