What is data ?

Customer and supplier details, accounting figures and staff details can all be classed as data. Data that is the lifeblood of a business. Whether it is stored on a single laptop, on a local network or in the cloud, without this data a business doesnt exist.

 

Legislation that outlines how data should be kept is covered by the Data Proctection Act 2018.

Keeping your data secure

The front door of a company would not be left unlocked, in case of theft; simply put, the security of a business computer should be treated in the same way.

 

Simply put, users should be able to access, read, modify and delete data, strictly on a 'Need to Know' basis. For example, if the wages list was to fall in to the hands of a disgruntled employee, trouble would surely ensue.

 

Personal data security

Educating users to be aware of data security is like making sure they lock the office when leaving at night.

 

Many scams are not just after bank details, one of the most popular scams for obtaining money has been the creation of web-based Anti Virus checker that returns false infection reports and then charges the user an amount to fix them. Not only does the scam instantly get a credit card payment, but the users credit card details, often to be sold on at a later date.

 

Social networking sites are excellent for marketing products and setting up 'fan clubs' but great care should be taken as to what details are placed on such sites for all the world to see. e.g. If a user were to state on Facebook that they were going on holiday to Spain next week, they are effectively advertising to every criminal with an internet connection that their house will be empty during this time, credit cards would be ripe for cloning and the car for stealing.

 

Educating users in IT security is essential in keeping company data safe.