Whether you have a database full of sensitive customer information, or you have a database containing proprietary formulas for your products, your data is an integral part of your business. Technology and the internet have changed the way businesses compile, organize and store data; but it has also created a great need for privacy and data protection. Computers and technology have changed the way all businesses protect their data, regardless of the type of industry. 

Luckily, there are companies like Califorensics that help protect businesses against data loss, whether it’s from dangerous hackers or technology failure. Here are just some of the consequences a data breach may include:

·  Damaged reputation: If your system has failed, or you’ve been the victim of hackers, you will need to let your customers, clients, vendors, etc. know about the breach; particularly if their personal or business information has been included in the breach. This can severely damage your reputation as a trusted business source. Once your reputation has been soiled, it can be extremely difficult to gain back that trust.

·  Lost time: If there has been a data breach, you’re going to have to direct resources toward fixing the problem, including trying to recall your data and putting systems in place to prevent it from happening again. If your IT team is made up of only a few employees, this can take valuable resources away from other important tasks and projects.

·  Lost revenue: Allocating funds to disaster recovery efforts, re-building trust with your customers and trying to gain back your good reputation will result in lost revenue; perhaps for years to come.  

·  Susceptibility to lawsuits: If sensitive customer and client data has been lost, you could be at risk of being sued by those who are afraid that their personal data is at risk of landing in the ‘wrong’ hands. With identity theft at an all-time high, consumers are more cautious about who they give their information to.

With these consequences in mind, it just makes sense to put plans, strategies, and technology in place that will protect sensitive data at all costs.

How to protect your business and your data

·  Increased IT technology and security: There are many technological advances that allow businesses to protect their information and data with state-of-the-art hardware, software, processes, and applications. Yes, these cost money, but it is well worth the investment – remember that being proactive is a better strategy than being reactive.

·  Anti-virus software: Every computer, laptop, server, and other computer devices in your organization need to have anti-virus software installed.

·  Invest in professional service: Your IT team should be highly trained professionals; this means keeping them current on technological advances in the IT field. If you outsource your IT processes, do your research and hire a company that is reputable, knowledgeable and trustworthy.

·  Proper training: All of your employees should be trained in how to protect against data breaches, how to spot signs of trouble, and what they can do to help prevent data loss. Again, this should be ongoing training.

Data breaches don’t just happen from the outside – they can happen from within as well. Disgruntled employees can wreak havoc on your data and your reputation if you let them. That’s why you should put plans and processes in place regarding who can access data, when they can access it, and how much they can access. Your IT team can help put these strategies in place. With more employees working on their own devices, and away from the office, this can pose a serious threat – but with a knowledgeable team of IT specialists by your side, your data can be protected from every angle.