8 Easy Steps to ensure Customer Data Security

Protection of customer data is becoming an area of focus due to increase in data breaches that led to leakage of sensitive information. Not only a data breach results into financial losses, but company might have to face lawsuits and a severely tarnished reputation. Even customers these days are aware about browsing only reputable and reliable websites to ensure safety of their information.

In this blog, we have gathered some useful strategies to help businesses and companies in customer data security. 

Formulate a Cyber Security Policy

Having a robust cyber security policy for your company will certainly help in preventing breaches. Also, reviewing and maintaining one adds more to your company’s security. In your policy make sure you define the standards for passwords, email usage, sensitive data, devices, social media usage, etc.

Ensure everyone is involved

Security of your company’s data depends largely on the people who work there. All your employees and third parties should adhere to the security policy of the company. Remember that negligent employees are one of the primary reasons behind cyber breaches. Top management should focus on conducting regular seminars to provide latest education to employees regarding data security.

Pay Attention to Physical Security

No matter how greatly you invest in software security, your data can still be compromised if you neglect the physical security of your office. What if someone can simply enter your office’s premises and take away a crucial hard drive? You need to ensure strong physical security which means locking down systems, sensitive files and documents, etc.

Install Endpoint Protection

Endpoint security solutions protect your company’s network from unwanted attacks and unauthorized access to customer data. Monitoring and controlling activities done on PCs that are in the company network becomes easy with endpoint protection.

Update and Patch Software

Many companies tend to ignore software patches and delay updates which puts them at the risk of getting attacked easily. Even usage of pirated software is seen in companies to save money, but opens up doors for hackers by exploiting vulnerabilities. Usage of legitimate software and installation of regular updates shall be  encouraged.

Watch out Access to Data

Not everyone in your company needs access to client data, therefore, you need to see the authorization provided to your staff. Limit access to sensitive information so that it is not misused.

Let your customers Know

Since your business is collecting customer data, it becomes your responsibility to make them clear what and how their data is being used. Also, mention a brief about what defense mechanisms you are using to protect their data.

Implement an Incident Plan

If anytime a disaster happens, your company should be prepared to deal with it.  This plan might include steps like taking regular backup of customer data so that it can be recovered easily in case of a disaster like ransomware attack.

In today’s era where business organizations are susceptible to cyber incidents such as phishing, hacking, safeguarding your customers’ information is critically important.