IT systems and Client Confidentiality

IT systems and Client Confidentiality

With the arrival of GDPR in 2018 and increasing restrictions on client confidentiality, it is important that your IT infrastructure assists data safety and confidentiality. In this article, Nick Hill, Director at Sureline Communications and AGILIS Mobile, explores the threats businesses face with data breaches and best practices for preventing them in the workplace.

The threats that businesses face

Technology is constantly evolving and transforming the way we work. With the increased use of technology in the workplace, the chances of sensitive information and vital business data being leaked or hacked is heightened. At the end of 2019, it was announced that 160,000 data breaches were reported to authorities since Europe’s General Data Protection Regulation came into force in 20181. There are many issues that are synonymous with data breaches including fiscal loss, ransomware threats and contravention of agreed client confidentiality. There is also the damage to your company’s reputation, as a security breach can impact much more than just your short-term revenues, it can also harm the long-term reputation of your brand.

Keeping data safe

Keeping data secure can be difficult if you do not have the correct IT infrastructure within your organisation. There are many ways to keep your data safe, including updating your software regularly, hiring a network specialist and incorporating it into the company culture.

Most software manufacturers repeatedly update their software to enhance security. Similarly, it is important to update your company’s IT infrastructure and encourage employees to update their devices too. Another way to enforce keeping data safe is to hire an expert, whether this be a qualified in-house employee or a managed service provider specialist. These experts can help you to avoid data breaches and cyber-attacks through proper planning and implementation. As part of this planning, an expert can help to manage data acquisition, manage data access, protect devices and securely dispose of unwanted hardware as well.

 

Preventing breaches in the workplace

When it comes to preventing breaches and keeping data confidential, cybersecurity should be at the heart of every company culture and should be woven into every business plan. Reducing loss of confidential data and data breaches can be helped with effective employee training and building a companywide ethos of the importance of cyber security. Your employees may not be aware of the many security tools, firewalls and encryptions that are in place to safeguard the company network. To counteract this, ensure employees are aware of the measures that are being used to protect their devices against phishing scams and unauthorised access of data. With any data loss, instil a mindset that if an incident does occur, then employees should be given the confidence to inform management immediately.

Limiting access

Limiting access to servers and other data storage is essential to reduce breaches, as almost all business computers, servers and devices contain sensitive data. This can and usually does include private information about clients and or business partners. Having this information fall into the wrong hands will be catastrophic to both current and future business relationships, regardless of financial loss.

In conclusion:

Minimising human error is an essential part of data safety and client confidentiality, however it isn’t the only solution to completely stopping data breaches. Although education for employees is crucial, a managed IT services provider can ultimately help your business with all its cybersecurity problems. From reducing the risk of human error, to understanding the latest cybersecurity threats an experienced specialist will assess your situation and provide the necessary expertise to safeguard your business.

References

  1. Zdnet: https://www.zdnet.com/article/gdpr-160000-data-breaches-reported-already-so-expect-the-big-fines-to-follow/

About Sureline

Sureline Communications Ltd is an innovative, full-service IT solutions specialist, providing bespoke and reliable products and support. Sureline takes a flexible, customer centric approach to the deployment of technology solutions. We provide trusted technical advice and exceptional levels of personal service to guarantee that projects of any size meet objectives. AGILIS Mobile is the extension of this innovative product portfolio which offers tailored business mobile solutions.

More information

Website: www.sureline.uk

Twitter: https://twitter.com/surelineit

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/sureline-communications-ltd/