GDPR: How to Improve Your Business's Security

The impending European legislation known as the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) comes into force this year, and for those businesses that are aware of it, it probably all seems a little similar to the frenzy surrounding the Millennium Bug. However, the GDPR is going to have a significant effect on your business strategies and, more importantly, on your online security. Although the changes may seem a little daunting, the truth is that the GDPR is going to add a much-needed layer of protection for customers and businesses alike, bringing online security up to date with more advanced technology. The primary use of the GDPR is to protect your customers’ data, and failing to commit to the changing laws will leave you at risk of serious fines and court costs. Here are the best ways that you can protect both yourself and the security of your customers.

Staff Training

With cybercrime on the rise, it can often surprise employers to find out that the majority of data breaches that occur are down to poor security habits of their staff. Weak passwords and lost devices that are connected to your business via apps, emails, and clouds, offer an easy way for cybercriminals to gain access to the data that you hold. Yet, this is often an easy fix. Staff training sessions about basic online security are now essential, and can ensure that your staff are not using one of the most common passwords for all of their apps, and that they understand the need for strong password decisions. If your business takes advantage of the BYOD culture, then you need to make sure that profiles are secured and safe, preferably using a two-step verification system, even when they’re on a personal device.

Firewall updates

If you haven’t already optimised your firewall software, then you need to consider an upgrade. Customers are far more likely to use your services if they can be confident knowing that you take the security of their data very seriously, and keeping your basic protections in place is essential for that trust. However, more and more companies are recognising the fact that a firewall is simply not enough, and are opting to make use of the more secure Sonic Wall technology, that can give you an added security boost, while remaining unobtrusive. Whether you’re an SME or a legacy business that has been operating for decades, optimising your security protocols needn’t be difficult, and there are options for all business types and sizes.

Audit your data regularly

No matter what size your business, you store a large amount of data about your customers, and that data can be used in a variety of damaging ways by criminals who gain access to it. Everything from social media profiles to email addresses can be used maliciously, let alone credit card details and banking documents. It is vital then you begin to make audits on the data that you keep and where you store it. Protecting customers is the goal of the GDPR, and if you fail to protect that data, then you will be in breach of the new laws. For those companies that fail to take GDPR into account, the first that they may be aware of it is when they are unable to fulfill a customer's data request, which will be too late. Instead, get ahead of the issues by performing a data audit. Assess what information you store and do a security assessment of its safety. Make adjustments accordingly, depending on your need, and you will find that your advanced planning may save you a lot of headaches when the GDPR comes into effect in May.