While the Internet companies with unprecedented access to local and has provided the global market available, it decided to stay, she also to data theft, online fraud and many other cyber crimes.
Unfortunately, most small businesses in Canada do not have sufficient information security in place, either because accidentally or because they overestimate the cost of security. Not surprisingly, the statistics show that small businesses are particularly vulnerable because they are easy targets.
As a small business owner, a little knowledge and some preventive measures are the best way to protect you and your business against data theft and its consequences.
Information theft can be common
Studies show that information injuries are common, and can be catastrophic. Small businesses, which may occur data thefts, suffer financial losses debilitating or even go bankrupt. According to the Canadian Anti-Fraud Centre, there were 139,771 complaints of mass marketing fraud between 09 and 2011 - 43,691 of which were in fact victims. Together lost victims 184,044,451.51 $ to scammers and fraudsters, including the money of individuals lost who were cheated.
Criminals organized and Sophisticated
Criminals employ many different methods to steal your data, often working in very well organized and sophisticated way. Sometimes they use electronic listening devices to your Internet and communications network to eavesdrop. However, they are most often used to e-mails, malware and phishing software collect confidential information from your computer and the network, aimed usually bank account, credit card and social security numbers of your employees and customers.
Not all Criminals use high-tech methods
However, not always use criminal high-tech methods. Some can in your office break to receive confidential materials; others entice or otherwise affect your employees to reveal trade secrets. Other criminals may simply be interested in harming your information by acts of vandalism.
Negligence is often the culprit
Sometimes negligent employee accidentally sensitive information to criminals via email or social media over. You can also transfer accidentally seen confidential information on a public network for everyone. Alternatively, you can or any of your employees lose materials and devices confidential data at home or contained in public places, such as a smartphone or portable hard drive.
Information security is not expensive
While many small companies underestimate the risk of information security, others have the misconception that the information security is too expensive. According to Industry Canada, about 3,0 small businesses file bankruptcy each year; although the actual number of insolvencies can be much higher. While the consequences of the lack of information can be devastating, you can protect your data easier than you think, as many methods are neither expensive nor complicated, as described below.
prevention costs less than the cure
When it comes to information security, you may not be aware of an injury until it is too late. Over time, you will notice you have already incurred huge financial losses or your company's image may have been damaged already. Recovering lost data or your reputation can be difficult to repair, and legal fees and compensations to customers may place a heavy financial toll on your business.
Some useful tips to protect your data
Here are some simple, effective ways to protect your data by criminals, competitors, malicious employees, visitors and casual intruders.
1. Educate employees
The use of security measures without your employees to educate as closing the door without locking it. Educate employees on basic safety principles and practices. Ask require security procedures information and your employees comply with them.
2. Install anti-malware software
The easiest way for cyber criminals to steal your data or damage to your information system is through the use of malware (malicious software). Install good and reliable anti-malware software and a firewall on each computer connected to your office network. Some of topnotch antimalware applications that you may have to use Bitdefender Antivirus Plus, Kaspersky AntiVirus and Norton AntiVirus.
3. Encrypt sensitive data
The proliferation of mobile technology (including laptops, iPads, tablets and mobile phones), the likelihood of sensitive information increased dramatically in the wrong hands. The only way to protect important data is to encrypt it. Good quality encryption software may require an initial investment, but if you or an employee actually lose a device, you find that what you paid more than worth it.
4. Use SSL for sensitive data
When receiving or sending sensitive information like credit card numbers or other financial data over the Internet, using Secure Socket Layer (SSL) or similar technology only , SSL provides complete protection from being intercepted by cybercriminals.
5. Make backup copies of sensitive data
you or one of your employees may accidentally delete important files or damage storage media or other devices. Fire and other natural or man-made disasters can also leave your office and information infrastructures are damaged. Make several backup copies of sensitive data, financial transactions and all other important files. Encrypt them and store them in safe places, including in a safe place in the cloud.
6. Safe disposal documents destroy
paper documents that you no longer need to provide for information to criminals and opportunists a treasure trove. There are strict federal and state laws in Canada that you know if the destruction of documents must comply with confidential information.
According to study by Shred-It, about 28% of small businesses in Canada are unaware of legal compliance and legislation that apply to the safety of their company. Surprisingly, more than half (56%) of small businesses do not have a secure method of the document. Check with your paper shredding service provider to see whether they meet all the requirements
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