Organizing your data protection strategy is essential to ensure that you’re following the latest practices and regulations. A well-designed plan will inspire confidence in your employees and customers while preventing costly fines.
A reliable data protection plan begins with a thorough inventory of the company’s data. This allows you to categorize data by the type, location and access. Certain types of information, such as PHI (personal health information) and financial or card information, are more prone to leaking than other types. You can then prioritize security measures according to the sensitivity and criticality of the information.
Also, identify who has access to certain information. This includes employees of branch offices, contractors who assist your network as well employees working remotely with equipment such as digital copiers, inventory scanners, and mobile phones. Consider limiting access to only what is necessary to perform their job, such as keeping credit card information on file only when it is needed.
Make sure that your facilities are equipped with cameras that have night vision and motion sensors that can detect unauthorized access to archives, file servers, or backups. This can also be helpful in catching people who take pictures of whiteboards or monitors that contain sensitive information, and in identifying employees who haven’t properly logged out.
It is also essential to communicate your company’s policies practices, procedures and values of your company effectively. Your employees should be taught to recognize cybersecurity threats like the phishing scams that target passwords, and encourage them to report suspicious activities.