How to Fix Common Data Security Mistakes

How to Fix Common Data Security Mistakes

Your favorite bagel shop may have an amazing selection of sesame, garlic, parmesan, and blueberry bagels, friendly customer service, and that quirky vibe that you love. But it may not have the much-needed security in place to protect them and you against cybercrime. The damaging effects of cyber threats like malware, phishing, and ransomware on a small business can put sensitive and personal data of employees and customers at risk — not to mention vendors and everyone in the supply chain.

In fact, 60% of small companies go out of business within six months of falling victim to a data breach or cyberattack. Small to medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face the same type of cyberattacks as their larger counterparts but are more vulnerable because they often lack a robust cybersecurity infrastructure, internal security support, and technology know-how. The evolution of the digital landscape and the effects of the pandemic have unfortunately made smaller organizations the perfect target for cyber criminals. And it’s a big problem — according to the Small Business Administration, there are 32.5 million small businesses with less than 500 employees in the U.S.

A hole in a bagel is acceptable, but a security hole could be a recipe for disaster. Considering how much data a small business has that could potentially be compromised — financial information, customers’ credit or debit card numbers, personal identification numbers, passwords, or customers’ personal information (name, address) from loyalty programs — it might be time to shore up security efforts.

Eight Common Data Security Mistakes and How to Fix Them

Fortunately, common data security mistakes are easily remedied without adding headcount or much cost:

1. Treating all data equally. Often, businesses don’t know what to protect. Understanding the value of different types of data will help with a corresponding data security strategy. Once you determine your most sensitive data, encrypt it — this makes it unreadable if compromised. Many small businesses look to full-disk encryption obtained through built-in programs or third parties.

2. Setting up Wi-Fi yourself. Offering secure, reliable Wi-FI for customers can help you with repeat customers and Yelp reviews. But a poorly configured Wi-FI could provide an opening for cyber thieves. Look to experts to help you strategically plan, configure, and install the right equipment.

3. Misconfiguring a Virtual Private Network (VPN). Similarly, consult experts to help with your VPN. Traditional VPNs do not have adequate control over who or what device can connect to the network. It is often exploited because there is no standard way to set it up, operate, or distribute access. Organizations may want to look to an expert to ensure the access channel is secured to protect data and confidentiality.

4. Trying to handle security yourself. With limited people and budget, consider outsourcing security to service providers with the specialized knowledge to properly configure and keep your systems and applications safe. A trusted and experienced third party can manage this for you so that you won’t overlook some of the key security features.

5. Not prioritizing employee security training. Humans are the weakest link in cybersecurity. Most compromises are caused by a simple error such as an employee clicking on a harmful link. Training employees on good security practices, such as two-factor authentication, will go a long way to greatly reduce cyber threat risks.

6. Relying on old technology. Many companies rely on outdated, legacy systems to save costs. Legacy applications rely on older, more limited frameworks, software libraries, and operating systems, presenting more security issues. Modern applications are better integrated with newer frameworks and platforms and have built-in security features to reduce the chance of data compromise.

7. Skipping data backup. Many businesses, large and small, often overlook this critical step. A frequent backup strategy is essential, especially to protect financial data, intellectual property, source code, and email. A good plan is to start backing up your mission critical data first.

8. Forgetting software patches. Don’t leave your organization and employees vulnerable when security updates and patches are readily available for everything from operating systems to applications to devices.

Most companies don’t need a complete security overhaul. A few measured, practical steps can make a big difference in helping small businesses protect their data, systems, reputations, and livelihoods. While your favorite bagel shop may have already perfected the chewy bagel, a few adjustments to security practices may be on the menu.

Featured

  • Allegion, Comfort Technologies Implement Mobile Credentials at the Artisan Apartment Homes in Florida

    Artisan Apartment Homes, a luxury apartment complex in Dunedin, Florida, recently transitioned from mechanical keys to electronic locks and centralized system software with support from Allegion US, a leading provider of security solutions, technology and services, and Florida-based Comfort Technologies, which specializes in deploying multifamily access control, IoT devices and software management solutions. Read Now

  • Mall of America Deploys AI-Powered Analytics to Enhance Parking Intelligence

    Mall of America®, the largest shopping and entertainment complex in North America, announced an expansion of its ongoing partnership with Axis Communications to deploy cutting-edge car-counting video analytics across more than a dozen locations. With this expansion, Mall of America (MOA) has boosted operational efficiency, improved safety and security, and enabled more informed decision-making around employee scheduling and streamlining transportation for large events. Read Now

  • Security Industry Association Launches New “askSIA” AI Tool

    The Security Industry Association (SIA) has unveiled a brand-new SIA member benefit – askSIA, a conversational AI agent designed to help users get the most out of their SIA membership, easily access SIA resources and find the latest information on SIA’s training and courses, reports and publications, events, certification offerings and more. SIA members can easily find askSIA by visiting the SIA homepage or looking for the askSIA icon in the top left of webpages. Read Now

    • Industry Events
  • Industry Embraces Mobile Access, Biometrics and AI

    A combination of evolving workplace dynamics, technology innovation and new user expectations is changing how people enter and interact with physical spaces. Access control is at the heart of these changes. Combined with biometrics and AI, mobile access control has become increasingly crucial for deploying entry solutions that are seamless, secure and adaptive to user needs. Read Now

  • Sustainable Video Solution Delivered for Landmark City of London Office Development

    An advanced, end-to-end video solution from IDIS, with a focus on reducing waste and costs, has helped a major office development in the City of London align its security with sustainability objectives. Read Now

New Products

  • Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems V07

    Automatic Systems, an industry-leading manufacturer of pedestrian and vehicle secure entrance control access systems, is pleased to announce the release of its groundbreaking V07 software. The V07 software update is designed specifically to address cybersecurity concerns and will ensure the integrity and confidentiality of Automatic Systems applications. With the new V07 software, updates will be delivered by means of an encrypted file.

  • QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC)

    The latest Qualcomm® Vision Intelligence Platform offers next-generation smart camera IoT solutions to improve safety and security across enterprises, cities and spaces. The Vision Intelligence Platform was expanded in March 2022 with the introduction of the QCS7230 System-on-Chip (SoC), which delivers superior artificial intelligence (AI) inferencing at the edge.

  • ResponderLink

    ResponderLink

    Shooter Detection Systems (SDS), an Alarm.com company and a global leader in gunshot detection solutions, has introduced ResponderLink, a groundbreaking new 911 notification service for gunshot events. ResponderLink completes the circle from detection to 911 notification to first responder awareness, giving law enforcement enhanced situational intelligence they urgently need to save lives. Integrating SDS’s proven gunshot detection system with Noonlight’s SendPolice platform, ResponderLink is the first solution to automatically deliver real-time gunshot detection data to 911 call centers and first responders. When shots are detected, the 911 dispatching center, also known as the Public Safety Answering Point or PSAP, is contacted based on the gunfire location, enabling faster initiation of life-saving emergency protocols.