Identify all data categories and sensitive data that you keep

Every organization keeps, processes, and sends sensitive data to conduct business, whether it’s consumer payment information, patient health records, personal financial information, or intellectual property. It is our responsibility as a business to preserve it. To do so, we first recognize the kind and type of sensitive data they hold.

Define the location of such information

After determining what sensitive data they have, we establish where it is kept. Is that information stored in spreadsheets or text documents on file sharing, in addition to obvious places like databases? They can’t safeguard sensitive data if they don’t know where it is. It may be hard to safeguard every device (computer, mobile device, etc.) in their businesses. However, we identify sensitive data in their environment and establish controls around the operations that store, process, or transfer it.

Make a list of all the hardware and software components in your network

As basic as this may appear, it is an area where firms are most harmed, including the infamous Equifax incident. When serious vulnerabilities are disclosed, we know which devices in their environment must be updated or patched. Keeping track of their hardware and software components is essential for developing a good cybersecurity program.

Create a strategy for training workers and users on cybersecurity best practices

Cybersecurity is a business issue that necessitates the establishment of a security culture. Finally, the end users who handle sensitive data are responsible for its protection. They may unwittingly put you in danger if they do not know or appreciate their duties for securing sensitive data and working securely with a corporate computer system. To secure your systems and data, we are educated enough to spot and report phishing assaults and baits, as well as be knowledgeable on password management.

For external network access, use multi-factor authentication

Many businesses have staff that has remote access to company technology. In most circumstances, just a password protects access to important systems and data. User-selected passwords are often readily guessed or retrieved by a simple e-mail phishing attempt, according to experience. If multi-factor authentication is not needed for all remote access, an attacker with a password will have a little problem accessing remote services, which usually results in access to sensitive data. Nearly half of the events handled by our forensic and incident response team at LBMC Information Security in the last six months might have been avoided if multi-factor authentication had been installed for systems that provide remote access, particularly email platforms.

Find a reliable partner who can assist you

When it comes to successful cybersecurity, the most typical issues that firms encounter are a lack of time and manpower. Having a third-party undertake penetration testing or risk assessments for your firm is critical for obtaining independent validation that your cybersecurity program is successful and your sensitive data is as safe as possible.