5 Data Security measures you can’t do without at the Workplace

Data security is critical for every business. Data security has become a vital component of all corporate strategies, regardless of size. Hackers’ methods of carrying out cyberattacks have also developed. It is now easy to penetrate a network and disseminate malware and ransomware via phishing and social engineering tactics. All fraudsters need to acquire access to a work laptop is identity theft, deceiving workers into providing credentials, or opening an infected link or file. They may quickly infect the entire network once inside.

Large corporations are often much ahead of the curve in terms of data protection, having developed and tested their security strategies over the previous few years. Their criteria, however, are more complex. Many of them must safeguard data other than consumer information, such as intellectual property and financial information. Let’s take a look at the most effective methods for protecting data in a company and ensuring corporate data security.

(a) Developing BYOD Policies:

Companies that implement Bring-your-own-device (BYOD) policies to boost productivity and cut expenses sometimes overlook the security consequences. Accessing sensitive information on personal devices implies that data is leaving the business network, thereby rendering any security measures put in place to secure it ineffective. Large corporations limit the type of data that may be sent outside of business equipment. Simultaneously, device control policies may be implemented, ensuring that only devices that fulfill a particular degree of security are trusted. Employees are therefore given the choice of matching the security of their own devices to the degree required by the enterprise. If they opt not to use them, it ensures that no sensitive data is passed to them.

(b) Employee Training at all levels

Unfortunately, human error remains one of the most serious hazards to corporate data breaches. Any employee might be a victim of an attack if they are not properly trained in data procedures! Regular cybersecurity and data security training ensures that all employees are on the same page when it comes to safeguarding the company’s data. It is vital that all staff attend these training events, especially if they work remotely. Companies should also adopt work-from-home rules in order to set realistic expectations for their staff. Regular security awareness training and phishing efforts keeps a team informed of the ever-changing threat landscape. This is one proactive technique to reduce human vulnerability to security risks.

(c) The widespread usage of encryption

Encryption has become vital to protect sensitive corporate data and secure consumer data, from encrypted hard drives, USBs, and smartphones to data encrypted prior to transmission to the cloud or onto portable devices.

Encryption addresses two prevalent data protection concerns in today’s global economy: a mobile workforce and the increase in remote working. With devices regularly departing the security of corporate networks, encryption guarantees that the sensitive data they carry is unavailable to outsiders in the event of theft or loss.

(d) Understanding where data is and where it is going

Knowing what data is being kept and where is one of the most important stages toward effective data protection. Companies may make educated judgments about the actions they need to secure their data by precisely understanding its lifecycle and the security threats connected with it.

Transparency is critical in the age of data protection rules, both for compliance and for developing successful data protection practices. DLP Solutions can play a critical role in this. It has the option of removing or encrypting it if they detect it in an unauthorized location.

(e) Advanced defense against external dangers:

Large corporations employ and frequently upgrade fundamental security measures such as two-factor authentication, firewalls, and antimalware solutions to combat external security threats. They also go above and above by integrating more sophisticated solutions like Trusted Platform Module (TPM) capabilities and Zero Trust architecture.

The Zero Trust architecture suggests a new approach to cybersecurity: never trust, always verify. It guarantees that when people, devices, and network traffic access trusted resources, they are all vetted and subject to least-privilege policies. As a result, if one machine becomes infected, attackers are unable to move laterally across the network.

As we go towards the age of data protection by design and default, mid-sized and small enterprises must follow bigger firms’ lead and implement security policies to secure data from insider and external threats.

(The author is Mr. Filip Cotfas, Channel Manager, CoSoSys and the views expressed in this article are his own)