Cyberattacks do not only affect big businesses. Small enterprises, clubs, and charities must also safeguard their computer systems. All of your networks, including your home network, are more vulnerable than you might think.
Here are some things you can do right now to improve your data security.
1. Make a backup of data
Make a backup copy of your data regularly. If possible, keep it somewhere else than your main office. You won’t lose everything if there’s a break-in, fire, or flood.
2. Use complex passwords
Make sure you, your employees, volunteers, and everyone else involved in your operations, including smartphones, laptops, tablets, email accounts, and computers, use strong passwords.
3. When working remotely, be cautious
If you or your coworkers work from home, ensure sure the gadgets you use are just as secure as the equipment you use in the office.
4. Be skeptical of emails that seem strange
Educate yourself and your employees on how to recognize bogus emails. Avoid being caught out by looking for clear signals such as poor grammar, calls for immediate action, and cash requests. If something appears to be questionable, don’t believe it — and tell your employees not to either.
5. Anti-virus and malware protection should be installed
Also, keep it current. The National Cyber Security Centre offers some helpful cyber security information and recommendations.
6. Never leave documents or laptops unattended
Data breaches can occur when employees and volunteers leave documentation or laptops unattended. This might happen in a car trunk, on a train, or at home. Make sure you protect your personal information by being watchful and storing it safely when not in use.
7. Make sure your Wi-Fi network is safe
Via public Wi-Fi or an insecure connection could put your personal information in danger, so make sure you connect to the internet using a secure connection.
8. When you’re not at your desk, lock your screen
Make sure your employees follow suit. It’s a simple thing to do when you leave your workstation to lock your screen, but it will prevent someone else from accessing your computer.
9. Keep track of who has access to hat information
You must limit who has access to your IT systems and premises; you cannot let anyone in without supervision, as this will put your systems at risk. The fewer people who have access to information, the better. Visitors should be easily recognized. If at all feasible, limit IT access to employees who work for you. If someone leaves your organization or is away for an extended period, you should consider terminating them.
10. Don’t hold data longer than necessary
Keeping track of what personal data you have on hand will save you time and money. It will also help you in fulfilling your data protection obligations. Keep only what you require for as long as you require it.
11. Securely dispose of outdated IT equipment and records
Ensure no personal data is left on personal computers, laptops, smartphones, or other devices before getting rid of them. You could use deletion software or hire a professional to erase the data. When you dispose of the equipment, this will ensure that no one has access to information they shouldn’t have.
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