How Secure is Your Client Data?

Featured article by Calvin Paige, Independent Technology Author

Most of us hand over confidential information to professionals without giving it a second thought. Your accountant probably knows all about your finances and your doctor has a comprehensive record of every illness you ever had. Would you want this information entering the public domain? Probably not. Luckily there are many ways to keep confidential data safe and secure. In this article, we are going to look at the most common ones.

Modernise IT Equipment

Data breaches cost companies millions. Whether an executive loses a laptop containing important information or your data store is hacked, you could lose out in more ways than one. Firstly, clients will be upset that their confidential data may be in the wrong hands, and secondly, you could be in breach of data protection regulations. Either way you are in trouble.

One way to ensure you don’t suffer a major data breach is to ensure your IT equipment stays up to date. Plenty of small businesses don’t invest in new IT equipment because it’s expensive and they don’t have sufficient funds. However, just because that old Window’s laptop running XP still works, it doesn’t mean it’s safe. Investing in new equipment may be expensive, but consider how much a data breach could cost you in terms of business reputation and fines. It’s a sobering thought.

Firewalls and Anti-Virus

Cyber criminals spend an awful lot of time creating insidious viruses designed to infect computers and web enabled devices. It’s hard staying one step ahead, but if you ignore security protocols and don’t bother protecting computers and smartphones from viruses, there is no way your client data is going to stay safe.

Make sure you install a firewall and anti-virus software program on all internet enabled devices. Keep them updated at all times.

Cloud Data Protection

Many businesses operate a paperless office. Instead of storing tons of paperwork in filing cabinets, they use document scanning services such as those offered by www.cleardatagroup.co.uk and then store the data in a cloud storage facility.

This is an excellent idea, as it keeps your office clear of bulky files and documents. However, the system will soon fall apart if you don’t use a secure cloud storage facility, so choose a reputable provider. Alternatively, if you decide to store data on your own private servers, stick with a well-known hosting service who offers a high level of data protection.

Employee Secure Access

Data breaches are not always external. Sometimes a disgruntled employee decides to steal confidential information and it ends up in the wrong hands. To prevent this from compromising information held by your company, have rigorous security protocols in place. Computers should always be password protected and only grant data access to people who actually need access. Passwords should always be changed when an employee leaves the company, particularly if the person has access to high-level data.

Use common sense when devising data security policies, but if you need some advice, call on an expert to guide you. It’s better to be safe than sorry.