Even if you don't believe your company handles personal or sensitive data, you're likely to have at least a few client bank account details on file — and it's your obligation as a company to ensure that these don't get into the wrong hands. Although hackers aren't usually the fault of a company, they still come out as unprofessional, therefore it's important to try to avoid them.
By Team Savant
Image: Mika Baumeister
Customers are more inclined to spend time and money on your business if they can trust you, so keeping your data secure is critical. Here are some methods for safeguarding your customers' data:
Stay Vigilant
If you're a business, no matter how big or small, you're a target, so don't think that a data breach will never happen to you. Smaller organizations account for nearly half of all cyberattacks, owing to fewer security measures in place. It is essential for you to have the right data strategy in place regardless of the size of your business.
You must ensure that your customers' data is appropriately safeguarded so that you are best prepared if someone attempts to break into your system. If your firm is engaged in a data breach and your customers' information is leaked, it can take years to repair the reputational damage.
Use Strong Passwords
This may sound apparent, but the stronger your password, the less likely it is that hackers will be able to penetrate your system. Choose a long password that includes some special characters and numbers. Include no information about yourself that someone could easily discover, such as your birthdate or the name of your pet.
It's also a good idea to use a different password for each site you visit. It's aggravating to have to remember so very many different passwords, but do you know what's even more aggravating? Having a hacker target your company.
Make Sure You Have Up-To-Date Security Software
If you don't already have antivirus and cyber security technology, stop what you're doing and go get some. This offers an extra layer of security to your device, preventing it from being infected by dangerous or harmful viruses.
You must choose antivirus software that you can rely on because it's pointless to invest money on something that doesn't operate. Top-rated antivirus programs include Total AV, PC Protect, McAfee, and Bitdefender.
Once you've installed your antivirus software, it's critical that you keep it up to date and patched. If your antivirus isn't updated frequently, it may lose its effectiveness over time, so as inconvenient as it may be to restart your computer, it's more than worth it if it ensures your customers' data is safe.
Use A Private Server Or Network
Having a private server adds another layer of protection between hackers and your clients' data. Private servers allow you to regulate who has and does not have access to your network, as well as keep track of anything on both your server and your network. This allows you to detect anything suspicious before it occurs, adding another layer of safety to your company's data.
These are four simple ways you can protect your customer data. Do you know any others that you can share in the comments below?