Information Security: The information represents one of the most critical assets for any business, and the volume of data companies are working with is growing daily.
This makes information security a fundamental issue, joining the list of essential strategies for a well-built IT infrastructure.
Much of this data is personal information from customers (bank details, documentation, etc.), suppliers, and the company’s business strategy (business intelligence).
This information has a higher level of secrecy, requiring special attention in terms of protection since, if there are violations and leaks, the company’s image may be compromised, and it may even have to face legal proceedings.
And it is not just for reasons of intrusion and theft of information that we are talking about this: accidents happen, and there is a risk of a total loss of stored data. That would be like working in the dark with no direction.
To prevent this from happening in your company, we have prepared an explanatory post for you to understand how good IT infrastructure can avoid information security problems. Check out!
Performing Data Backups Regularly
A good IT infrastructure must have a Data Center shielded using a series of security policies. One is the automated backup system, which copies the company’s data and replicates them to auxiliary servers.
This strategy guarantees access to information in cases of significant server downtime and problems with the company’s systems and hardware without interrupting business operations. In addition, the data is protected against partial and total loss in natural or other disasters.
Backups can be configured to occur at a specific time interval — once a day, once every three hours, etc. The frequency will depend on the level of importance of the data to the business and the risks it takes in transactions. Banks are an example of the maximum level of security required in these situations.
Another configuration that can be done is to select which data will have backup copies. To save storage space on servers and have lighter files, managers can assess which data does not need backups, which can be copied less frequently, and which will be copied more regularly.
Backing up your data regularly is a great way to protect all confidential company and customer information.
Providing Limited Access Levels
Within the organization, managers and professionals from different departments will need access to the data to work, but this data can be unlimited. Well-built IT infrastructure must be able to limit this access to levels of need.
For example, a finance manager must have a login and password that authorizes him to access financial and accounting data—as for a sales area employee, just having access to prices and descriptions of goods registered in the system may be enough for him to work smoothly.
These authorization levels can also be classified as allowing access with the freedom to insert, delete and edit data or to view them, not allowing any changes.
Limiting access to only necessary personnel ensures that data breach risks are reduced. These restrictions can be accomplished through a virtual infrastructure, which means that even remote employees can access the information they need without needing to be present at the company.
Data access levels are customizable and can be changed to reflect current requirements at any time by individual or group access, enhancing information security across the enterprise.
Generating Strong Passwords For Users
Although they seem simple, passwords can effectively protect the information, preventing unauthorized access to your customer’s financial and personal data.
As mentioned in the previous topic, passwords can be configured by individual users, groups of professionals, and access levels, but more is needed to do just that.
In addition to the responsibility of employees and, above all, managers regarding the protection of the privacy of their passwords, IT managers must oblige the registration of complex (strong) passwords and change them from time to time to avoid running risks.
Finally, passwords must be encrypted to make cybercriminal actions as tricky as possible. With these measures, the company’s IT infrastructure directly contributes to strengthening information security.
Encrypting Important Documents
Encryption is a security strategy that should go beyond protecting passwords. The technology must also be used to make the company’s documents and information unreadable in cases of unauthorized access.
Duly authorized users must use a secret key or password to access a confidential document or more sensitive information in its decrypted form. Only these users can access this information, making this an effective way to protect your customers’ data daily.
Remember that many operating systems can support a good encryption strategy, including the most up-to-date versions of Windows and Linux.
Updating Server Security
Those who work with server management through Linux and Windows operating systems should always be aware of available security updates. These updates should correct failures, reduce or eliminate vulnerabilities found in the design and reinforce protection against intrusions.
Generally, most intrusions occur precisely due to a lack of attention on the part of Sys Admin (responsible for configuring and maintaining network servers), compromising the security of information in the company.
To address this, the IT infrastructure must contribute to allowing the operating system to notify whenever an update is available and, upon manual or automatic authorization, will enable it to be automatically installed and configured.
Whether through local servers, in the cloud, or a mixture of both, IT managers must act vigorously in forming a well-protected IT infrastructure, creating a solid policy for information security. After all, with the evolution of Big Data and Analytics technologies, information will be one of the most valuable assets a company can have.
Also Read: How Can Gamification Help With Information Security?