A data breach is the unauthorized access, use, disclosure, copying, modification or disposal of sensitive or confidential information. It is important to take steps to protect your data from being compromised. Here are some ideas:
- Understand your data
Identify the types of data collected, used, and stored in your systems or applications. Understanding what type of data you have and how it is used will help you increase the security of the data.
- Enforce strong password sequences
Ensure that passwords are of sufficient length and strength. Use two-factor authentication when possible.
- Limiting access
Restrict access to your data and systems to those who need it most. Consider using authentication mechanisms such as role-based access control.
- Regularly audit access
Regularly audit access associated with applications processing your data, have controls in place to detect and alert you to suspicious activities.
- Implement encryption
Encrypt the data at each point of storage and transmission. This can help prevent data from being intercepted in transit or viewed without authorization.
- Educate your staff
Educate your staff about data security. Train them on proper data handling and disposal procedures, create policies and guidelines, and provide periodic refresher courses.
- Updates and backups
Make sure to install all necessary software patches to ensure security, and use data backups to protect against data loss.
