DATA PROTECTION: TIPS ON HOW TO KEEP YOUR CUSTOMERS PERSONAL DATA SECURE

Company accountants and secretaries are responsible for a large number of crucial customer information. This information includes critical financial and personal data.

As companies try to safeguard their customers’ data,
computer savvy hackers on the other hand, have become more sophisticated and
are using unscrupulous methods to gain access to this information. This is enough
reason for companies to up their game and implement stricter measures of
customer data protection.

On that note, below are tips on how companies can protect client data from
being hacked.

• Maximize
  on security

One of the best ways of ensuring no breach of security occurs is by outsourcing forbusiness IT support. These are technology savvy professionals who effectively monitor your office network and deal with potential hacks as soon as it is detected.

Additionally, passwords should be strong, consisting of both letters and
numbers, and they should be changed quarterly. Ensure all computers on your
network have a firewall and anti-virus software installed and always make sure
the anti-virus software is updated to minimize vulnerability to malware.

When it comes to physical security, ensure any customer files are kept under
lock and key. Access to these files should be limited to a few trustworthy
people. This avoids the information from getting into the wrong hands.

• Audit
  your data protection system

Another way companies can safeguard client data is by assessing the impact a
potential breach would have before it happens. A review of your security
measures by an outside firm is critical. It will expose any weak links and
necessary measures taken immediately.

Such practices should be done annually.

• Educate
  clients on safety measures

Make a habit of educating clients on safe ways of sharing their personal
information with you. For instance, I discourage the use of E-mails as they can
easily be intercepted. As much as there is no fool-proof way of sending
sensitive information, one could make use of applications that have end-to-end
encryption. Some of these applications have options that allow the user to
delete the sent message as soon as the recipient has viewed it. This minimizes
the chances of the recipient storing it.

• Keep your
  Wi-Fi secure

Hackers scout over the Internet looking for weaknesses in unsuspecting
peoples’ computes. This can easily be done if you have a Wi-Fi connection. To
make sure this does not happen, use strong passwords and stronger encryption
protocols.

Another way is to create a separate Wi-Fi network for your employees and another
for your guests.

• Back-up
  files regularly

If your computer network crushed today, would you still have all your
client’s sensitive information intact? Conducting regular backups will ensure
you still have your data even in the event of virus or malware attack.

There are various file backup options available. It is for your company to
review them and decide which is best suited for them.

• Restrict
  employees from accessing client data from their personal computers

This one is self-explanatory. When employees access such vital information
from their computers, it poses a huge risk and is a major cause of concern.
Just put strict measures to ensure client information can only be accessed from
the company’s computer systems.