How To Prevent Business Data Loss

Data loss can be catastrophic to a business of any size. Sadly, due to the rise of cyber attacks and data theft, no company is 100% free from risk.Cyber attacks are prevalent in our technology-driven world, but a security breach is not the only way you could lose your business data. Other culprits include human error, natural disasters, and even water damage.

It is a well-known fact that more than half of companies that suffer from data loss will eventually close. To prevent your business becoming another data loss statistic, follow these five steps to lower your risk of data loss.

Regularly Back Up Your Files

 Backing up your files is essential if you want to protect your data, but using a cloud-based storage system is much more foolproof than relying on USB sticks or external hard drives. Firstly, these items are also vulnerable to damage and theft, and secondly, they can take four to five days to restore following a disaster. It’s better to use a cloud-based storage system that backs up your data online, so you can access it wherever you are. Just be sure to install cloud antivirus software to protect your cloud-based data against malware.

Don’t Forget About Mobile Security

Data security for mobile devices is just as essential in the workplace as it is for your computers and laptops. If you or your employees are using Android or iOS devices, then take advantage of built-in hardware encryption. You should also install device management software that allows any mobile or tablet device to be wiped should it get lost or stolen.

Install Anti-Virus Software

It might sound obvious, but many companies forget to install or update their anti-virus software, leaving them vulnerable to hacking, virus spam, phishing, and identity theft.You need to make sure your security software also protects your business from email attacks to prevent malicious malware getting into your inbox. Hackers have become particularly adept at using emails to hack into company networks, and one breach could be enough to remove all your business data.

Encrypt Business Data

Encrypting your sensitive data is crucial, as this process scrambles text so it’s harder for hackers to decode. It’s especially important to encrypt data on external hard drives and USB devices in case they fall into the wrong hands. To ensure your information remains safe, invest in a backup and disaster recovery system that backs up your data to an external location and automatically encrypts your data.

Have an Emergency Continuity Plan

If you accidentally delete data or lose important files in a flood or fire, don’t panic: you can hire an emergency data

e discovery service to help you recover your lost information in as little as twenty-four hours. The key is to act quickly, as the more time goes by, the slimmer your chances of recovering your information.

Data loss could spell disaster for your business, but by taking steps to back up your information, install and update anti-virus software and encrypt your sensitive information, you can lower your risk and strengthen your defense against cyber attacks.