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Data Leak Prevention: 6 Pivotal Tips for Protecting Your Business's Information

Written by Mike Tungate | Dec 21, 2023 12:12:25 AM

About 2.2 million hacking complaints have been reported to the FBI in the last five years. There were 55 unique ransomware attacks tracked in 2020 alone.

 

While data breaches are common, data leaks occur too. This is when sensitive information is accidentally leaked. 

 

If you're a business owner, you understand how important data is to protect your customers and clients. One data leak could completely ruin your image, which is everything as a business owner. 

 

The good news is that data leak prevention can help protect your company's information. Read this guide on tips to protect your company's sensitive information today. 

1. Limit Access

To prevent data leaks, limit access to the most valuable data. Create information sharing where the only people who can access it are the ones who absolutely need it.

 

All sensitive and critical information should only be shared when it's required. 

 

Related Post: 4 Cyber Security Tips for Small Businesses

 

Monitor all network access as well. The more traffic you have, the higher the chances of suspicious activity. 

2. Portable Encryption

Protect online data through encryption. Have software-enforced encryption to prevent the accidental loss of data. All sensitive data should be automatically encrypted when it leaves your network. 

3. Use Difficult Passwords

Have training where you teach employees about password health. Let them know how often they should be changing their password and how difficult it should be to decode. 

 

Educate employees on the importance of changing passwords and using ones that aren't easy to memorize or guess. Tell them never to use personal information in their passwords, either. 

Causes of Data Leaks:

  • Data leaks could occur due to digital or physical reasons
  • Physical theft
  • Insider threats
  • Software vulnerabilities
  • Misconfigured software settings
  • Social Engineering
  • Weak passwords 

4. Evaluate Risks 

Evaluate the security of all the vendors you work with. Ensure they're not at risk of suffering from data leaks. 

 

Check GDPR, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and other necessary regulatory guidelines. You could create templates based on existing frameworks. 

 

5. Identify Sensitive Data

Identify all sensitive data that needs protection. Then, classify the data based on security policies.

 

It could include financial data, protective health information, and other options. You can have the best data leak prevention for your data through classification. 

6. Protect All Endpoints

An endpoint is any device connected to the last location of a data transfer. Every device connection is a potential security risk. 

 

If a hacker can gain access through poor security, they could wind up on any device on your network. To prevent this, incorporate security into training sessions for employees. 

Tips on Data Leak Prevention

This guide provides an overview of tips on data leak prevention. Data leak prevention and preventing hackers should be at the top of the list. 

 

Many companies make the mistake of not considering security options. Are you ready to get started with top cybersecurity solutions to protect your business? Then, contact us today! We offer a full suite of options, from IT support to managed IT solutions. If you have any questions, we're happy to help.