Top Strategies to Follow to Prevent Data Loss

Data has become the primary asset of any business, without it, everything grinds to a halt and the loss of revenue starts adding up. As businesses transition into the digital landscape, some are now in uncharted territory and their most prized asset, their data, is now a prime target for cyber criminals.

With these threats in mind, protecting data and preventing data theft should be a major concern for all business entities. Large enterprises are certainly a target for cyber criminals, but they are up against a full-fledged IT department with expertise and resources to defend these businesses from exploitation. However, a small business that has no IT support is low hanging fruit and is easy to pick. Any business with a digital presence should take the appropriate measures to mitigate security breaches.

Considering this growth of data security and never-ending cyber-attacks, here are some recommendations from iTSC:

• Be serious about backing up your data, threat actors are counting on you not to care.
• Create a response plan so you are not clueless on what to do if there’s a security incident.
• Manage data access, if an employee doesn’t need it, don’t give them access.
• Use multi-factor authentication when accessing your information systems.
• Reduce human errors with education and hands on training.
• Accept standard security measures, your business depends on it.
• Locate managed IT services in Texas to help fortify your business.

Backup, Backup, Backup

Recent statistics show that despite 90% of the organizations focusing on backing up their data, the companies are still affected by data loss, and only 40% of them employed daily backups. Considering the cost of losing 2-3 days of productivity, having an appropriate backup schedule can ensure you can recover quickly and minimize that loss of time. So, it is not enough to set it and forget it, the extra effort of physically securing, testing, and both in terms of physical and digital means.

If you are using a third-party to manage your data, request them to run through a live scenario so you know exactly how the process works. Have them generate reports and review them together so you are on the same page. This will ensure you are prepared and will clarify the responsibilities of both parties.

Data Backup and Security Procedural Recommendations:

• Ensure that your in-house data center is only accessible to the appropriate staff.
• Focus on multiple backups for your most valuable data; on/off premises or in the cloud.

• Secure cloud backups, or you can contract a local managed service provider to handle it.

• Increasing the backup frequency, if not daily, consider what you are comfortable with losing.
• Running periodical tests on your backup solution so you have total confidence in efficiently recovering your data.

Use 2-Factor Authentication

Passwords are only one barrier that protects data from theft. If that password is compromised, it becomes the single point of failure and it’s all downhill from there. Using 2-factor authentication (2FA) provides an additional layer of security so unauthorized access isn’t so easy. You’ve probably noticed that the platforms you have been using, started offering this security feature as an option; some now require it. 2FA can easily be implemented using security tokens, biometric verifications, and one-time passwords.

The most common tool for implementing this security policy is using authenticator apps like Google Authenticator, Last Pass Authenticator, and Microsoft Authenticator to name a few. It is a best practice to use an authenticator application instead of SMS messaging. It is possible for the SMS message with the one-time password to be rerouted to an unauthorized user.

Reduce Human Error

Major data loss and theft are caused by simple human errors like phishing, social engineering, or accidental deletion. Protecting the data with the help of digital strategies can only do so much, it is up to the individuals who are handling the information that is key. To mitigate the loss of data, a multi-solution approach is your best defense against both inside and outside threats.

Redundancy

It’s not only threat actors you have to worry about, sometimes it’s utility companies, extreme weather conditions, or wildlife that can cause data loss. Having a backup for power and internet connectivity are good solutions to have in case of an emergency. Portable UPS (Uninterruptible Power Supply) units are a cost effect solution to keeping critical equipment running if there is a power outage in your area. Another thing to consider is have a backup internet provider if you happen to be experiencing routine outages. The cost of internet backup varies depending on bandwidth requirements and your location.

Work with a Managed Service Provider

If you don’t have IT professionals on staff that can protect your business and manage your data, the next cost-effective option is to partner with an IT-managed service provider (MSP). You’ll have an entire team of IT professionals with a range of expertise on duty, ready to solve your technology issues. If you are not sure if partnering with and MSP is right for you, speak with a couple of providers and feel them out and see if they are able to meet your needs. Some providers specialize in a few areas, others have resources to meet nearly every technology need.

The team here at Information Technology Strategic Communications will make sure that we allow you to focus on the major functioning of the business. Have an online consultation with the expert now.