Comprehensive guide to data security for small businesses

If you own a business or are planning to start your own company, you probably haven’t even though of what to do about data security, instead you might be thinking of other things such as how to increase your company’s revenue, hiring competent staff or where to rent office space etc. Though, perhaps the following fact may be a wakeup call for you and existing small organizations, especially those organizations that have been ignoring the security of sensitive data related to their business. One of the most shocking facts reveals that about 80 percent of small companies may end up finding themselves in bankruptcy proceedings solely contributed by data breaches. Therefore, for smart entrepreneurs, their first step to setting up a successful business venture should be to lay out a plan for their data security. It’s fair to say that most business minded people don’t even know where to begin, therefore, the following set of principals and procedures are a good starting point:rnClassification of private, confidential or secret datarnThere are very few entrepreneurs who have little idea about what type of company data needs to be protected, though for those entrepreneurs who can’t figure out what data to classify as confidential, the following examples provide a good insight on what variety of data is classified as private or secret: rnInformation that contains patents to inventions, marketing tactics, financial data, and key client contact details can be classified as data that should be closely guarded.rnOrganize your datarnFirst, it is critical that you identify and classify what is considered sensitive information within your organization, moreover, establish where you need to store such information; a central location for sensitive company related files is a must. rnIf key company data is isolated, then you must locate and organize.rnCompany clandestine data should be stored on a central company server. If your company data can be accessed by low level employees, it’s likely that they might disclose your corporation’s key data to competitors or somehow use it to their benefit.rnSetting up a good data security planrnData security and planning go hand in hand; you can’t guarantee data security without a good data protection plan. Therefore, establishing a security protocol for your key organizational data is imperative. A good data security plan should be laid out in the following manner:rnThe first step involves hiring a designated data security officer. His or her job should be dedicated to monitoring the activities of other employees, and only they should have access to sensitive company information, besides you. (It’s recommended that this individual should be your private secretary with a background in IT.)rnSetup strong network security, a good network security means that employees are not able to access confidential information and they are only restricted to accessing information related to their assigned tasks and duties.rnConduct a good orientation program and layout ground rules for new and existing employees; setup a comprehensive employee handbook highlighting consequences on attempting to steal confidential information. rnEncourage employees to report suspicious activities by their peers, setup a reward system for them, this will encourage them to keep an eye on their peers and will deter unfaithful employees from initiating such acts.rnHave a random audit conducted on all computer stations; an audit may sometimes reveal attempts at accessing confidential company data by employees.rnBlock portable drive access to computers, remove CD/DVD burners from all employee CPUs. Moreover, restrict access to portable USB data drives (your IT staff should know how to disable it)rnSecuring your own PC at the officernJust because it’s your PC, doesn’t mean that no one will have to guts to go through your private files. When it’s your PC, you’ll need access to confidential company related data from time to time. Therefore, the following points highlight methods for securing your data stored on your personal computer.rnRefrain from using a desktop at the office; instead use a laptop that you can take home with you. Even you’re closest and most senior employees will try to access your desktop at the office, therefore, you can’t trust anyone with your PC.rnTo be 100% sure, protect your secret data with File fortification software such as Folder Protect. Such software is specialized, engineered to hide and restrict access to private folders.rnFor more information please visit rnhttp://www.newsoftwares.net/folder-protect/