Top 5 Ways To Keep Your Data Safe

Managing data securely has become increasingly important. Cyber threats are growing, and businesses must take proactive steps to protect sensitive information.

The truth is, we handle data every single day. From staff to customers, no organisation today can avoid data management. As digital threats evolve, data security must remain a priority.

At Hicomply, we’re passionate about data protection and have put together essential guidance to help you enhance your security practices. Our Hicomply Privacy and Policy Management solutions can help businesses implement strong security policies and protect sensitive information.

Why is keeping data safe important?

Data is one of the most valuable assets your company owns. Just as you wouldn’t leave your office door unlocked overnight, you should have the same cautious approach to your data security.

Three key areas of data security include:

• Availability – Ensuring data is accessible when needed.

• Integrity – Maintaining accurate and unaltered data.

• Confidentiality – Protecting data from unauthorised access.

Failing to keep your data safe can have serious consequences. The cost of a data breach can be millions, making security a top priority for any business.

Top Ways to Keep Your Data Safe

There are many simple and effective ways to protect your data. Security is about adopting smart habits and making them part of your routine. Here are five essential practices to follow:

1. Lock Your Computer

Whenever you step away from your desk, even for a short break, always lock your computer. Unattended devices can be accessed by unauthorised individuals, potentially exposing confidential information. By simply locking your device, you add an extra layer of protection against security threats.

2. Create Unique Passwords

Using weak or repetitive passwords makes it easier for cybercriminals to compromise accounts. Secure your accounts by:

• Using a combination of letters, numbers, and symbols.

• Avoiding common passwords or personal details.

• Regularly updating passwords, especially when an employee leaves the company.

• Implementing multi-factor authentication (MFA) for additional security.

Our Risk Management tool can help organisations identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities, including weak credential policies.

3. Use Approved Software Only

When using work devices, avoid downloading unapproved software or files from the internet. Unverified programs may contain malware, which can compromise sensitive business information. Ensure all software is vetted and approved by your IT department before installation.

The Hicomply Platform offers centralised policy management and security controls to help businesses enforce secure software practices.

4. Back Up Your Data

Data loss can occur due to cyberattacks, accidental deletion, or hardware failures. Regularly backing up your information ensures that critical data remains accessible even in worst-case scenarios. Use secure cloud storage or external drives to store backups and create a recovery plan.

Our Information Asset Management tool helps organisations track and protect critical data assets, ensuring they are backed up and securely stored.

5. Use Secure Networks

Avoid connecting to unsecured public Wi-Fi networks, as they can expose your data to hackers. If you must access sensitive information remotely:

• Use a Virtual Private Network (VPN) for encrypted connections.

• Disable Bluetooth and file-sharing features in public spaces.

• Ensure that your home or office Wi-Fi network is password-protected.

Final Thoughts

Data security should never be an afterthought. By adopting these simple habits, you can significantly reduce the risk of data breaches and protect your company’s sensitive information. Start implementing these steps today to strengthen your security posture and safeguard your business data.

Explore Hicomply's security and compliance solutions to take your data protection strategy to the next level.