Don’t Compromise on Privacy: 10 Steps to Protect Your Small Businesses Data

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Did you know that January 28th is Data Privacy Day? Every year, businesses and individuals dedicate the surrounding week to learning about online data privacy and what they can do to keep their information safer. This year’s theme is Take Control of Your Data, so we’re sharing 10 data privacy best practices for protecting sensitive information at your business.

1. Run Frequent Backups

Regular backups are among the most important steps in any effective data protection strategy. By saving copies of critical files and systems to the cloud or an off-site server, you protect yourself from data loss during cyberattacks, outages, or errors. Make a detailed backup plan and consider automating your backup schedule to ensure you can still access all of your data.

2. Practice Proper Password Hygiene

Encourage team members to practice proper password hygiene on all their company accounts, especially those granting access to sensitive data. Employees should create strong, unique passwords that include a mix of characters. They should also change passwords often and use a reliable password manager to keep track of credentials.

3. Add MFA

Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a simple, inexpensive way to add an essential layer of security by requiring users to verify their identity through multiple methods, such as a password and a one-time code sent to their cell phone. This makes it the perfect measure for businesses to include in their data privacy best practices in order to limit the risk of unauthorized access.

4. Implement the Principle of Least Privilege

Not every employee needs all of the data, so give team members access to the minimum amount of information they need to do their job. This principle of least privilege reduces the chances of accidental or intentional internal threats, and it’s also included in many of the data privacy best practices needed to meet compliance regulations.

5. Use Secure WiFi Connections

Using unsecured or public WiFi networks can expose sensitive data to potential cyber threats, putting your business’s information and operations at risk. Require remote employees to use a secure, password-protected WiFi network at all times and consider setting up a virtual private network (VPN) for additional security.

6. Update Software and Devices Regularly

Old hardware and outdated software are like blind spots in your security cameras—they leave the perfect gaps for hackers to infiltrate your systems and steal or manipulate data. Take good care of your hardware, staying on top of maintenance and replacing devices as necessary. Keep up with software patches, and don’t ignore update reminders.

7. Establish Encryption Protocols

Encryption, which makes data unusable even if it’s intercepted, is another one of the fundamental data privacy best practices. Data at rest, such as files stored on a server, should be encrypted to prevent loss in the event of a physical or cyber breach. Data in transit, such as emails or file transfers, should also be encrypted to keep it secure as it travels across networks.

8. Delete Duplicate and Unnecessary Data

Removing duplicate and unnecessary data is a critical step in maintaining a secure and efficient system. By eliminating outdated or irrelevant information, organizations reduce the risk of sensitive data being mishandled or accessed during a breach. This data privacy best practice also improves trust among your clients and plays a key part in many compliance regulations.

9. Develop an IRP

You never know when a natural disaster, cyberattack, or even unintentional employee error will wreak havoc on your systems. Quick action in these moments is crucial to avoid losing data due to theft or decommissioned servers and databases. Establish a detailed incident response plan (IRP) to minimize downtime, protect data, and get your operations back online ASAP.

10. Partner with Twintel

Knowing how to implement these data privacy best practices in the context of your unique business infrastructure can be a challenge, especially when you’re already focused on core operations or administrative tasks. That’s where the pros come in.

Our team at Twintel has the time, expertise, and tools necessary to understand your systems, make and execute a plan to protect your data, and provide ongoing support so you can focus on your work. You can expect prompt service, personalized solutions, and, most importantly, an effective, efficient strategy for keeping your data safe and secure. 

Schedule a meeting with one of our techs to get started.