Create a Robust Data Protection Infrastructure for Your Organisation

Over the years, high profile security breaches have been reported around the world. The attacks highlighted the lack of strong security strategies and the vulnerability of data in organisations of all sizes. 

Financial records, employee records, and trade secrets all need protection. That said, data security is critical to the overall well-being of the business. When compromised, the business can suffer financial and reputational damages.

Nowadays, businesses and organisations have more choices in data protection courses and PDPA certifications so as to better equip themselves on the best practices and new competencies. PDPA or Personal Data Protection Act is aimed to safeguard against the misuse of personal data.

A PDPA Certification also provides proper guidance so organisations can comply and stay compliant with the Personal Data Protection Act. Apart from getting a PDPA Certification, below are other ways you can create a strong data protection infrastructure for your organisation:

Protect the Data Itself

Securing the walls around their data has been the focus of many organisations. At least 90% of security budgets go to firewall technology. Unfortunately, there’s no shortage of ways to circumvent firewalls (including through suppliers, customers, and employees).

Customers, employees, and suppliers all have the ability to misuse sensitive data and bypass exterior cyber-security. For this reason, it is important that your security efforts should be focused around the data itself, not merely on the perimeter.

Focus on Insider Threats

It’s easy to imagine threats coming from outside the organisation as these are the scenarios that are often represented in the news and television as the biggest and most costly ones. In reality, however, it’s the insiders that have the potential to hurt organisations the most.

Due to its nature, insider attacks can also be difficult to prevent and attack. For instance, an employee clicking on an email attachment believing they come from a trusted source can release a ransomware worm. Threats of these kinds are deemed one of the most costly and are prevalent across the world.

Test Your Security

If you think installing an antivirus on all your computers is enough to protect you from malicious attacks, think again. Some recent data breaches have shown that having a professional conduct a security audit will reveal weaknesses you are not aware of or expecting.

In line with this, it would be best to walk around the office and check the desks of employees. Chances are, you would most likely spot a password written down on a sticky note somewhere if you look hard enough.

Update Your Programmes Accordingly

Ensure your computers are patched and updated accordingly. This is considered one of the best ways to ensure that you will have adequate protection. It is important to keep in mind that your security applications are just as good as your most recent updates.

Since ransomware strains and hackers are constantly evolving to exploit any weaknesses in earlier software versions, it is recommended that the applications are updated regularly.

Back Up Your Data Consistently

This is another crucial aspect of any data protection strategy. If you have a secure backup in place, you can survive everything from complete ransomware lockdown to accidental file deletion. 

As a security practice, backup data should be stored in a remote and secure location, away from the primary place of business. 

Establish a Company-Wide Security Mindset

Everyone with a password and username has the responsibility to keep the organisation’s data secure. IT administrators need to also periodically remind managers and employees that data security is everyone’s business and is not limited to just a handful of employees that are part of the IT team.