It's critical to protect your company's (and your clients') intellectual property and sensitive data. This is why it's so important to make the best decisions possible regarding how to safeguard sensitive information. Data security is a fast-paced, always-changing field because cyber threats are always shifting and advancing. You have to stay ahead of the curve.

You may think that your company is too small or no one would be interested in taking or corrupting your information assets, but any company can be affected by a security threat. In fact, small businesses are the most likely targets of hackers because they often don’t have a robust cybersecurity system in place, making them easy marks. And the threat is only growing.

Why is Data Security so Important?

The march of technology has meant a vast reform in the way modern businesses operate. The amount of data stored by businesses is growing exponentially. For a number of reasons, data security is vital for both governments and enterprises. For starters, businesses have a legal and ethical responsibility to safeguard their users' and customers' personal information from unauthorized access.

Then there's the potential of a data leak or hack damaging your brand. If you don't treat data security properly, you risk having your reputation irreparably tarnished in the event of a high-profile, widely reported breach or attack. Not to mention the financial and operational ramifications in the event of a data breach. You'll have to spend time and money assessing the consequences and determining which methodologies faltered and what needs changing.

What are the Different Types of Data Security?

There is a bevy of different options available to protect your data. It is suggested that you use several different ones that match your business type to ensure the best security possible. Some of these include:

Authentication

This security method involves some type of proof of identity before sharing access to information.

Some examples:

• Password
• PIN
• Swipe cards
• Biometrics
• Security questions
  

This is one of the most used types of security used by companies.

Data Masking

This method uses proxy characters to obscure letters and numbers. The characters are returned to their original state once an authorized user has accessed the information.

Encryption

Using an encryption key, an algorithm changes the characters in a file into an unreadable series of numbers and letters. Once authorized access is gained, the encryption key restores the information to its original format.

Backups

Proper security means having access to your information even if there is a failure in the system. This is why it’s important to have another copy of the information on a separate system. This could be a physical disk, cloud storage, or a local network.

There are many types of security your company can utilize to keep its information secure. It’s a good idea to research all available options and choose which ones are right for your business.

With the right set of tools, you can protect your company from outside threats, inside threats, and human error.

Compliant Security with PERFEQTA

The PERFEQTA system was built with high security in mind. Protecting your data and privacy is of the utmost importance to us as well as helping you comply with your regulatory standards to make audits a breeze. Since 2005, we have helped companies achieve regulatory and standards compliance (HIPAA, 21 CFR Part 11, ISO 9000 and more)  with ease, allowing you to focus on what matters most: running your business. Learn more about the compliance solutions PERFEQTA has to offer and how we can help.