Presently, most businesses are tasked with some aspect of data management. While data protection is commonly associated with protecting sensitive or private information, trade secrets, or other forms of intellectual property, data loss prevention (DLP) is a critical component for virtually all businesses. Discover robust DLP solutions and foundational efforts to back up necessary data as best practices in data loss prevention for businesses.
HOW DO BUSINESSES BACK UP THEIR DATA?
Although larger businesses possess a greater volume of data and, as a result, are more susceptible to intrusions, smaller businesses are frequently more manageable targets for cybercriminals. For this reason, regardless of the scale of your organization, it is vital to have data protection in place.
It is imperative that your company maintains backups of all sensitive information and data that is vital for ensuring business continuity. By doing so, one can expedite the process of resolving issues, restore functionality, and, ideally, avert a catastrophic situation for the brand in the event of a breach. Although there are numerous varieties of backups, the two most common are as follows:
1. Local backups make use of on-premises tangible storage devices. While this is typically one of the quickest and most cost-effective alternatives, storing all your data in a single location carries certain risks.
2. Conversely, cloud backups depend on data replication in an off-site location. This alternative has gained traction due to its frequent support for automatic backups, user-friendly data recovery, and the added security of data duplicates in an alternative location should a catastrophe occur.
Within these two categories, a multitude of methods exist for preserving information. Furthermore, certain companies employ a hybrid approach by utilizing both cloud and local backup systems to safeguard their critical data.
DLP Implementation Strategies for Businesses
After establishing a backup strategy, the next step is to evaluate the security of your data. Several variables will influence which solution is optimal for your organization. For instance, must you adhere to particular mandates or compliance regulations? Is IP protection your primary objective? Are stakeholders interested in comprehending the flow of data within your organization? Having determined the responses, you can now delve into strategies for managing and maintaining DLP.
The Process of Data Encryption
By encrypting personally identifiable information and the IP address of a company, cybercriminals can be thwarted. Although this does not mean that other security practices can be disregarded, it can substantially mitigate the likelihood that malicious actors will be able to exploit data, even if they manage to obtain it.
Access Control
Implementing user-based access or multi-factor authentication to restrict access to sensitive data can substantially mitigate the likelihood of a data breach. You can establish sensitivity-based policies by categorizing your information as structured or unstructured data, confidential information, intellectual property, and so forth.
Employee Education
Consequently, educating and establishing expectations for your employees is vital. Factors contributing significantly to data loss include insider threats and blunders made by personnel using personal or insecure devices or programs. Ensure that your team is aware of the responsibilities associated with transmitting or downloading various forms of data, and implement security protocols to notify your security teams or issue reminders.
Software and solutions for DLP
As a final point, DLP software can assist in managing data security. Most contemporary solutions can identify and address threats in real-time without disruption to service. The best option will depend on your organization’s infrastructure, requirements, and budget.
Maintaining compliance with data loss prevention and protection best practices can pose a significant obstacle, especially for small- to medium-sized enterprises. Consult your local TN Computer Medics for assistance in identifying the optimal solution and maintaining an up-to-date cybersecurity protocol. Our computer specialists can aid you in locating the appropriate backup, security, and support solutions to ensure the seamless operation of your company.