Every business, large or small, needs an information security strategy . It only takes one security incident to compromise copious amounts of sensitive data. It’s important to realize that every business holds sensitive information. You may not have healthcare records, but you still have customer and employee personal information.
Your whole information security strategy should outline everything you do to protect the information in your care. That said, knowing what all to cover in yours can be daunting. Different industries will have different regulations and standards, but there are a few things every business should include.
| “No two businesses are alike, so neither will be any two information security strategies. Yet, all businesses need a few information security fundamentals in their strategy, no matter how unique they are.” – Mike Schoenberger , CEO, Sunco Communication & Installation |
This article will look at 6 information security strategy examples that all business owners need in their bigger plans. We’ll discuss what each strategy is, why it’s important, and what you should know.
6 Information Security Strategy Plans Every Business Owner Needs
1. Cyber Awareness Training
Cyber awareness training involves educating employees about the various cyber threats they might encounter and the best practices to mitigate these risks. As security risks increase, more businesses require this practice. Yet, the number of Canadian businesses that offer it hasn’t increased in years.
As a business owner, you need to understand that cyber awareness training is not a one-time event but an ongoing process. Regular training sessions, updates on the threat landscape , and periodic assessments are essential to keeping your business protected.
2. Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)
Multi-factor authentication (MFA) is a security measure that requires users to provide multiple forms of identification before gaining access to an account or system. You’ve likely encountered such security controls before. However, you may not know that this extra layer of security is important for all businesses, not just highly-protected ones.
Passwords alone are no longer enough. Cybercriminals have a plethora of tools at their disposal, such as sophisticated password-cracking software, to bypass single-factor authentication. MFA reduces your data’s vulnerability to these cyber risks.
3. Data Encryption
Data encryption is a security method where information is transformed into a code to prevent unauthorized access. It involves converting your data into a series of seemingly random characters, making it unreadable to anyone without the correct key.
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Every day, vast amounts of sensitive information are transmitted across networks. This includes your customer data, employee records, or trade secrets. Encryption is a way to keep all of this valuable information locked tight. You can’t leave anything up to chance with data of that value.
4. Data Backups
Data backups refer to the process of copying and storing data in a separate location. Depending on your needs, backups can be done daily, weekly, or even in real time . You may end up with multiple versions of your backups over time. This lets you retrieve a specific version if needed.
A study in 2023 highlighted that despite the ease of data backups, as many as 75% of small businesses have no recovery plan in case of a data breach . This is alarming considering that small businesses often have the most to lose if a breach occurs.
The reason is typically a misconception that small businesses don’t need to bother as small targets. Data backups are easy to implement. There’s no reason not to, no matter how small you are.
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5. Software Patching
Software patching is the process of applying updates, or “patches,” to software applications to address vulnerabilities, fix bugs, or add new features. These patches ensure the software runs efficiently, securely, and remains compatible with your other tools.
Running outdated software puts your organization at risk. Fewer updates usually lead to more cyber attacks . Often, there’s a reason why your software vendor recommends updates. It’s easy to assume it’s simply a money-making business strategy , but it’s more likely to address a known vulnerability that is provably prone to hackers.
6. Incident Response Planning
Incident response is a structured security program that showcases the processes to follow if a cybersecurity incident occurs. The primary goal is to handle the situation in a way that limits damage while reducing recovery time and costs. An effective incident response plan can also aid in preventing future incidents based on the nature of the one that requires a response.
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Having a strong incident response plan will drastically increase your security posture . Like any emergency situation, panic responses tend to lead to bad results. A proactive plan will reduce the chance of knee-jerk reactions that could make things worse instead of better. It’s also a way to ensure your security response follows appropriate measures for your business and systems.
Perfect Your Business’s Information Security Strategy With Assistance
Developing and implementing a robust, up-to-date information security framework doesn’t have to be difficult. You don’t need to be a cybersecurity expert to uphold good cybersecurity hygiene. All you need is the right best practices and a good understanding of your network.
Yet, as a business owner, you’re no doubt busy. You might rather leave the work of assessing and managing your security capabilities to someone else. That’s exactly what Sunco Communication & Installation can do. We’re more than just a telecom company. We’re also IT experts who know how to help you perfect your cybersecurity strategy .
Reach out to us today to see how we can help boost your team’s security awareness and your whole information security strategy .
