Before we get started with the most important IT security lessons, you should know that this subject is ever-changing. Systems, people and the state of your company data are always fluctuating.
Your business can put many hours of work into implementing security protocols. But you can never be 100% sure you’re immune to breaches. It’s a harsh truth nobody wants to hear, but comforting yourself with a lie is not productive at all.
However, you can take necessary steps towards better managing such a threat. Not to mention that you can do so many things to easily prevent these issues:
1. Think like a Hacker
It is important to think like an attacker if you want to find vulnerabilities. Good security doesn’t encompass just a set of tools.
Big organizations or corporations have learned how important white hat hackers can be. They hire them to perform an audit that highlights the most significant vulnerabilities.
White hat hackers are ethical computer hackers. They are specialized in penetration testing. They find vulnerabilities but don’t exploit them. They use the results to improve data security.
That is one of the most important IT security lessons every organization needs to learn.
You need the right mindset. Instead of trying to protect your system, try to break into it. This way, you will be able to find some of the flaws and correct them.
2. IT Security Lessons Have to Start with Employees
It is crucial for your staff to understand what security means. You only partially solve the problem if you block access to sensitive data.
They need to know what they should do in case they observe a breach. They need to understand that the company’s data can be hacked even through their phones.
They won’t comprehend security until you highlight how important it is – and how it can impact them.
Prevention is one of the most important IT security lessons your employees need to learn.
You can start with basic training sessions or webinars. Help them understand how they can personally protect your company’s data from theft.
3. Business Must Always Come First
When it comes to security, you need to be as safe as possible. However, if that approach impacts the business in a negative way, it’s not going to work out.
If you go overboard with implementing all kinds of security platforms in your company, the system processes will work slower, as they’ll have less memory at their disposal.
It might sound counter-intuitive, but too much security will bog down your operating system.
Security must enable business. Your company and its employees need to be able to do their job in a better and safer way.
Thus, you need to understand one thing: Better security is tied to better hardware. If you do plan on using as many security systems as possible, consider upgrading the hardware first.
4. Data Backup Is Vital
Backups are vital to any company that values its data. Whenever huge issues arise, you’ll have a safety net.
That is true, but only if the backup is away from the data source. For instance, let’s say you back up the data you have on your laptop on a USB drive. You keep both of them in the same bag. In an unfortunate event, the bag gets stolen. So, the backup you just did is virtually pointless because you weren’t careful enough with it.
It’s the kind of thing you also need to teach your employees about. Of course, if they see you being vigilant about something like this, they’ll follow your lead.
Also, always keep in mind that if a document is online, you can never be 100% sure it’s safe. Breaches can occur at any given time. That’s why it’s vital to back up your data in secure, offline locations as well.
All of this seems like a handful, right? – especially for a first course. Well, we know someone like you has a tight, busy schedule, and that’s exactly why we’re offering to help.
LEAP Managed IT is a team of experienced and passionate people. With us, you get to take advantage of excellent security.
Plus, you won’t have to bother talking with salespeople when you encounter any issues – you’ll discuss the problems directly with our specialists.
Get in touch with us and let us know how we can help solve your problems.