Every business, large or small, needs to protect its data from breaches, loss, or damage. Yet the problem still persists, as the Identity Theft Resource Center (ITRC) reported in July 2016. According to the ITRC, there were already over 12.8 million compromised files for the year at that point — a 16% increase from the same period in 2015. Here are more reasons why data security should be a top priority from the beginning.
Data and Backup Encryption
The first important step to protecting sensitive company information is to encrypt original data. Authentication is a basic procedure that must be in place to keep data safe from outsiders. Sixty percent of companies that still use tapes to archive data fail to encrypt backup data, according to i365. Encryption for backing up data should be used during the transmission and storage processes, regardless of the type of media used for backups.
Mobile Management
Bring your own device (BYOD) has become a popular policy among cloud-based businesses since it frees the company from hardware costs. Employees also feel more comfortable using their own computers, tablets, or mobile devices. But companies must still control how data is used or stored on these personal electronic devices.
Security risks can increase under BYOD policies, even according to 73% of the organizations that implement them. Twenty-five percent of employees reported security problems with their devices in 2013. While BYOD may not work for certain operations, solutions to the problem include Mobile Device Management (MDM) or the Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) system.
These software systems are designed to protect employee devices as well as data. By 2019, 65% of organizations will be using MDM or EMM, according to ACU. Many businesses now view the cloud as the ideal platform for backing up mobile devices.
Choice of Tech Security Partner
Backing up files on tapes is now considered an unreliable and outdated method for IT professionals. Tapes are simply difficult to test and take too long to restore data, which is why many companies have shifted to more modern solutions, such as disk drives or cloud computing. Some companies use offsite storage systems that integrate with third parties that handle backups.
The most up-to-date internet security experts understand current best practices to comply with security standards. A provider that completes an annual SAS-70 Type II audit is most prepared to comply with security laws, according to i365. The provider should have a detailed disaster recovery plan in place in the event of a breach, which is still possible for robust data centers.
Making Frequent Backups
Backups need to be updated on a regular basis to minimize security risks. A strict policy on daily backups is one of the best ways to guard against breaches or technical failures. This concept applies to BYOD users as well. Even though about 30 million Americans telecommute at least once a week, they can still use software solutions whether they store data locally or in the cloud.
Responsible Backup Management
Businesses that fail to focus on data security, backup, and recovery are asking for trouble. Waiting for a breach to happen to care about security can lead to lost or damaged files, which can have an adverse effect on a company’s image. But business leaders that follow these basic practices will have a better chance of zero downtime and reliable business continuity.