Malicious actors are getting more sophisticated, securing your business’s data is critical.
The ultimate defense is a solid backup strategy using both local and cloud based backup repositories. Move critical data to cloud services. Most enterprise level backup solutions such Veeam, Acronis, iDrive or Carbonite have options to backup to both Cloud and local storage repositories. If your company uses Office 365 for email then you also have access to SharePoint document libraries.
Even if the bad guys come up with some new and exciting way to infect your data a cloud backup is the ultimate defense and is very inexpensive. Here are a few othe simple things you can do to protect your business:
1. Provide firewall security for your Internet connection
A firewall is a set of related programs that prevent outsiders from accessing data on a private network. Make sure the operating system’s firewall is enabled or install free firewall software available online. If employees work from home, ensure that their home system(s) are protected by a firewall.
2. Secure your Wi-Fi networks
If you have a Wi-Fi network for your workplace, make sure it is secure, and encrypted. For even better security, consider hiding your SSID. To hide your Wi-Fi network, set up your wireless access point or router, so it does not broadcast the network name, known as the Service Set Identifier (SSID). Password protect access to the router.
3. Employ best practices on payment cards
Work with banks or processors to ensure the most trusted and validated tools and anti-fraud services are being used. You may also have additional security obligations pursuant to agreements with your bank or processor. Isolate payment systems from other, less secure programs and don’t use the same computer to process payments and surf the Internet.
4. Limit employee access to data and information, limit authority to install software
Do not provide any one employee with access to all data systems. Employees should only be given access to the specific data systems that they need for their jobs, and should not be able to install any software without permission.
5. Secure passwords and authentication
Require employees to use unique passwords and change passwords every three months. Implement multi-factor authentication that requires additional information beyond a password to gain entry. Check with your vendors that handle sensitive data, especially financial institutions, to see if they offer multi-factor authentication for your account.
