Business trade secrets, records, marketing statistics, and stakeholder information. All of these items are required to run a successful business, however, the protection and security of them are just as important. If any sensitive information gets lost or stolen, then the company’s reputation, clients, and customers are at risk. This could not only lead to a loss in revenue, but also a breach of trust that would be difficult to win back. In extreme circumstances, clients and customers alike may no longer wish to do business with such a company that wasn’t able to protect and secure valuable information.

Fortunately, there are several ways to prevent the loss of these assets. Whether they are tangible ones such as printed legal documents or digital records, these tips can be used to improve the security of your business. 

First and foremost, fostering a strong password creation policy is a step in the right direction. Although this may mean that access codes are more difficult to remember, there is nonetheless an extra layer of protection that comes with strong passwords. Consider creating different passwords as well. This is because if a user accesses sensitive information using the login credentials of one account, then they would not be able to use the same information to access other accounts. In addition, use authentication methods in order to ensure that the right stakeholders are accessing the right information. 

Another way to protect and secure your business is to make sure there is an excellent mobile phone policy in place. Mobile phones can be stolen and hacked into, creating security risks that may affect company earnings. For example, if a mobile phone is being used to order business-related products, then credit card information may be stored within the phone and its applications. Having such a device stolen can lead to unexpected purchases. Therefore, following the advice already discussed, make sure to have a strong password policy for business mobile phone users. Another option would be to restrict business mobile phone usage and inform employees that such devices should be locked away safely at the end of each workday. 

When upgrading to new office equipment in the form of computers or laptops, don’t forget to erase old hard drives after retrieving any necessary information from them. This is because computers can contain identifying information that has potential of being used against an individual or a company. By thoroughly erasing hard drives, a business is able to mitigate risks related to security and data breaches.

As for information stored in filing cabinets, binders, and folders, ensure that such files are protected as well. Consider the use of locks and keys given to specified individuals within a company in order to ensure that no unauthorized access occurs. At the end of each work day, make sure that cabinets and drawers are locked in order to secure confidential data. Similarly, when it comes to business-related mail, ensure that trust individuals can access the physical mailbox with either a key or code.

Being able to protect and secure your company from unauthorized access is important, and there are various policies that could be put in place as part of the business strategy. For more business advice and customized strategies, be sure to contact the Find Your Audience team at either 647-479-0688 or hi@findyouraudience.online.