In today’s technological era, it’s extremely easy to lose all of your important data to hackers or malware. Whether you own a huge corporation or a small start-up, the threat is real, and without proper security, you leave yourself open to any possible attacks. Fortunately, it’s easy as pie to keep your data all safe and sound.

Of course, not all data losses and attacks are unrepairable. But do you really want to spend several days trying to restore data on the hard drive or googling free online pen drive recovery ways? It’s always a better solution to invest in the right methods. In this article, you’ll find the best tips that’ll help you keep your business data safe without much effort.

However, remember that there’s always a human factor included - make sure to educate yourself and your employees on proper online behavior to avoid malware. Don’t click on unverified links in the emails, don’t use untrustworthy websites, and avoid giving out personal data. Also, don’t hesitate to invest your time and money into data security: cheap software can often operate poorly, and you may end up losing your data as well as the money you’ve spent.

Ready to get familiar with the best practices for securing your data? Read on!

Protect the Passwords

Strong passwords and adhering to safe password strategies has always been key in protecting data:

• Use passphrases instead of passwords
• Use different passwords for different accounts - avoid repetitions
• Don’t save your passwords in browsers
• Avoid writing down your passwords and storing them in the documents or spreadsheets or any other digital, shareable form
• Change the passwords frequently
• Always have a backup plan to revoke access authorization quickly.

Remember the main rule: the more complex your password is, the better you are protected. Use a combination of seemingly random letters, numbers, and symbols. If you’re worried about forgetting it, password management software comes in handy. Of course, even strong passwords won’t always protect your data - but if you combine them with two-factor authentication, it’s the best security system you can provide.

Consider the Cloud

Storing data on your computer is so last century. Not only does it take up the space you need for necessary software, but it’s also prone to malware and hacker attacks. Keeping your data or at least its backups in the cloud is always a great strategy. It also has many business benefits - for example, cost savings, availability, and reliability. Some cloud services provide splendid security measures, like encrypting your data for you - but you must choose carefully. A trustworthy cloud provider will be able to store your data securely and think about the software updates.

Of course, it’s not always suitable for big companies, but this can be a money- and time-saving solution for smaller ones.

Create a Fortress

Hackers and malware creators are very smart - don’t underestimate them. They might hack into your computer invisibly or undertake a brute cyberattack - either way, you need a digital fortress to protect your data properly. Implement the following tips for starters:

• Use a firewall. Hardware-based firewalls add an extra layer of security, while software-based ones are also available for mobile devices.
• Download anti-malware/antivirus software. Periodic scans will ensure security.
• Implement two-factor authentication. A password isn’t always secure enough on its own.
• Block your microphones and cameras. Malware can hack into them to determine passwords or glean other information.
• Keep antispam software in your mailbox. Unwanted email messages can create risks and distractions for employees.
• Update the Software

Yes, antivirus updates are time-consuming, and you could be doing something more productive at that time. However, they’re also extremely important: updates patch up all the vulnerability of the older versions. If you ignore them, your system is left exposed to well-known weaknesses.

A security breach can cost you a lot of money, so don’t hesitate to spend a little more than you expected on trustworthy antivirus software and update it right after the installation.

Back Everything Up

Of course, you can’t be protected completely. And your data can be easily lost not to hackers or malware but to a simple network crash. Your business runs on that information, and you can’t allow a breach, so make sure to have all the data backed up. Store the backup protocols in the cloud, encrypted, if possible, and protected with a password.

A Final Note

Data security has a major impact on business: information loss can easily result in significant damage to your company. Data restoration isn’t always possible, and when it is, the process can take some time, and your business will stay on hold for several days or even weeks. However, it’s not that hard to secure the data.

All you need is to implement the practices mentioned above: secure the passwords, use the cloud, purchase a trustworthy anti-malware program, and don’t forget to update it periodically. Remember about the backup protocols to ensure that your business will be able to carry on even if you encounter a data breach. Preventable security can save you a lot of money and effort - think about it now, don’t wait for malware to prove us right.