It is essential to plan your data protection strategy in order to stay up-to-date with the latest regulations and best practices. A well-designed plan will build confidence in your customers and employees while avoiding costly fines.
A solid data security plan begins with an exhaustive inventory of the information within your company. This allows you to categorize your data according to the type, location, and access. Some types of information, like PHI (personal health information) and financial or credit card details, are more sensitive than other kinds. Then, you can decide on security measures based on the sensitivity and importance of the information.
Determine who has access to your network. This includes staff members at branch offices, contractors who support your network, and as well as those who work remotely and utilize equipment like digital copiers, inventory scanners, and smartphones. Consider limiting their access to only the essential information required for their work, such additional hints as only keeping customer credit card numbers on file whenever it is necessary.
Then, make sure all your facilities have cameras with motion sensors and night vision that can detect unauthorised entrants into file servers, archives or backups. This can also be helpful in spotting people who take pictures of whiteboards or monitors which contain sensitive information, and in identifying employees who haven’t properly closed their accounts.
It’s also crucial to communicate your policies and procedures clearly throughout the organization. Help your employees recognize cybersecurity threats, such as phishing scams targeting passwords and encourage them to report suspicious actions.