Physically protecting data

In our murky digital world, we are unable to anticipate threats and attacks. Hackers are becoming more sophisticated and targeting businesses of any shape or size. Where does this leave your data?

Don’t become a target. Review the following three tips on how to physically protect your data.

1. Review and consider cyber-insurance

Cyber-insurance may sound like something from the space age; however, it’s a necessary reality in today’s unknown digital landscape. Just like homeowner, renter or car insurance, it’s a vital and essential asset in order to obtain physical security over your sensitive data. Depending on your business, information security may already be covered under your current plan. However, don’t leave it up to chance when a disaster transpires. Talk to a broker who specializes in covering information security and technology.

2. Develop an information security mitigation team

Before disaster strikes and after, you need to be confident your employees will be equipped to handle the aftermath. Don’t let a disaster catch you off guard by developing a team dedicated to protecting your physical security. Be sure to include input or members from the following areas:

• Information Technology
• Network Security
• Legal
• Risk Management
• Security
• Human Resources
• Product Development
• Sales
• Marketing

3. Implement an information security and technology policy

Owning insurance protects you when disaster occurs, but having an information technology and security policy will not only mitigate risk but also increase your physical security. However, one policy doesn’t fit all. Create policies for both internal and external third party technology.

• Internal: Communicate and distribute information security and technology policies to all internal employees, and make distinctions between sharing data and technology with full-time versus subcontract employees.

• Third-party vendors: Determine what type of data will be shared and what’s too sensitive to be handled off-site. Research and evaluate their process for storing and backing-up your data, and what disaster recovery plans are in place.

While we can’t predict the future of information technology and security, we can work towards mitigating risk and attacks. Don’t leave your company vulnerable by not physically protecting your data.

Which policies have you implemented in order to protect your physical security?