It is essential to plan your data protection strategy in order to stay up-to-date with the most recent regulations and best practices. A well-planned plan will instill confidence in your customers and employees while preventing costly fines.
A well-designed data security strategy starts with a thorough inventory of the information within your company. This lets you classify information according to type, location and access. Certain types of information, like PHI (personal health information) and financial or credit card details, are more vulnerable than other types. It is possible to prioritize security measures in accordance with the information’s significance and sensitivity.
Also, determine which employees have access to certain information. This includes employees at branches, contractors who help your network as as those working remotely using equipment like digital copiers, inventory scanners, and smartphones. You should consider restricting their access to the minimum required for their job duties for example, keeping customer credit card numbers on file when necessary.
Make sure that all your facilities are equipped with cameras that feature motion sensors and night vision to identify unauthorized access to archives, file servers or backups. This can also be helpful in catching people who take pictures of whiteboards, monitors or other devices that contain confidential information, and in identifying employees who haven’t left their workstations.
It’s also crucial to communicate your policies and procedures clearly throughout the company. Make sure your employees are taught to spot cybersecurity threats, including phishing scams that target passwords. They should also be encouraged to report any suspicious behavior.