Many businesses depend on convenient access to data. The types of data crucial to daily operations include tax forms, sales records, customer databases, supplier contracts, accounts payable and receivable, and intellectual properties.
However, data thieves can access confidential information by taking advantage of unsafe user habits. The main goal of their attacks is to make a profit from stolen data with as little effort as possible.
What types of data are usually stolen?
- Login information to the computer, email, and online accounts
- Financial records
- Employee personally identifiable information
- Customer databases
- Numerous hours’ worth of projects and reports
How do hackers steal data?
- Phishing: Sending emails and text messages pretending to be from a trusted source
- Wardriving: Installing spyware on a wireless network
- Keylogging: Logging keystrokes on a computer
- Physical collection: Collecting misplaced, stolen, and discarded information
How can cybercriminals use stolen data?
- Steal your identity for financial gain
- Withdraw funds from a banking account
- Use online accounts to shop at your expense
- Leak sensitive information to competitors and/or the public
- Delete data critical to operating the business
How can you protect your sensitive data?
- Scan computers and smartphones with an anti-malware program. Your anti-malware program should be set up to watch for signs of an attack. Also, run updates of the software as soon as they are available to receive fixes to security vulnerabilities.
- Encrypt data on devices, during transit, and in the cloud.
- Enable the remote wipe function of electronic devices, such as computers, tablets, and smartphones, in case of loss or theft.
- Wipe data from electronic devices before disposing of them.
- Shred paper documents, such as vendor payment invoices, canceled checks, and price lists, when you no longer need them.
- Password-protect computers, laptops, and smartphones. Also, change the passwords to the devices every three months.
- Secure physical confidential records by storing paper files and removable storage devices in a locked cabinet or safe.
- Disable the printing function of confidential digital records.
- Enforce access policies on an as-needed basis. For example, your salespeople do not need access to the accounting shared network drive.
- Audit your physical location for data breach risks, such as confidential documents left on a fax machine. SwiftTech Solutions can assist your company with this task.
- Keep operating systems and applications up to date.
- Avoid opening links and attachments from untrusted sources.
- Conduct cybersecurity training so your employees can keep an eye out for attempts by outsiders to get confidential information.
As your IT partner, SwiftTech Solutions wants to ensure your data stays protected. If you have any questions about your data security, feel free to contact us by calling 877-794-3811 or emailing info@swifttechsolutions.com.
What does Security as a Service include?
Also, our subscription-based cloud service, called Security as a Service, provides another level of protection against data security breaches. The service includes:
- Email Security: Filters spam and threats before they reach your business network
- Web Security: Tracks web browsing activities, including bandwidth use and downloads
- Endpoint Protection: Provides anti-virus and anti-malware protection on company devices
- Intrusion Management: Detects, manages, and reduces network intrusions based on security policy
- Security Monitoring: Network Operations Center (NOC) will monitor systems around the clock
- Perimeter Security: Secures location with surveillance cameras, digital door locks, and user best practice education
If your business is interested in subscribing to our Security as a Service, contact us at 877-794-3811 or email info@swifttechsolutions.com.