As more governments propose data privacy laws, organizations need to renew their focus on data privacy and protecting their customers’ information. While preparing for the growing number of data privacy laws can be a complex process, organizations that stay updated with new laws will have a much easier time in today’s current environment. However, even as companies improve their systems and policies, customer information could still be at risk. According to the nonprofit Identity Theft Resource Center, nearly 300 million people were affected by 1,862 corporate data breaches last year in the U.S. alone. Past studies from the University of Maryland show that hackers launch attacks roughly every 39 seconds. Recent research shows that 95% of all security breaches were caused by human error. Knowing how to deter online threats before they gain access to your customer database or other critical information could save you and your company a lot of headaches and bad publicity.
Essential Cyber Security Tips
The first step of any cyber security outreach is awareness. At the average company, most employees are not security professionals. Therefore, you need to make sure they are aware of their security responsibilities. Employees will be more inclined to adhere to security procedures if they know the benefits of doing so (and the consequences of failing to meet security measures).
According to Forbes, here are five steps you can take to protect your company and your data from exposure:
- Update your software and apps regularly
- Start using multi-factor authentication
- Implement device use policies
- Limit network and data access
- Train your employees
Investing in employee awareness ensures business continuity and protects confidential or sensitive information from hackers. However, it is important to note that because cyber threats constantly evolve, employees need continuous refreshers on protecting company data. Companies should conduct regular training sessions to help employees stay on top of the latest security trends and allow healthy discussion of any issue, potentially in a more open forum so that other employees can weigh in on the issue’s importance.
What are some of the ways that your organization is protecting digital privacy for its customers?
Cyber Security and Data Privacy Training for Your Organization
Privacy has emerged to be a critical aspect of our increasingly digitized world. Technological innovations are progressively becoming more intrusive into our personal lives attempting to extract sensitive personal information. This is often detrimental to an individual when any breach or spillage of data leads to a severe impact such as financial loss or identity theft.
Cyber Security Tools for Today’s Environment, an online 11-course program from IEEE, helps businesses improve their security techniques. Contact an IEEE Account Specialist today to get access to the course program for your organization. Interested in learning about getting access to the course for yourself? Visit the IEEE Learning Network to learn more.
Protecting Privacy in the Digital Age, brought to you by IEEE Educational Activities in collaboration with IEEE Digital Privacy, is a four-course program that provides a framework on how to operationalize privacy in an organizational context, how to make it usable for end users, and how to address emerging technical challenges to protecting digital privacy. Connect with an IEEE Content Specialist today to learn how to get access to this program for your organization. Interested in access for yourself? Visit the IEEE Learning Network (ILN).
Resources
Daniels, Jodi. (8 November 2022). Five Tips for Cybersecurity and Data Protection In Small Businesses. Forbes.
Huddleston, Tom. (20 October 2022). These cybersecurity tips from a former hacker can make you 98% less vulnerable: ‘You’re raising the bar’. CNBC.
Paul, Shibu. (10 November 2022). Key cybersecurity tips for staff and employers to safe when working remote. Time of India.
“Staying vigilant and informed is key to protecting our digital privacy in today’s highly connected world. Simple steps like using strong passwords, regularly updating security software, and avoiding suspicious emails and websites can go a long way in safeguarding against cyber threats.”
“Maintaining awareness and being knowledgeable are crucial to preserving our online privacy in the technologically advanced world we live in. Adopting basic measures such as creating strong passwords, frequently updating security software, and avoiding dubious emails and websites can significantly reduce the risk of cyber attacks.”
Taking a cybersecurity course was one of the best decisions I’ve made for my career. The content was comprehensive, up-to-date, and well-structured. The instructors were highly knowledgeable and made complex topics easy to understand. I feel much more confident in my ability to protect digital assets and data now. Thank you for providing such a valuable learning experience!