How To Avoid Major Threats To Corporate Data

Sep 14, 2022

How To Avoid Major Threats To Corporate Data
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Data security is indeed a complex subject. Even a tiny loophole can cost you millions. The worst part is that most of business owners are not serious about it. Instead of hiring experts, they are entirely relying on third-party software programs. Many still believe that their business data is safe as long as they have a firewall installed. But the truth is entirely different. In our last article, we learned about data threats. Today, we will discuss how to avoid major threats to corporate data.

Insider’s Job

When your corporate data is at risk because of an insider, then you can take several steps to make sure that your data remains secure. First thing first, you need to immediately terminate unused accounts with all privileges. Besides, you should limit the full access, and only a few should have access to the complete database. Then, you need to take steps to monitor activity logging. To do this, you should apply the required infrastructure and protocols. These protocols will not only monitor but send alerts before any damage occurs. Sometimes data loss because of an insider is not intentional but accidental. To avoid that, you need to train your staff members about data security. You can host data security sessions. You can make a policy of having a strong password. You can also teach them more about the correct procedure for logging out. A two-or multiple-step authentication is also an option. You can use elements like fingerprint scanners, code scanners, OTP mobile verification, etc. If you think your employees make careless errors while data handling, you can go with data encryption.

Buggy Business Software

As discussed, buggy business software can cost you millions. To avoid data threats caused by buggy business software, you should keep your business software updated. Like Windows and other operating systems, business software also offers version updates and patches to fix loopholes. Although this may put your system idle for a few hours, the practice is to keep your system software updated. To avoid any loss of business hours, you can do those updates after business hours. Always install updated versions and avoid installing any software that has no developer support. To be on the safe side, you should test those updates on a demo system before actually installing them on the live system. Proper testing should be done, and one should replace the earlier version only after approval. Once you replace it, you should monitor the new system for any further or previous errors.

Advanced Persistent Threats

Where developers or hackers breach your system through a script or code. To block this entry, you should closely monitor any unidentified scripts or code running in the backend. To avoid instances of APT, keep your code updated. Upon finding an error, you should fix it on a priority basis. A single minute’s delay can cause you a lot of loss.

To avoid code-level threats, you should use SSL security. These types of security layers prevent your product from data security breaches.

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    You should also categorize your network. This way, it becomes easier to spot the wrong doer and any suspicious activity. Last but not least, you should implement an intelligent APT protection solution, which is capable of intercepting any advanced persistent threat.

    Malware And Ransomware

    Malware or ransomware never gets installed automatically. They are always injected through a download or infected email attachment. Hence, you should teach your employees to not open any attachments without scanning. And, if the attachment is from an unknown source, it is best to not open it. Besides, you should use malware and virus scanning programs. There are software programs that act like firewalls and prevent your employees from downloading or opening any infected attachments. To minimize the loss caused by malware and ransomware, one should always opt for automated remote data backup, preferably cloud-based.

    Innovative Technologies and Practices

    To avoid attacks on advanced technologies like cloud servers, one can use data-level encryption like AES. It is better to use 256-bit key encryption. In the case of IoT devices, you can avoid those attacks by connecting them to a secondary network. For better security, you should not use the default password and must change it after installing. Make it a policy that no one should install anything on business computers. If any third-party solution is required, the team should ask the admin department.

    Awareness Issues

    Not every data loss is intentional or an accident. Sometimes it is caused because of ignorance. To avoid any data loss because of unawareness, you must educate your teammates about all possible data issues. They can improve their understanding of data threats so that they get an alert as and when they see any threat. Instead of integrating any poor cybersecurity measures, they should hire experts.

    Poor Database Infrastructure

    You should hire a database architect to design your business database. Database experts know how to frame a data loss strategy that can prevent any data loss because of unawareness, carelessness, or bad intentions.

    Too Much Reliance on Network Defense

    Despite configuring or integrating data security measures and programs, one should not rely too much on network defense systems. Utmost care should be exercised when authenticating users. The use of cryptographic USB keys can be a good option. Besides, user access should only be given access when they pass a security code.

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