Is your database security locked down? Your company handles a lot of data, for example, customer data for marketing and transactional purposes, and many of you create your own database. It’s important to keep all that data secure and away from prying eyes. Unfortunately, hackers – those nasty cybercriminals – continually attack companies to steal data and sell it to the highest bidder. Even if you have a small business you are prone to deal with this Malware security risk, so it’s extremely important to find ways to eliminate it. And that’s where database security comes into play.
Cream Soda Media manages Check Point Managed Fire Walls for various clients, wanting to protect their database entry points. The Check Point Firewall is a 24/7 monitoring service, analysing any escalation of cybersecurity which requires immediate action. It monitors any request for changes outside of your protocols, which you can set, also providing you with an online dashboard of real-time reports.
Why should my database have antivirus protection?
Why should I pay for database security? The most important thing to consider about databases, is they hold long term company data. This could be your budgetary plans, financial accounts, marketing plans, employees’ salary, and addresses + customer details. When competitors or cybercriminals access that data, they use it to cause real harm to your business. Not only that, but data leaks, in general, can be detrimental to your company’s image.
Customers or suppliers will trust you less if they see your data spread online. They are afraid the same thing might happen to them if supplier cost prices or customer terms are shared. Malware security ensures that you deal with any issues like this before they appear. Not only do you protect your company data, but you also maintain company & brand reputation
Should I invest in database security for my business?
Any business should. As you can see above, even the smallest data leak can have awkward consequences. People will trust your business less, future sales or client recruitment could be tarnished and the PR from such leaks would be disastrous. You must focus on protecting your database with the right security software. Doing this will provide more confidence – which is a 2-way thing (customer and you) and control. Business database security eliminates any possible challenges while still having power over the process and experience itself. do not be a victim.
How does the GDPR affect all of this?
Data protection has become very important in the past few years, and with so many leaks the EU had to take action. That’s where the GDPR comes into play. This set of rules enforces customers to have more control over their data. On top of that, if your company uses customer data incorrectly or you encounter data leaks, then you end up paying a whole lot of money as a penalty. Obviously this can ruin any small business, and that’s exactly why you employ a Next Gen Antivirus System to offer comprehensive data protection and benefits.
How can data protection benefit my business?
Data protection can have a massive impact on your business and the way you operate. It might not seem like a lot, but when you run a business, you manage a lot of personal data from your clients. This comes in the form of their name, address, bank accounts and this should be out of reach for anyone outside.
However, hackers can attack your company and access all that data. By investing in data protection, you will find it easier to meet compliance requirements and prevent breaches. Not only that but it will show customers that they can trust you
Data protection helps show everyone that your brand delivers and maintains value in the long run. It also helps to protect business growth with any hiccups. You have a lot more goodwill and control over how people see you in the business world and that alone matters more than you imagine.
Endorsing cyber security for a database proves a focus on ethics and how important they are for your business. The more you focus on results and value, the easier it will be to generate more leads and customers. It’s a great way for you to support the customer, push the boundaries, and improve the services you offer.
Once you are confident data is secure, you can finally focus on expanding your products and services with more personalised features. This brings in more attention and value for customers since they know you are delivering exactly what they need.
In addition, data protection helps improve well-being, people don’t want their address leaked, never mind their details being used for credit card and loan applications
How to enable security controls on my database
Old databases didn’t have a lot of security features. Newer databases however require passwords to gain access to the fully stored data. Something as simple as checking the security controls and making sure everything is fully optimised for your customer’s safety will help.
You can even restrict database access to specific customers and staff, that will make control easier and a lot more convenient when you protect any data. When less people have access, it’s easier to figure out where a leak is coming from. Break access up by department i.e. Finance, Customer Services, Operations or Marketing and give them each Admin status, reducing access for all depletes cyber risk.
Start providing temporary passwords at each log in, therefore you eliminate the risk of saved passwords being leaked or stolen. The numbers of Admin should be minimised to reduce and control to certain actions on the database.
You should also consider checking the path level configuration. This will help you figure out if the default settings are vulnerable or not
Should I disallow database copying in my business
Why is this a good idea? Sometimes hackers will not delete the file, they will just copy it. What you can do is to disallow the database copying process. It will help you prevent anyone from copying and duplicating data, all cyber criminals can do is see the content.
Should I encrypt all my customer & company data
Encryption can help prevent hackers from accessing important company data. You need to focus on making it as hard as possible for anyone to break into customer details. Make sure that you always use the best and latest encryption systems. The last thing you want is to keep your data on a hard drive that anyone in the company can access.
Your database and the backup database needs to be encrypted with limited access. This way few people actually know how to decrypt and access that. Thankfully, you can prevent such issues with a professional database security solution
Stay away from external connections
Your database should never have accessibility features like external connections. The reason is simple, USB sticks or external devices can have malware and that will automatically bring in a massive range of problems for you. These can initiate data transfers automatically without even knowing, and you will find yourself with data leaks all over the internet very fast. If you want to keep your company safe, the best thing you can do is to implement the right database security firewall and stick to it.
Create a backup and recovery system
The reason why this type of feature works very well is that it allows you to focus on a failsafe in case there are problems. Having a copy of your data in a place where no one knows does help a lot. Even if the data is accessed, things like copy protection can keep you safe. Plus, even if the hacker deletes your files, you will have a dedicated copy somewhere else. It’s a system that a lot of businesses use and they consider it to be very helpful. You just have to do this yourself, but don’t offer information to anyone when it comes to where that backup might be located.
Cloud systems can work very well in this type of situation. However, not all of them are very secure, and if they lack data encryption you can end up with problems. It makes sense to have your company data encrypted and password protected even in the case of your backup. After all, you can never be too safe
Keep your database on a separate machine
Locate the data on a separate server, safe in a steel cage, or locked in a vented room. Any backup (recommended) should also be treated in the same manner. Do not place any database on a shared server. These are cheaper options for hosting data, but you are then relying on 3rd party for security.
Establish a data fortress and update everything
Updating your software on the database allows you to prevent any potential hacks or zero-day issues. On top- of that, you want to use things like two-factor authentication, installing zero-day anti-malware solutions, and antivirus programs too. The more you focus on using those, the more you reduce data breaches. As we mentioned earlier, disconnect any peripherals like microphones or webcams, these can be used by attackers as an entry point into your system
Educate your employees
Most data breaches happen because employees don’t really know a lot about data safety. Train them in cybersecurity and data safety practices, make sure that they know how to use and customise security solutions as needed. Of course, you still need a very good, secure network infrastructure with limited access.
Business Database Security might not seem challenging, but when you get into it you will soon realise just how many entry points are unprotected, just like the Cloud. Use these tips and don’t hesitate to access database security services from Cream Soda Media if you want to keep all your data safe. It’s not going to be easy to stay away from data breaches. However, if you educate your team, implement the right protective systems and limit access to your database, you will have a much easier time protecting that pivotal customer and business information
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