Data Security Should Be Your Team’s TOP Priority

The appropriate time to worry about a data breach is before one occurs. And that means you need to be sure your team knows how to protect the company’s data security proactively. Information or data security training for your new hires should be critical for their onboarding process. But refresher courses for current staff are equally important. Make sure your team has the tools and the information they need to succeed.  

Provide Effective Data Security Training as Refresher Courses 

Things change so quickly in the cyber security world that it’s likely that you could use a refresher. Just knowing that staying on top of your team’s security training is the first step to making sure they have the information they need to protect the company. Make data security a training that is refreshed annually at least. Provide resources that can be accessed ad as needed or when time allows. Build a team culture that values data security and knows where vulnerabilities lie.   

Reinforce a Security Culture 

The increase in cyber security concerns calls for an increase in cyber security awareness in the corporate sector. Best practices such as these should become second nature to your staff and should be woven in to the workplace culture as a whole. It takes focus and effort every day to make sure you and your employees are making the right decisions regarding your digital security. But a strong security culture can help support that effort more than any software program or un-guessable password. Sharing the knowledge needed to educate employees about the risks involved with cloud storage, data security, and malware protection, partnered with taking the necessary precautions to protect the company’s security, is the first step toward building a strong security culture.   

Provide the Right Security Tools  

Don’t overlook the opportunity to provide the right tools and information that employees need to be successful at keeping your company protected. Whether that’s arranging for IT to get them set up properly with a connected workspace or ensuring they have all the software and devices they need to do their job, your new hires are counting on you to help them get started.  

Teach Smart Data Management (Both Online and Offline) 

Accessing files remotely can expose your company and your data. Make sure you and your staff know how to work on the road without exposing your company to any unnecessary risks. Keep software and hardware up to date and fully functional. Avoid logging on to the corporate intranet when connected to a questionable network or hot spot. Don’t allow employees to use unprotected devices or download unnecessary or unapproved apps or software programs. Make sure that when employees are out and about their work, computers are protected in case of theft or damage. Make sure that your team is not exposing your data to theft, hacking, or worse, when they are on the road or at home. This requires a strong cyber-security policy and regular enforcement of rules. 

Remember that Strong Passwords Are Your Best Defense 

Large data breaches are often linked back to negligence in password protection. There are a number of common mistakes that can have serious consequences when it comes to protecting online information. The repeated use of passwords across multiple accounts is still one of the top entry points for hackers. Using strong passwords should be a top priority. To make a password that is difficult to guess or hack but easy to remember, try using a phrase-style password, but only use each word’s first letter or number. The key is to avoid creating passwords with recognizable words that are easy to guess or hack.   

Of course, avoid passwords such as 123456, birthdays, names, common words, and anything with the word “password” in it. These passwords are easily guessed and can result in data loss, identity theft, or corporate espionage. Also, remember to change passwords frequently to make sure that they are that much more difficult to guess. 

With these tips as the foundation of your security culture, you can better protect your employees, customers, and business. Connect with the Happy Faces Records Management team today to learn how we can help. 

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