Information security is an inseparable part of IT implementation, especially for businesses. Not taking the necessary security measures could lead to some serious risks, including information theft and complete data loss. Add the fact that there are more cyberattacks than ever targeting businesses, and it is easy to see why taking security seriously is a must.
There are several information security standards to follow as well as measures to implement for maximum data protection. In this article, however, we are going to focus on the best three tips for protecting sensitive information from the ground up.
Start with Threat Identification
The best way to understand the security risks you’re facing is by doing a threat assessment and modeling. Threat modeling is a method of understanding the potential threat to your business’s sensitive information, from how data can get damaged due to hardware failure to ways information can be stolen.
Threat modeling is a good start because it allows you to plan for potential problems. This means the entire security formula will be created to anticipate the most common risks that your business may face. This will also result in more efficient (and cost-effective) security measures and maximum protection.
If you’re storing a lot of information on offline hard drives, for instance, there is no need to invest in advanced online security suites. Instead, you can focus your efforts on adding redundancies, implementing good access management and integrating a suitable backup routine to the system. On the other hand, systems that are running from the cloud can’t really benefit from offline antivirus software.
Follow a Security Standard
In some industries, information security is mandatory. In the financial industry, all information must be encrypted to make sure sensitive details are properly protected. The same can be said for the healthcare industry, especially after HIPAA was implemented. There are even systems designed to specifically meet HIPAA requirements, including HIPAA compliant messaging systems.
Check if there are security requirements to be met according to regulations and industry standards. If the industry you’re in has a standard in place, meeting the requirements should be the minimum you do. You can add additional layers of security on top of the mandatory ones.
When there is no standard in place, follow the best practices for information security. SSL security can be used to encrypt and secure data transmissions, while other security measures can be put in place to prevent data theft or unauthorized access.
Make It Scalable
Similar to the different IT systems used by businesses, information security can also be made scalable. You don’t have to invest in every security suite at once. Instead, you can choose to meet a basic standard and continue to upgrade the security measures used as the business grows. This will keep the whole implementation cost-effective in the long run.
Follow these tips and you will find adding the right security measures a lot easier. Before long, you’ll have a secure environment in which all of your business information and supporting data can be stored and maintained.
