Keys to Avoiding Data Security Breaches
Data security breaches and exploits continuously make headlines as online organizations and applications are under constant attack by hackers. The number of data breaches is increasing drastically at year basis putting millions of people at risk of identity theft and fraud.
A consequential data breach has the power to destruct company assets while taking down whole organizations by releasing sensitive data and embarrassing emails. So, it only makes sense for an organization to take all necessary steps to protect its data from cybercriminals.
Data breaches can occur from a range of different scenarios varying from large scale cyber-attacks and hacking techniques to malicious activity within a system as the result of a portable device, system outage or function error and poor or non-existent data security policies. That being said, the most common reason for data security breaches is weak or common passwords.
According to Verizon’s “2015 Data Breach Investigations Report”, a cyber-attack containing 76% of network intrusions occurred as a result of weak credentials. Hackers hack passwords with the help of specific tools and techniques or by using malware or phishing attacks. Once the password is in the wrong hands, it is game over for the company and the user too. Here are some keys to help you protect from and avoid data breaches.
Strong Password Protection Policy:
The first takeaway from this article is that using a strong password protection policy company-wise should be taken seriously. It is true, the stats don’t lie. Passwords should be reasonably complex enough and difficult to guess, should combine uppercase and lowercase letters, numbers and different symbols. A strong password should avoid basic combinations for example, “qawsed@007” and should be unique, even if it has meaning. Passwords should be changed regularly and a two-step verification should be applied.
Conduct a Risk Assessment:
Starting your application’s journey with security in mind is the most efficient way to avoid any data security breach. For example, proper planning can make sure that developers build strong password policies. As when it comes to protecting your application from such threats, the earlier you start, the better.
By creating a risk assessment, you start by identifying threats and vulnerabilities followed by the evaluation of what kinds of confidential information your company holds and which would be most sought after by cybercriminals such as credit card numbers, Social Security numbers and other personal information that belongs to your organization and to your clients. With the ever-increasing wrath of cyber-attacks, the risk assessment stage of securing your app’s security is a necessary step of your Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC).
Restrict Access to Sensitive Data and Data Encryption:
Many data leaks are caused by malicious insider threats and though most often it is not intentional, it is recommended to allow only trusted and specific employees to access the data which cybercriminals may want. A recent example of a massive data security breach happened because of a human error is the Australian Red Cross, where records were accessed by hackers that now have the sensitive information of over 500,000 blood donors.
Human mistakes happen, therefore for your data protection, install encrypting software on all devices and make sure all devices and key accounts are locked with strong passwords. This will protect your data in the case of a stolen and lost device, ransomware or a file accidentally left unprotected.
Up to Date Software and Operating Systems:
Any software system or OS can be flawed and sooner or later someone will find it. As the malware is ever-evolving most software and OS updates will encounter new vulnerabilities – better known as “Patching”. Even if the pending updates only feature “improvements and bug fixes”, it is necessary to install new updates to all of your software to secure your application’s assets, operating system and antivirus software as soon as a new “Patch” is released.
Clarity is proud to have been providing Security Services to North America for many years. With the addition of our Dotman Tech division and an extensive team of developers, we will continue to surpass expectations.
Call Clarity at 800-354-4160 today or email us at [email protected] . We are partnered internationally around the globe and we are open seven days a week 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM EST/EDT. http://45.33.92.219/and https://dotmantech.com .
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