Conversations surrounding data security and cybersecurity are on the rise as more companies and government agencies become breached. If anyone shouldn’t be breached, it’s them, right? This goes to show that the practice of protecting one’s digital information is challenging, and it is absolutely necessary.
Cybercriminials are all around us—you might even know some without actually knowing.
The problem is getting so out of hand that the Biden-Harris administration in the United States has made cybersecurity a top priority as more and more threats of ransomware occur.
However, the general population can’t rely on the federal government to keep their personal and work devices secure.
Both businesses and individual employees have the obstacle of keeping data secure and private; there are various ways in which data security can be improved in the workplace.
Continue reading to understand how the struggle is real, as well as learn top data security mistakes and tips from top experts in the cybersecurity field.
The Facts
The business experts at Forbes have conveniently assembled various relevant cybersecurity FAQs. Here are some of the most interesting and alarming.
- By the year 2025, cybercrimes are to cost the world $10.5 trillion annually.
- Each minute, top companies are paying for cybersecurity breaches: $25 per minute to be more specific.
- In 2020, malware increased by 358% and ransomware by 435%.
- One in five Americans is a victim of ransomware.
- As of Jan 2021, there were 2,145,013 phishing sites registered.
- In a study, 78% of companies lacked confidence in their workplace cybersecurity.
- 91% of those in the same study plan on increasing their cybersecurity budget in 2021.
- Security breaches and identify theft spiked during the COVID-19 pandemic.
The process of researching all things cybersecurity isn’t new; however, more studies are being done within the government and with top companies to determine how to resolve this dilemma.
Big Mistakes
Everyone makes mistakes when it comes to protecting their data security, even at work where you’d assume everything would be more secure. Data is always going to be vulnerable, but there are things we can all do to keep our information locked away in cyberland.
And there are things we should not do.
The company Digital Guardian asked 34 cybersecurity experts what the biggest mistakes companies make surrounding data security.
Here are eight false moves many of us make:
- Users oftentimes don’t understand the sensitivity of the data they work with and their role in keeping it safe.
- Not properly classifying data (restricted, confidential/private, and public) and protecting it against current threats.
- Failing to protect company networks and data from internal threats.
- Employees have inadequate training in cybersecurity topics.
- The false confidence that companies know exactly what is going on across their IT systems.
- Not adding security layers to data shared in the cloud.
- Employees simply don’t take the time to secure devices and data that are physically leaving the building.
- Individuals blatantly trusting technology too much.
Each business or organization has its own set of fallbacks in relation to data security. It would benefit everyone to beef up their knowledge, training, and budget in this area.
Next, let’s discuss tips in order to protect your data security at work.
Tips From the Experts
First, people must be aware of the different data security strategies available.
- Physical security of servers and user devices
- Access management and controls
- Application security and patching
- Backups
- Employee education
- Network and endpoint security monitoring and controls
Once organizations begin training employees more specifically on these strategies and what they can do individually to help the problem, there should be a reduction in security breaches.
Here are 10 excellent tips from cybersecurity experts.
- Encrypt your data—there are software and programs available that will easily do this for you.
- Anti-malware (malicious software) protection is a must.
- Secure your home and work wireless networks
- Back up all of your data regularly in case there is a breach or theft.
- Automate your software updates.
- Disable Bluetooth when you’re not using it and shut your computer off.
- Disable automatic uploading.
- Don’t save passwords in your browser.
- Use an encrypted cloud service.
- Avoid clicking on links in e-mails.
What other advice can you think of to protect your data’s security while at work?
What About Passwords?
Surely you’ve done it. At least one of your passwords currently is or in the past has been your pet’s name, your middle name, or a nickname, plus the year you were born or your favorite number, plus an exclamation point. Honestly—we’re all guilty of the simple, fragile password.
It’s easy to remember, you can switch it up a bit for other accounts, and no need to write it down, right?
We’re all doing it wrong!
The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) has developed specific guidelines for strong passwords. Check them out when you’re finished with this article.
And the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency lists dos and don’ts on their site.
- Use different passwords on different systems and accounts.
- Use the longest password or passphrase permissible by each password system.
- Develop mnemonics to remember complex passwords.
- Consider using a password manager program to keep track of your passwords. (See more information below.)
- Do not use passwords that are based on personal information that can be easily accessed or guessed.
- Do not use words that can be found in any dictionary of any language.
Overall, safe passwords are random, do not contain personal information, and creative, inventive words are recommended.
Here is a random example: Pattern2baseball#4mYmiemale!
Now go change all of your passwords and get them secure!
Conclusion
Protecting your data security at work can sometimes be challenging and tedious, especially if you are not aware of why and how to protect your sensitive personal and work information. Being more knowledgeable about cybersecurity is the first step you can make in being data security-savvy. Protect yourself from others within your own organization as well as those lurking outside trying to get in. Make some changes in the way you do things on your work devices and start to think like a hacker.