Let’s talk about your business data. It’s valuable and keeping it safe should be a top priority. If you don’t have much security in place, then it’s time to start implementing some basic measures right now.
There are a variety of security solutions available that can help protect your business data. From preventing criminals from gaining access to recognizing attacks in progress, and minimizing the damage that can be done. However, there is no one-size-fits-all approach, as every business has different data protection priorities and data types.
But, to get you started, here are the top three essential measures that we think every business should have in place:
- A Firewall: A firewall is like a bouncer at the door of your network. It monitors internet traffic coming in and out of your network, acting as a barrier between your network and the outside world. It’s your first line of defence against any potential intruders.
- A Password Manager: A password manager is like your personal vault that stores all your credentials securely. It can also generate strong passwords that are nearly impossible to guess, protecting you against brute force attacks where cybercriminals try to force their way into your system by guessing passwords. Plus, it eliminates the need for you to write down your passwords somewhere ‘safe’! For businesses, you can get password managers that allows you to keep all the credentials your user store under one roof, so if someone leaves you can retain all their login details, and they allow safe sharing of passwords with colleagues.
- A VPN (Virtual Private Network): A VPN is essential for any remote or hybrid workers in your business. It allows your employees to access your network resources, such as internal software and data from anywhere, without worrying that their online activity is being watched by a criminal. It makes your browsing completely private, hiding your device and location details, and anything you download. If you or your employees regularly use public Wi-Fi – especially to access your network – a VPN is a must.
While these are our minimum recommendations, stronger security can be achieved by adding more layers of protection like Multi-Factor Authentication and endpoint security software.
It’s important to note that your security plan should be tailored to your specific business needs; every IT network is slightly different. Seeking professional help may be a good idea if you’re unsure where to start.
Not everyone may be as passionate about IT security as we are, but if you need our help, feel free to reach out to us.
Remember, your business data is extremely valuable, so take action to keep it safe!
