Recently, I was talking to someone in our office about the problems that come with using older versions of Office. He automatically mentioned that various employees using different versions under a single network can make it difficult to make a complete update on everyone’s computer at once. Then, I questioned if there were security issues with having older versions of Office. He had completely forgotten that you are more vulnerable from doing this.
Sometimes we forget that there are simple ways to keep our data safe, such as protecting your company's information by using the newest version of Office.
For those of you that don’t know, safeguarding in the IT world means -- being proactive against attacks, threats, and disasters that may cause a business’ or organization’s data to become defenseless. Keeping data secure is a lot easier now that there are multiple ways to take precaution.
- Automated Backups
There are a variety of backup methods including the use of a backup system, a data support center, Cloud-based backups, and more. All methods have their pros and cons, but the decision should be based on what is cost-effective and efficient for your company.
Considering most people do not choose the first house they see or the first car they test drive, your decision to choose a possibly expensive data backup prevention method should not be any different. Therefore, it is best to do your research first.
For more information on automated backups and other safeguarding, tips visit the Small Business Administration.
- Install a Firewall and Filters
Coming from someone who has had to deal with the same continuous pop-up message about my expired free trial of protection services too many times to count, I can understand the irritation when it comes to dishing out money for something that is keeping you safe invisibly. I always question: would it make a difference? I know the answer, and you do too. That is why firewalls are necessary. Hardware firewalls are the best because they keep a protective barrier between the internet and your business’ data.
Besides firewalls, other important safety measures include anti-virus protection, as well as spam and content filters. These three data support methods keep your incoming and outgoing information secure.
All devices with sensitive information, including smartphones, laptops, and tablets have the capability of being attacked. If you are like me, you might use your phone’s hotspot to get an internet connection on your laptop. Sometimes when I am finished using my laptop, I will forget to turn off my hotspot, which turns something that is very convenient for me, into something very convenient for the local hacker that wants to get into my personal information. Hotspots and public Wi-Fi are breeding grounds for data loss by an elusive cybercriminal.
So, next time you are thinking about using a work computer in a public place, make sure you have end-to-end encryption on your laptop and a secure password with diverse characters, numbers, and letter case.
- Pick a Quality Vendor
Just like finding the best data backup method takes time, so choosing a quality provider or data support center. Over half of all companies that lose data are out of business within six months, so a third party vendor must be well equipped to handle their client’s needs. It might be best to talk to a few different support centers and ask valuable questions to make sure they are certified and have an optimum experience to help your company in case of a disaster.
- Make a Disaster Recovery Plan
One of the most tedious things to do is make a disaster recovery plan and keep everyone up to date with its procedures. However, this will help your company in the long run when systems are working smoothly after coming into work one morning to an in-house server failure.
Some of the most important things to remember about a disaster recovery plan are: perform an audit, disseminate information, and practice your plan. For more in-depth information about how to create a disaster recovery plan.
- Safeguard Business Data Today
Most small to medium-sized businesses want to put sales and customer service before IT prevention; however, that can be detrimental to a company. Safeguarding is all about being proactive, so for your organization to be the safest with their small business data, they can be you must follow a combination of these five steps. TCS can help, we offer a free review of your current solution and can make recommendations on how to improve.
