Practically every company gathers and stores personal information for both staff and customers. But, accountants may have more confidential data on their computers than just about any other service provider, making it vital to the survival of their company to protect that data.
A data loss prevention policy is critical to have in place at your business. These can cover tools for the prevention of data loss, intrusion detection systems, device information, incident management, endpoint protection, and anti-malware systems.
Here are some of the most useful tips and helpful products for accountants to protect their data and information. Read on to learn more.
Encryption of Data
Encrypting customer data makes it more difficult for others to get their hands on the information, it can ease the minds of your customers and increase confidence. This is especially necessary for data that is stored on mobile devices and is more vulnerable to theft.
SolarWinds is a leading supplier of IT network management software, and part of its access rights manager is its DLP (data loss protection) security system.
Setting a company policy on control of data access is a crucial starting point in your data loss prevention strategy.
SolarWinds and DLP
The SolarWinds Access Rights Manager supports this role by providing consistent information on existing permissions. Then you have a chance to set up more robust controls, which can be enforced through the Access Rights Manager.
The Access Rights Manager's auditing and reporting feature support compliance with GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI DSS.
The tool's GUI is straightforward to use, making handling user access a much easier task. The program is based on Windows Server, so you can get it on a free trial lasting 30 days.
Use Antivirus Software
Install antivirus applications and keep the software up-to-date on all devices, including laptops. Train staff about how to avoid being a victim of phishing and malware attacks, and how to protect laptops from theft.
Norton by Symantec is among the most well-known Internet protection and antivirus software on the market. While searching for protection from Norton Internet Security, users can find a much broader range of choices.
This provides more extensive security tools, simplified antivirus software, and advanced privacy and security protection applications. Many searching for an all-encompassing Norton security solution should opt for one of the Norton 360 plans.
These carry Norton's award-winning antivirus scanning and removal tool in real-time, cloud backup, webcam security, parental control, credit tracking, and access to the LifeLock Identity AlertTM program.
Also read: Discover How to Recover Deleted Photos from a PC
Backup Your Files
Hold 3 copies of all relevant data and documents. Using two separate storage media types, at least, such as hard drives, thumb drives, cloud servers, paper.
Maintain one backup offsite, preferably in a remote data center centered on the cloud. Physical documents will be under lock and key at all times. Restrict access to the basics needed.
Organizations providing encryption usually use either 128-bit AES or 256-bit AES, with the latter being the more reliable security standard. The data has to be decrypted with a key which you or the organization may own.
However, the company still has technological access to your data and may be forced by authorities to release it.
Final Tips
To build secure passwords for all electronic files, follow best practices. Try generating and saving passwords using a password management system.
Verizon's 2018 Data Breach Investigation Report the use of compromised login credentials was the top tool used in data breaches in 2017. Nearly one-quarter of 2017 data breaches were triggered by stolen passwords, the study reports.
Because there are particular risks involved with the processing and handling of confidential data, accountants would be prudent to seek alternative coverages, such as data breach compensation options and data loss protection.
Conclusion
DLP is an end target, rather than a process or practice. You need to learn some things about the data you protect to get to the objective of protecting data from loss. Follow these tips and be the top of your industry now!
