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For IT companies in Houston, there should be little question of the importance of data security. However, for some businesses, the importance of prioritizing data security may be overlooked. Though IT may not be at the center of your organization, failing to maintain best practices in this area can have serious ramifications.
Depending on the industry or sector in which your organization operates, there may be strict industry standards or even laws governing your requirements when it comes to IT security. But even if there are no specific laws that apply to you, so much of business today involves the use of IT that the sooner you make data security a priority, the better.
The Data Security Mindset
Good data security starts with mindset. As with any other area of your business, mindset needs to be fostered or at least supported. So, start by ensuring every single employee understands what data security means and the fact that active steps must be taken to maintain it.
What Is Data Security?
Data security is proactive steps taken to prevent any unauthorized access to computer systems, databases, or websites. Remember that almost everyone today packs a powerful computer in their pocket — the smartphone. If employees use phones in their daily work, these also need to be kept secure.
Is That It?
Unfortunately not. Another key component in data security is making sure data your business needs and uses isn’t lost or corrupted. So, it is not simply a case of keeping hackers out of your systems. Steps must be taken to make sure that data is stored safely.
Good Password Hygiene
IT companies in Houston emphatically advise businesses that the use of strong passwords is vital. Passwords also need to be changed on a regular basis. Passphrases can often be even stronger than passwords. Much better is to use two-factor authentication (2FA) so if a password falls into the wrong hands, it cannot be used to access a secure system.
Good 2FA Hygiene
Two-factor authentication involves using a login/password pair in conjunction with a second set of credentials delivered in parallel (typically to a mobile device). Early 2FA involved sending the credentials by SMS. This is not safe and should be avoided. Hackers can clone mobile phone IDs and gain access to SMS messaging. Instead, apps like Authy and Google Authenticator can be used.
Automated Security/Management Tools
Ensuring data security can be challenging. Fortunately, there are some excellent tools available that make it much easier and safer. Unified Threat Management (UTM) tools can help guarantee all areas of data security are addressed. Not only do they provide built-in security tools like encryption and spam blockers, they can also automate many of the tasks involved in data security.
Data security is a big area of study and is getting bigger all the time. IT companies in Houston can help provide the resources you need to tackle data security. ICS can help your organization secure your data. Contact us now more details.
Further reading
ICS is a Texas-based 40-year-old technology company specializing in Managed IT, VoIP, Video Conferencing and Video Surveillance solutions for US and International businesses. ICS has over 4000 regional installations and specializes in multi-site businesses between 25 and 2500 employees. ICS’s customers enjoy the experience of ICS’s Total Care program which provides clients flat fee services with obsolescence and growth protection. Whether a customer elects to deploy their IT, Video Conferencing or VoIP in the cloud or on the customer’s premise, ICS can provide a full turn-key solution for our clients under one flat monthly fee.