Data breaches are becoming more widespread, and their consequences are expected to have a long-term detrimental impact on organizations worldwide. Hackers are getting more skilled at compromising their targets’ systems.
In light of the introduction of new data protection regulations such as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), businesses have a greater obligation than ever before to put a high emphasis on preserving their customers’ personal information.
As a result, this article will walk you through how to better fulfill your obligations to secure your customers’ data within your company.
Employ Updated Software and Solutions
Another step you can take to secure your e-commerce website and your clients’ data against harmful attacks is to keep all of the plugins, software, and themes you use up-to-date.
For example, you should always use premium themes over free themes since free themes are seldom updated and hackers may quickly exploit flaws to wreak havoc on your website. Premium themes, on the other hand, are updated regularly.
You should ensure that your digital infrastructure includes the most updated software solutions such as binary analysis tools to ensure trustworthy coding reviews for all software development projects.
Implement a Zero-Trust Design
The zero-trust architecture cybersecurity method has gained popularity in recent years. It works by only allowing access once it has been validated, compared to the more conventional method, which assumes that all devices, users, and network traffic are trustworthy unless proven otherwise.
Although implementing this plan may take some time, it can put any firm in a far more proactive position when it comes to cybersecurity.
Secure All Devices
A working professional’s life is seldom entrenched in one area. Your job necessitates that you have access to information on your customers at all times and in any place, regardless of where you are. You often access client data not just on your work PC but also on your mobile devices and tablets. If you use public Wi-Fi, there is a strong chance that the network is not secure, and by doing so, you are allowing other parties to easily access any data saved on your device. You should limit your use of public Wi-Fi networks and instead connect your devices to private, password-protected networks wherever feasible. You can also have virtual private network (VPN) software installed on your device.
Encrypt Data
When a customer gives you their personal information, they are putting their trust in you to keep that information safe. To begin, you must establish your worthiness for their confidence by encrypting any important information that, if not safeguarded, may endanger a user.
Data encryption refers to the process of converting plaintext to ciphertext. The encrypted ciphertext and decoded plaintext may only be accessed with the proper key, which is the basic concept of cryptography.
Train Your Staff
It is critical to give internet security training to your staff to secure your customers’ sensitive information. Your employees must understand the need to protect client confidentiality as well as the responsibilities that come with network access.
Create clear guidelines for your company’s information technology security and ensure that they are conveyed to fresh staff throughout their induction training. Furthermore, do frequent refresher training to ensure that your whole team is informed of the company’s regulations.
Maintain At Least Three Copies of Your Data
Companies are regarded as the protectors of any consumer data that they collect, and it is their responsibility to ensure that the data is kept in line with current legislation and is adequately protected. We propose that organizations keep at least three copies of their data, each on at least two different forms of media, one of which is maintained overseas and the other offline.
Review Vendor Practices
Companies that are generally cautious about securing their customers’ personal information may face major issues when working with third parties whose cybersecurity is weak.
It is critical to learn about the limits that vendors have as well as the existing data-sharing agreements. A breach that targets a third-party supplier could jeopardize a business that places a high value on client information security. A single weak link in the chain may break it. Organizations should set cybersecurity criteria for suppliers, as well as a consistent way to test key measures regularly.
Prepare for the Worst
Prepare for the worst-case scenario by putting a plan in place in the event of a data breach. You must be informed of who to contact to report a breach, and you must act quickly. GDPR requires you to notify the ICO within 72 hours of discovering a data breach. You must also explain how the security breach occurred, what steps are being taken to contain it, and what actions you plan to take next. If you move quickly, you may be able to receive a lower fine or penalty.
