Although your staff may be the most important aspect of your business, when it comes to data security, they could potentially be the weakest link. Because many cybercriminals are well versed in how to avoid firewalls and sidestep encryption, relying on your staff to guard your system files and information exponentially increases the possibility of a data breach.
When employees are not aware of data security protocols, you are exposed to a great deal of risk if even one of them commits a error. Phishing emails - ones that ask for personal or work-related account information like bank account or passwords - are yet popular nowadays, even with countless information campaigns from companies and the government. The reason for this is that hackers really only need one individual to provide details; after that, accessing your data will be like slicing butter with a hot knife. When this happens, hackers can obtain more information that they need by taking over the employee's account and posing as him or her.
Because of this, your paradigm on data security should shift from a computer-centric to a people-centric one. Hackers only need to locate a single way to enter your system and take advantage of the most vulnerable aspect of your data security: the potential for human mistake. Because data and security breaches often become apparent only after the event, educating your employees about data protection is important, now more than ever. It is also important to note that securing your system files and information is beyond password-protecting their PCs. Personal computers are only one little barrier from a hacker. Once they profit access, it's open season on your files and systems.
Staff education through informal conversations with your staff can serve as a great starting point. Proper verification process should also be implemented especially with legitimate-looking emails that lift initial suspicion. Employees that deal with customers directly are one of the most affected by phishing emails because they tend to open and answer to emails that see official, without considering the risk. When employees think twice about providing information in response to suspicious emails, it helps you avoid getting trapped in a bad situation that could cost your business more than just time and money. Other strategies for protecting your data include tracking of attempted data security breaches and hiring specific employees dedicated to this task alone. Similarly, employee awareness upon potentially damaging computer practices as well as regular reminders or updates upon network security protocols does not only serve as a great "investment" but also as a better, more impenetrable barrier from hackers and other individuals that may be planning to do unsavory things with your company data.
When employees are not aware of data security protocols, you are exposed to a great deal of risk if even one of them commits a error. Phishing emails - ones that ask for personal or work-related account information like bank account or passwords - are yet popular nowadays, even with countless information campaigns from companies and the government. The reason for this is that hackers really only need one individual to provide details; after that, accessing your data will be like slicing butter with a hot knife. When this happens, hackers can obtain more information that they need by taking over the employee's account and posing as him or her.
Because of this, your paradigm on data security should shift from a computer-centric to a people-centric one. Hackers only need to locate a single way to enter your system and take advantage of the most vulnerable aspect of your data security: the potential for human mistake. Because data and security breaches often become apparent only after the event, educating your employees about data protection is important, now more than ever. It is also important to note that securing your system files and information is beyond password-protecting their PCs. Personal computers are only one little barrier from a hacker. Once they profit access, it's open season on your files and systems.
Staff education through informal conversations with your staff can serve as a great starting point. Proper verification process should also be implemented especially with legitimate-looking emails that lift initial suspicion. Employees that deal with customers directly are one of the most affected by phishing emails because they tend to open and answer to emails that see official, without considering the risk. When employees think twice about providing information in response to suspicious emails, it helps you avoid getting trapped in a bad situation that could cost your business more than just time and money. Other strategies for protecting your data include tracking of attempted data security breaches and hiring specific employees dedicated to this task alone. Similarly, employee awareness upon potentially damaging computer practices as well as regular reminders or updates upon network security protocols does not only serve as a great "investment" but also as a better, more impenetrable barrier from hackers and other individuals that may be planning to do unsavory things with your company data.