With the vast range of internet-based solutions, handling large amounts of data has become a breeze. They can be easily stored and accessed, providing companies and their employees with a lot of flexibility. But this flexibility has also lead to some concerns when it comes to data security. For some of these concerns, the solutions are quite simple.
1. Losing Your Data on Exit
Many companies will focus a lot on the protection of their information within their business. But some neglect to ask themselves what happens to data access once employees exit their company. This is especially problematic when sensitive information, such as passwords or login details, is stored on an employee’s personal device. They might not even be aware of its existence. And since Microsoft has proven to have some major security flaws, that data could be at risk.
That’s why it’s best to have a remote way of controlling access to this sort of information. Provide employees with special accounts and passwords, so that you can limit their access to company information once they are no longer a part of it.
2. Storing All of Your Data in Places that Are Too Easy to Access
One of the biggest concerns when it comes to data protection is how to limit its accessibility, while still making it easily available to those who need it. Focusing too much on flexibility can put your data at risk.
The best solution to avoid this issue is to create levels of accessibility within your data cloud. Information that is kept on-site can be more difficult to keep safe, in spite of what you may think. Cloud solutions can help you choose who to give access to what, while still providing flexibility to those who need it.
3. Security Issues Caused by Misinformation Regarding Security Policies
Not all security breaches happen due to ill-will. Sometimes, employees might just be unclear about security protocols.
To avoid the issues that could arise from such a situation, make sure you have a clear, consistent security policy, and try to maintain it. Changing and adapting your policies from time to time is a must, but if you implement changes too often, your employees might not be able to keep up the pace.
4. Not Preparing a Backup Plan
Obviously, no business wants to think about the worst possible outcome when it comes to data security. But preparing a backup for your information is not really that difficult, and it can be a real life-saver if the worst does come to pass, and you lose all the data you’ve stored. There are many cloud solutions you can use to backup your data. The most popular one is obviously Dropbox, but there are equally good alternative backup services if you want to see what your options are, and find the best fit for your business.
5. Encouraging Employee Empowerment Without Proper Security Measures
With the wide access to mobile devices and gadgets, companies are now increasingly aware of the potential benefits of empowering their employees and giving them more room to make decisions on their own. This flexibility can be a boon for your company, but it can also lead to security issues if it isn’t handled properly.
So, make sure your security and empowerment policies run hand in hand from the very beginning. Security shouldn’t be an afterthought, even though it may limit employee flexibility to some degree.
6. Letting Old Software Create Potential Security Breaches
One of the security issues out there is also one of the most easily avoidable ones. Not updating your software frequently leaves your information completely unprotected. Online security needs to be dynamic so that it can keep up the pace with the latest hacking methods. The solution is to take updating seriously, and not postponing it for later. It’s just that simple.
7. Neglecting Basic Security Measures
In spite of what you may think, the most basic security measures are still absolutely essential when it comes to online data protection.
Not taking them seriously can prove to be one of the greatest threats faced by data storages. This is partly due to the fact that many people underestimate their importance. Something as simple as setting a strong password can be enough to deter many hackers. Having a two-step login process can also be enough to secure your customer’s information online.
8. Underestimating the Importance of Data Protection
Some companies have a tendency to focus almost exclusively on maximizing their revenues and let their security concerns slip into the background. This minor lack of foresight can lead to some major security issues further down the line. It’s much harder to implement security measures if the infrastructure of your company is not prepared for them.
9. Leaving Cloud Security Entirely Up to the Provider
You might be tempted to think that cloud security is the solely the responsibility of your provider, but that’s not really the case. Assess the capabilities of your cloud service provider, and make sure you two are a match before making any radical decision. There are many measures that need to be taken on your end as well. Make sure you’re clear on what those are and implement them accordingly.
10. Employees Mishandling Information
One of the leading causes of security issues when it comes to data is employee error. It might seem difficult to account for this issue, but there are a few simple steps you can take to avoid this. First, make sure you limit their access to certain important data, and create levels of access. You can also add some notification system that warns you of dangerous, or strange activity within your database. Make sure everyone is properly trained in using the database, and their clear on your company’s policy towards data protection.
As new means of handling data will emerge, security policies will have to update. You must make sure you are constantly up to date with the latest changes and take steps to adapt your security measures as soon as possible.
