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Data security is key for companies to stay ahead of the rising threat posed by cyber-attacks and data breaches. It is imperative that companies take proactive measures to protect their valuable business information. In this blog post, we’ll provide five actionable ways you can strengthen your organization’s data security — whether it is on-premises or in the cloud.
Implement Strong Access Controls
Implementing strong access controls is one of the most effective ways to improve your data security. For clarity, access controls determine who has access to sensitive data and what they can do with it. For on-premises systems, this could involve setting up strong passwords, using two-factor authentication, and implementing user rights and permissions. In the cloud, you can leverage identity and access management (IAM) solutions to control access to data. IAM solutions can be used to enforce least privilege access, which restricts access to only what is required to perform a specific task.
Encrypt Sensitive Data
Encrypting sensitive data is another essential step in improving data security. Encryption transforms data into an unreadable format that can only be deciphered with the correct key. This makes it difficult for unauthorized users to access the data, even if they manage to get hold of it. Encryption can be applied to data at rest, in transit, or both. If your systems are on-premises, encryption can be achieved through software or hardware solutions, while in the cloud, it can be implemented through encryption services which are provided by cloud providers.
Regularly Backup Data
I shouldn’t have to mention this one, but regularly backing up your data is essential in ensuring that your company’s data can be recovered in the event of a data breach or other disaster. It is recommended that you have multiple backups, stored in different locations, to reduce the risk of data loss. For your systems which are on-premises, you can implement regular backups to local storage devices or to a remote location. For workloads in the cloud, you can leverage cloud-based backup solutions that automate the backup process and provide easy access to backed up data.
Regularly Monitor and Audit Data
Monitoring and auditing of your company’s data on a regular basis is critical in detecting and preventing data breaches. This can include monitoring access to sensitive data, tracking changes to data, and reviewing logs to identify suspicious activity. You can achieve this for your on-premises systems, through software solutions that provide real-time monitoring and alerting. For systems in the cloud, you can leverage cloud-based monitoring and auditing solutions that integrate with your cloud infrastructure and provide a centralized view of your data security posture.
Regularly Update Software and Systems
The updating of software and systems should be done regularly. This is critical in ensuring that your company’s data is protected against known vulnerabilities. This includes updating operating systems, applications, and other software used in your on-premises and cloud environments. If the workload is in the cloud, it is essential to ensure that cloud providers are responsible for patching their infrastructure and that you take advantage of any security updates they provide. Furthermore, you should monitor the security of third-party applications and services that you use in the cloud and take appropriate action to update them if necessary.
Train Employees on Cybersecurity Best Practices
Another key aspect of improving your company’s data security is to train employees on cybersecurity best practices. Employees should be educated on the importance of strong passwords, the dangers of phishing scams, and the importance of keeping software and systems updated. They should also be trained on the proper handling of sensitive data, such as storing it securely and protecting it from unauthorized access. Frequent training on these topics will help employees understand the importance of data security and how they can contribute to protecting your company’s data.
Work with a Managed Security Service Provider
Finally, companies can improve their data security by working with a managed security service provider (MSSP). MSSPs specialize in providing comprehensive security solutions that can help protect your company’s data and systems. They can provide a range of services, including monitoring and auditing, incident response, and threat intelligence, to help you stay ahead of cyber threats. In addition, MSSPs can offer expertise and resources that you may not have in-house, providing a valuable layer of protection for your company’s data.
In conclusion, Data security is an indispensable pillar of business operations. To guarantee the safety and integrity of your company’s data, a comprehensive plan must be implemented that may include strong access controls, encryption, regular backups & monitoring/auditing activities as well external support from managed cybersecurity service providers who are experts in this field. With these measures taken seriously into account you can greatly reduce the risk to your data assets with confidence.
