Without a big amount of paperwork, a business could not exist. Documentation, important spreadsheets, lists of workers and their private data — all of those could be considered business data of high sensitivity. If any of those files was about to leak, it could lead to massive negative consequences not only for the company itself but also to the well-being of everyone involved. This is why securing your business data is so important.
But how can you do it? How can you protect your online business data?
1. Keep everything up to date
Every electronic device used to conclude business in your company needs to be running the latest software. This helps secure it from breaches, and through constant updates, it often also works smoother and improves the workflow inside of the company.
Check if all of the PCs are running the latest issue of Windows or macOS, so the hackers won’t be tempted to exploit any shortcomings of previous system editions. And everyone in your company will be able to explore all the new tools the updates provide.
2. Make sure your passwords are strong and secure
Do not rely on passwords that you might come up with yourself. Those are usually linked to something that can be traced back to you, which helps the hackers find out the password they are looking for.
Auto-generate passwords, and later store them in a secure password holder like 1passwords or other, similar services. The best security is provided by a two-step verification, usually consisting of something you know (password), and of something you have (a phone authenticator, or a security token). Make sure to enable it as well.
3. Backup your files, regularly
In case your files get compromised somehow, or lost somewhere in the infinite depths of the internet, it is worth making backups. Usually, in a different place than the main storage unit, backups of files can save your business the worry and promise additional security in case something goes awry. You probably already do that with your personal files, so why wouldn’t you also use this practice in your business?
4. Encrypt your connection
The hackers might be spread all around the globe, but probably the biggest security risk could be hidden within your own company router. If you don’t take care of the kind of encryption your Wi-Fi is handling for their users, you might have a bad time fending off people getting access to internal company files.
Taking care of the connection is probably as important as taking care of the safety of the computers your workers are using. Make sure that your connection is at least WPA2 encrypted and change the password to it regularly.
5. Avoid suspicious links in emails
Some emails might seem like they are genuine attempts at getting a hold of your business for some special offer, or a cooperation effort. They might be phishing attempts, just waiting for an unaware employee to put in his confidential data and allow access to some internal documents.
Be sure to educate your workers on the value of screening an email before clicking any links, and don’t forget yourself the lessons that you are teaching. “Practice what you are preaching” is the phrase most fitting this circumstance.
6. Use virtual data rooms
Having a virtual data room solution in your business will help you not only protect your business data but also create an environment where files can be shared without the risk of them getting leaked. VDR software is here to help you organize your files, and through the bank-grade defence, and elaborate encryption algorithms, your documents will be safely stored online. An electronic data room might be the solution for you, as it allows for easier cooperation without the fear of someone unwelcome accessing them.
Taking care of business files online might be problematic and cause a lot of security risks. However, if you are following our tips on how to protect your online business data, you should be able to minimize those risks.
Just stick to the tips mentioned above, bundle them with data room services, and you should be able to create an almost impenetrable environment for your files. An online data room could just be the additional protection front that you need.