Data security is one of the biggest concerns for modern business owners. Many companies are operating more services online, from remote working, customer service or handling your company’s payroll. With more sensitive data going online, it’s important to protect it, to avoid a major data breach. 

1. Remember physical security. A data breach doesn’t always come from hacking. Data can be stolen by someone accessing your office. To stop this, look at different kinds of door entry systems to keep the office secure. Make sure staff turn off their screens and lock their computers when they leave their desks, and that nothing is ever left lying on printers waiting to be collected. 
2. Encrypt your data. You don’t need to be a computer whiz to encrypt your data. There are all kinds of simple tools available to help you to encrypt your emails and other company data. 
3. Backup your data. You must have a backup in order to keep any data safe in case any business devices are lost, stolen or compromised. Store backups in the cloud, so data is not lost with the device or lost in an office mishap like a flood or a fire. 
4. Protect against Malware. Anti-malware protection is a basic foundation of security for your devices. Malware is made to infiltrate and do damage to a computer. Malware might be in the form of viruses, worms, or spyware. It might get into your device from websites, emails, or hidden in software downloads. Do regular checks for spyware and always run strong anti-malware protection. Teach staff to be aware of what they download or click on online or in emails.
5. Make old hard drives unreadable. If you’ve upgraded your computers and are throwing out old ones, make sure you clear the hard drive first to prevent your data from being stolen off of it. You can clean disks with a magnet or clean-disk software. 
6. Install operating system updates. Updates can be annoying, especially when they’re interrupting your work, but they are very important. These automatics updates often contain security patches that are critical to stop new threats. Set your operating system to update automatically so can’t miss an update by mistake and be put at risk. 
7. Secure your wireless network. Your wireless network in the office should have a secure password. If your wireless is open, anyone can get on it, and use it to get at company data. A password is a simple tool, but they work.  
8. Turn off your computer. When you’re not using it, turn it off. As well as being at risk to those walking by, a computer that is left on and connected to the internet is at risk of being hacked. A hacker can’t get in via the internet connection if it’s not online. 

A data breach can be a disaster for a business. As well as the information you lose, it can damage your reputation and trust in your brand. Take data security seriously to stop this from happening.