All businesses house employee or applicant data. This includes full names, addresses, social security numbers, W2 forms, credit, background checks—the list goes on.
However, if this private information is leaked or stolen, the business owner could be subject to major liabilities and penalties.
As a business owner, it’s your responsibility to keep employee data secure. To help you do this, we’ve highlighted several tips to keep sensitive information safe.
Make Cyber Security a Priority
More than half of all businesses in the U.S. experienced a cyber attack and over 179 million records were exposed in 2017.
Due to these alarming statistics and that most (if not all) information is stored digitally, business owners should make cyber security a top priority when protecting employee data. This includes:
- Securing Internet of Things (IoT) devices. Businesses often use tablets and computers to access, share and store information. IoT devices such as fitness trackers, cameras, and connected appliances are often connected to the same network. Limit your risk of a data breach by conducting regular audits of all IoT devices.
- Updating software and electronic devices. Regularly updating anti-virus software and device software will make it harder for cyber criminals to penetrate your network and steal employee records.
- Encrypting critical data to ensure protection from third-party access.
- Keeping non-critical functions like guest Wi-Fi on a separate network. That way, if there is a breach, your employees’ data won’t be affected.
- Installing firewalls and anti-virus software. This adds an extra layer of protection to employee data. Work with your IT team to protect your network from a data breach.
Implement Access Control
If your business has physical records of employee data, access control is a must. Access control devices (e.g. biometric readers, key cards, swipe readers) allow you to assign individuals a form of identification to determine who can access areas where employee data is stored. Also, access control systems create a log of everyone who entered and exited a room at a specific time. This gives you an effective layer of control and knowledge of who has access to employee data.
Be Proactive
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Treat a data breach like it could happen at any time. Educate employees on the importance of protecting information and implement a cyber security breach action plan. When your business knows exactly how to react after a data breach, less time is wasted and damage is limited. This is essential for keeping employee data and business information secure.
Work With a Professional
Vector Security provides solutions to keep your business protected and secure from cyber threats. Some benefits include:
- Convenient, single point of contact for your network and security needs.
- Network Operations Center (NOC) services to monitor for active threats.
- Access control solutions for networks, facilities and devices.
You can never be too safe when it comes to protecting employee data. Always connect with a trusted vendor to keep all areas of your business secure.
