Nontechnical IT Tasks You Can Perform to Protect Your Data

When you think of cybersecurity you probably think of software solutions and processes that are technical and out of your control. Cybersecurity products and processes can indeed be technical and need professional oversight, but there are several soft security practices you can easily implement in your workspace that will significantly reduce the threat of security breaches.

Ask a managed service provider for more information on what you can do as a business owner to protect your data. Not only will they be able to advise you on nontechnical practices, but they will also be able to recommend certain security solutions that will benefit your business’s unique needs.

Secure Physical Environment

One of the easiest things you can do to protect the sensitive data of your company and customers is to secure the physical environment where you work. If you don’t lock your screen when you leave your desk, avoid smartphones in the workspace or ensure there is no unauthorized personnel in the area, there is a risk of losing sensitive data and information that could lead to theft and litigation.

Keep Work Area Clean

Everything must have a place in your working environment, especially the sensitive data you use regularly. Any misplaced security credentials could create a security issue that will cause problems for your company, customers, and bottom line. Understand the items in your workspace that have security credentials and store them away appropriately. Make this part of your soft security protocol, and ensure it’s taken seriously.

Stay Alert

To ensure the security of your workspace you have to stay alert, make security the center of your everyday office life and you won’t miss a trick. One such trick is known as tailgating or piggybacking. This is when an unauthorized person follows an office worker through security doors and into secure spaces. Occasionally workers may even hold a door open for them. Stay alert to any unfamiliar faces or breaches in protocol.

Hide Your Screen

In most offices, workers have sensitive data available on their screens most of the day. This should be fine if everyone in the office is supposed to be there and they are all trained in security protocol. Even so, caution must be taken. Even trusted workers can cause security breaches from time to time. Invest in a screen protector and make sure that your screen is turned away from public eyes while working.

Train Employees on Best Practices

Your security protocol is not effective if only you and some managerial staff are aware of it. All of your workers need to be aware of the importance of security as well as the best practices for staying alert and avoiding breaches. Engage your staff in the latest cybersecurity developments and tune them in the importance of security. If they understand why security is important to the business they are more likely to take it seriously. Speak up, share tips, and provide regular updates. 

Security in your small business is very important, especially these days when there is so much sensitive data online and in the cloud. It is the responsibility of you, as manager of your business, to effectively secure customer and company data. You can do this by using top of the range cybersecurity software and by implementing effective strategies and soft tactics in your office to build resilience.