A data breach can expose confidential information regarding your business to an unauthorized person. Anyone can be at risk of a data breach-from layman to high-level enterprises and the government.
A study by data platform Statista states that during the third quarter of 2022, around 15 million data records were exposed worldwide through data breaches. This figure is 37% more than the previous quarter, which stood at 5.54 million. Businesses need to enhance their security strategies to tackle the rising number of data breaches. Take a look at 8 ways that can help in doing this:
1.Secure any personal information-containing emails
HIPAA law requires that you protect personal information that you come into contact with. An employee can become the source of a breach by sending a communication containing personal information to the incorrect address. However, email encryption prohibits undesired receivers from accessing PHI.
2.Prepare employees to spot phishing scams
Employees can better secure their systems from phishing attacks if they are educated about phishing and its detrimental effects.
What is phishing?
A phishing attack is a cybercrime in which someone poses as a legitimate institution/person to lure individuals into providing sensitive information. In other words, a phishing attack solicits login information while appearing legitimate.
Emails requesting personal information should be reported, and links from unidentified senders should never be clicked.
3.Regularly discuss cybersecurity policies with employees
It is not sufficient to document your cybersecurity rules. The policies and procedures you have set in place to keep the business safe must constantly be updated to your employees. An employee may unintentionally break the regulations if they are unaware of them.
4.Utilize antivirus and firewall software
Firewalls and antivirus software are additional defences against ransomware and brute force attacks. Since hackers are constantly creating new scamming techniques, your software should be updated regularly
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5.Securely dispose of records and devices:
Electronic devices and paper records may suffer a data breach if the PHI is not deleted correctly. This covers computers, smartphones, printers, copiers, USB (thumb) drives, servers, and desktops. Discard all paperwork and gadgets that contain PHI. Even outdated data can result in a data breach. The safest methods for getting rid of ePHI from devices are clearing, purging, and physical destruction. Maintain a device disposal journal and store files and devices remaining to be destroyed in a secure container.
6.Restrict Access
Limiting human access can help prevent human error. Online criminals can only obtain your personal data by breaking into an account that has access. Specify a maximum number of users who can access high-risk files. Additionally, before allowing access to new users, you must get the ‘heads-up’ from your company's data security expert. Keep data storage to a minimum. The limited-time access strategy may be started so that the access is automatically terminated when it is no longer required.
7.Review and update of risk analysis
One of the most effective preventative actions you can do is to review your risk assessment routinely. Doing this allows you to consider any scenario in which your business can unintentionally release PHI. This procedure highlights every step you must take to ensure optimal security. Your risk assessment must accurately reflect how your company is currently operating to be effective.
8.Monitoring of personal devices
To help employees become more accustomed to technology, businesses now permit them to carry and use their personal devices while at work. This reduces the time and money needed for training and fosters a relaxed atmosphere in the workplace. But since so many devices on the company network share company passwords, it's a nightmare for the IT staff. Unidentified personal devices risk having infections, weak passwords, and granting unwanted access to external users. All personal devices that are permitted on the business property must be scanned and encrypted.
Conclusion
Managing a business without being a victim to data breach can be difficult for companies. Skillmine’s cybersecurity services have been helping businesses secure their systems and processes with error-free cybersecurity strategies. Our services offer a 360-degree view of your cybersecurity posture.
SquaredUP is a platform developed and supported by Accenture Middle East BV to help small to medium size enterprises accelerate their business growth based on Etisalat technology.
Leverage SquaredUP's endpoint mobile network, cybersecurity solutions, network security, cloud firewall for business to safeguard business network security for Enterprise and SME.
