7 hazards that could cost you your data and your company

Cyber attacks are one of the biggest threats to companies worldwide. Hackers use malware, ransomware and other malicious programmes to access, steal or encrypt sensitive data. Attacks are on the rise and are constantly changing. Regular security updates and employee training are a must to minimise the risk. Stay informed about the latest attack tactics used by cyber criminals.

Phishing e-mails and other social engineering techniques are aimed at deceiving employees and getting them to disclose confidential information. The hackers’ approach is becoming increasingly sophisticated, so that it is now very difficult to tell whether it is a phishing email. It is important that employees are regularly trained to recognise suspicious emails and react correctly.

Without regular backups, companies can suffer serious damage in the event of data loss. It is crucial to have a reliable backup system that is regularly checked and updated. Cloud-based backup solutions offer additional security and redundancy.

The 3-2-1-1-0 backup rule is recommended here:

3          Keep at least 3 copies of your company data
2          Data backup on 2 different media
1          Store at least one copy in an external location
1          Keep a secondary copy offline
0          Make sure your backups are error-free

Mistakes happen – be it through the accidental deletion of files, incorrect configurations or the loss of data carriers. To minimise these risks, clear processes and guidelines should be established and important data should be backed up multiple times.

Outdated software and systems are susceptible to security vulnerabilities that can be exploited by hackers. Regular updates and patches are necessary to keep security up to date and close known vulnerabilities.

Not only digital threats are dangerous – physical dangers such as theft, fire or flooding can also lead to data loss. Server rooms should be well secured and protected against physical damage. An offsite backup solution, as mentioned above in the backup rule, can save your digital life.

Unauthorised access to sensitive data can have catastrophic consequences. It is important that only authorised persons have access to certain data and that access rights are regularly checked and adjusted. Multi-factor authentication can help to increase security.