Broadcaster Sky was in the headlines recently over issues with its Sky router boxes. A software bug in some could have resulted in hackers taking over customers home networks. And they’re not the only business to receive negative press concerning cyber security issues. British Airways and Facebook have also been targeted. In fact, four in ten businesses (39%) and a quarter of charities (26%) report having cyber security breaches or attacks in the last 12 months. So, how do you make sure you don’t play into the hands of the hackers and keep your customers data safe?

1. Invest in the right software

Software is your first line of defence against hackers. Make sure that you have network and email protection that filters out spam, malware and dangerous file types. And when you’ve invested in the right software, make sure you keep it regularly up-dated.

2. Training

Your staff should receive training about the importance of data protection. Depending on an employee’s role the level of training will differ. But anybody can be sent a Phishing email, so awareness of things such as this is key. Do staff know the reporting process of any suspicious emails for example?

3. Data encryption

If you decide to move to the cloud, make sure you ask your IT services provider if you will still be able to encrypt the data. You should have the ability to encrypt data both in the cloud and also when being transferred.

4. Pen Testing

To test the level of security you already have, you could perform ‘Pen Testing’. This is a controlled form of hacking undertaken by an IT services specialist. Once weaknesses have been identified, the right solution can then be put in place.

5. Only keep the data you need

The introduction of new GDPR rules in 2018 means that businesses must only keep customers data for legitimate reasons. If the initial reason for collecting the data has passed, do you have permission to hold the data? If the worst were to happen and there was a data breach, holding onto data that you shouldn’t or don’t need to is going to reflect negatively on your business.

Not only can poor data security affect your sales and your reputation, it could also put you on the wrong side of data protection laws. Don’t wait to be a victim of cyber-attack, test the strength of your protection and invest in securing your customers data