For modern businesses, data security risks are a constant concern. This trend is evident in frequent news reports of information breaches that impact huge companies like Facebook and Apple. As a result, your reputation, customer trust and operations are at risk from hackers who attack every 21 seconds – on average.
Cyberattacks and Data Breaches
The reason that SMBs are targets for cyberattacks is due to poor security. This risk is typically a resource issue, either due to budgeting limitations or inferior IT support. Phishing, ransomware and malware are just some threats to your company or organization.
Investment in robust security is only an option for some businesses. Security audits, employee education, best practices, password security and malicious communication identification are all advanced concepts in IT management. With support, most SMBs will be able to protect data.
Insider Data Threats
Sometimes the security risk comes from within your company. Employees can compromise data integrity in several ways. Unauthorized access, inadvertent data release, data theft and a general lack of education are serious risks.
Strict access controls are necessary to protect customer and company data. Reviewing access controls, revoking permissions for ex-employees and providing proper training can prevent many of the threats your company faces.
Backup and Recovery Systems
Cybercrimes, natural disasters and hardware and software failures can result in lost data. To combat this problem, you need robust backup and recovery protocols. The obvious solution to this problem is regularly backing up data to secure, offsite locations.
It is also essential to have a disaster recovery plan, which includes regularly testing backup systems. To limit downtime, reduced recovery time is critical. Effective processes will ensure no data is lost and you can resume service as usual.
Working Remotely
Employees working from home could leave your data vulnerable to attack. For example, if a remote device is lost or stolen, it may fall into the hands of cybercriminals. Other risks include weak Wi-Fi networks, access control and apps.
Remote device management security and protocols will help you to protect sensitive information. Some examples of solid security processes include two-factor authentication, virtual private networks (VPNs) and employee education that focuses on keeping devices secure.
Third-Party Security Risks
You may have to work with third-party vendors in an ever-expanding business world. Unfortunately, there is no guarantee that these service suppliers adhere to high data security standards. As a customer-facing organization, you protect sensitive or financial information.
It is vital to enter partnerships with vendors that are reliable and trustworthy. To achieve this goal, create contracts that clearly outline expected security protocols. Monitoring and auditing third-party vendors also enable your company to ensure that data protection processes are consistently implemented.
IT Budget Limitations
Without a doubt, most small to medium companies struggle to meet data protection goals due to budget restraints. You can take advantage of cloud-hosted services by hiring an IT management team. Digital assets are closely monitored and updated according to your tailored package.
Managed IT is an affordable option for SMBs that are expanding. If you face challenges that include potential threats to data, ClubDrive can help. We deliver custom solutions that are cost-effective and protect your digital assets. Network management and monitoring, cloud-hosted services, IT helpdesk and turnkey software implementation are just some of our areas of expertise.
There are countless ways to secure data and protect customers from cybercriminals.
Speak to ClubDrive to learn more about critical customer and business data risks. We can provide a way to secure access to your network, folders and apps. Do not allow cybercriminals to exploit vulnerabilities in your online security. Call our offices today.