Laboratories are susceptible to cyber-attacks. Know the best practices for maintaining laboratory data security.
The predominance of digital technology has brought to the fore an illegal practice--cybercrime. Today, every business using digital technology is susceptible to the threats emanating from cybercrime.
Many businesses often fall prey to malware, ransomware, and other cyber-attacks, with attackers leveraging weaknesses in digital systems.
Why is Data Security Important for Laboratories?
Cybercrime has emerged as the biggest threat to businesses. Cybercriminals can access and steal sensitive information, putting your business in danger. In addition, they can steal all kinds of information from the database.
When it comes to laboratories, cybercrime poses a grave threat that needs strict countermeasures.
Data stealing is among the most significant threats laboratories are facing today. Usually, laboratories have a large quantity of data, research, patient information, and critical intellectual property stored in the database. And this information is prone to cyber thefts. That is why lab managers should guard them against cyber threats.
Data about your lab freezer can reveal sensitive information about your lab.
In this article, we try our best to educate laboratory owners about the best practices of safeguarding data and increasing the data security of your laboratory.
How to Maintain Data Security in Your Lab?
Investment in data security is essential for laboratories. And, there is a need to eliminate outdated systems, poor processes, and rudimentary technology because they can contribute to cyber threats.
Here are a few practical tips on how to maintain data security in your laboratory.
Data hosting and security
Check the system in your laboratory in which you store data and information. Examine if there are enough security provisions for protecting against cyber-attacks. But, many labs lack both monetary resources and expertise to maintain robust data security systems.
An effective way to maximize data security in your lab is to implement a laboratory information management system (LIMS).
It provides robust security against cybercrime. With a LIMS, you can reap many data security benefits, including encryption and firewall provision.
External Cloud-Based Hosting
A cloud-based data storage system is an effective solution, especially for smaller labs looking to host research and intellectual property data flexibly.
External cloud-based hosting is the best method to store lab data. However, it entails the benefit of firewall and encryption protection. And at the same time, it also offers full collaboration and data management between internal teams and personnel.
But, it would be best if you researched a bit to find out the best external hosting partner for your lab. You should ensure that the prospective service provider will be able to keep your data secure.
Implement the Best Practices
Data security risks are different for different labs depending on their size. And that calls for a careful evaluation.
Suppose you run a large lab. Then, you will be more prone to cyber-attacks. Furthermore, if you have different labs in different geographies, threats of cyber-attacks become more pronounced. As such:
- Ensure safe remote access for system users through a virtual private network (VPN)
- Identify the susceptibility and implement the security changes, either through software updates or new virus protection.
- Ensure that your employees update their passwords and they are complex and unique.
If you run a smaller lab, you might not have the time, expertise, or budget to implement the correct cybersecurity measures.
In such a case, there can be a few things for you to follow. The first step is to train your employees properly. It would be best if you educate them thoroughly about cybersecurity. Subsequently, test them to assess their level of understanding. For example, you can send a fake phishing email to your staff to see who clicks on it. The ones who click on the email should undergo further training because they failed to identify the fake mail.
Application Security
In your lab, there can be many applications for running your daily operations. And they can have specific security options and preferences.
When you put them to use, it is essential to ensure that you plug all gaps to protect them from data security threats.
Also, use strong passwords to access the applications. Many times, cybercrimes happen due to weak passwords.
You can also implement role-specific access controls to ensure the confidentiality and security of data. With role-based access control (RBAC), you can access particular applications and data sets, allowing you to monitor and manage your data and intellectual property.
Hardware and System Security
Often, data security breaches happen due to your hardware systems. Bear in mind that outdated hardware systems can pose significant data security risks to your data storage infrastructure. Your lab operations can thus become risky.
It will help if you invest in the right operating systems. In addition, it will offer greater data protection while giving your staff a reliable platform to work.
If your operating system is of out-of-date technology, it will pose a risk to your data security and can slow down your staff’s work, wasting time and money.
Many of the instruments in your lab can be based on network communication, collaboration, and data sharing. They connect with your network to allow seamless communication and storage. If you do not keep your instruments up-to-date, the connection between them and your network can become compromised. As a result, cyber attackers might gain access to your network. Therefore, ensure that you use the latest instruments in your network.
Conclusion
Now, you have come to know why you should maintain data security in your lab. We believe that this article will serve as a valuable guide.
