The beginning of a new year is a great time to have a comprehensive data security analysis and to create a new strategic data security plan. There is plenty to be worried about when it comes to data security. Data security is something that needs to be constantly monitored in order to be effective. New threats are coming up every day.
Luckily, a small-to-medium-sized business does not have to go at this alone. In fact, having a service contract with a specialist in data security is probably one of the smartest things a business can do.
Here are a few significant things to consider when making a strategic data security plan for 2018:
Internal Security Breaches
It does little to stop a security breach if the entire focus is on external attacks and the security breach comes from within. Authorized users have been known to simply make copies of sensitive data files and walk out the door with them. Disgruntled employees can wreak havoc on data security when leaving a job.
Best practices include using high-quality background checks, restricting access to data on a need-to-know basis, and being able to immediately terminate access for any user.
Ransomware
Ransomware is a type of malware that when a user downloads it, it installs itself, and then encrypts the data on a system to lock the users out. An extortion demand is made for a payment in anonymous cryptocurrency like Bitcoins in order to get the encryption key to unlock the data. These extortion demands range from a few hundred dollars to millions. There is not even a guarantee that paying the ransom will get the data back.
Best practices to avoid this risk are to maintain real-time data backups that are made and then kept in protected storage offline. If a ransomware attack occurs, these backups can quickly bring the organization back to current working-status.
Two-Factor Authentication
All external-facing systems need to have a two-step authentication process using one-time use authentication code for the second step. The benefits of this strategy are significant in blocking unauthorized access. The way it works is an authorized user logs in with a complex password and then the second step sends a text message to a secured mobile device that is used by that person to complete the login process. If the mobile device is lost or stolen the second-step is canceled.
Sentree Systems Corp. is a highly-qualified data security consulting company that works with small businesses in Indiana, serving Indianapolis and the surrounding areas including Avon, Carmel, Fishers, Plainfield, and Noblesville.  Every business should assume they have either been attacked, are being attacked, or will be attacked. Fast detection and swift response are the small business owner’s only defense. Contact us today to learn more about these strategies at www.sentreesystems.com
[contentblock id=72 img=gcb.png]
