Running your own business can be a lot of work. In order for your company to see the success it deserves, it can be a good idea for you to think about ways to improve your current operations. Security is always a good area to focus your attention on.

Today, protecting your company data has become just as important to a business’s future as investing in security cameras and alarm systems. Unfortunately, many business owners struggle with regard to finding the most sensible data security solutions.

Though you may not feel like you have an in-depth understanding of cyber attacks and how your data can be compromised, there are some easy ways to create a more secure work environment. Consider these tips on how to protect your data and make the right changes to your current operations. 

Encrypt All Data

There are times when you want to share your data with people. Perhaps you want to send out an email containing pertinent information about upcoming events your business is sponsoring. While you want consumers to be able to look at and understand the information you are providing in the message, you definitely don’t want some of the more sensitive data attached to the email to fall into the wrong hands. Encrypting your emails is a great way to make sure only the desired data can be taken from any promotional materials you send out.

Encryption can take many forms. In some cases, you can protect a message or a file by having an encrypted password placed on it. This means that only people who have this password will be granted access to your encrypted data. To take advantage of this option, look into applications and programs that can help you encrypt your messages. Both Microsoft Windows and Mac OS come with free encryption tools for users to explore, but you may want to find a program that suits your needs a bit better.

Update Your Software

Technology has been evolving at a rapid pace. You probably are aware of this already, but it doesn’t mean you are exhibiting the best practices when it comes to the latest updates. Every so often, your computer will inform you that your operating system has an update that can be downloaded and installed on your computer. While this is a simple way to keep your system current, countless business owners neglect to take the time to install the newest software updates for their computers. This is an easy way to create an unsafe environment for your data.

Updating your software at the exact time you are advised is a must if you want to keep your business and your assets protected. Most systems release updates to improve the overall functionality and security of an operating system.

When you sleep on your updates, it means you could be compromising your system by making it susceptible to the exact threats the update is meant to prevent. Get into better habits about updating the software on your computer, phone, and other devices whenever prompted and see what difference it makes to your security.

Make Copies

While encrypting data is a wise way to begin, you also need to think about additional ways to protect this sensitive information. Professionals in the tech industry like Hari Ravichandran, a Member of the Board of Directors at Endurance International, suggest backing your data up in the right ways. This means having your data stored in multiple locations and on different servers at the same time. Taking this step can be a lifesaver should an issue arise and cause data on a particular server to be compromised. Instead of losing everything, you’ll have additional data copies elsewhere.

One great option to consider when it comes to backing up your data is using a cloud server. In the past, a company could only store important data on an internal server. Cloud technology makes it possible for people to store important data on external servers located all over the world. This can be helpful because it offers peace of mind when you want to make sure your information is in a place where it is secure. Explore the different cloud storage solutions available to you and discover which option is the best fit for your needs.

Delete Old Files

Finally, don’t forget the importance of deleting old files. In the past, companies would dedicate a lot of time and energy to shredding old documents filled with sensitive data. Since everything is digital now, it can be easy to forget that you need to still take this precaution.

When you no longer need specific files that contain data you don’t want to be released, delete the files and be sure to overwrite them. Overwriting ensures no one can come on your computer and attempt to find the deleted files using the right tools. 

There are many ways to protect the data of your business.  Take your time to get into better habits and see how your security improves.