data security dts - The Importance of Data Security for Businesses

Technopedia defines data security as “digital privacy measures that are applied to prevent unauthorized access to computers, databases, and websites.” The term also encompasses the protection of data from corruption.  Every business, regardless of size, needs to have data protection safeguards in place.

Data security for your Minneapolis business is essential for many reasons.

Data is the Lifeblood of Your Business.

Consider all the information (i.e., data) that your business collects, stores and uses in its day-to-day operations. What would happen if your customer records, accounting transactions, and associated financial data were lost or corrupted? You would be dead in the water.

Your business data is the unique element of all your automated systems. Your network could crash and take your applications with it. But if your data remains intact and protected, you can rebuild quickly.

Your Business Reputation is Fragile.

Your brand and reputation among your clients have taken years to build. One data breach can in just a few seconds destroy the trust and confidence you worked to develop. Even if the compromise of your clients’ data was the result of a high-tech hack, your company ultimately bears the responsibility.

It’s the Law.

Federal and state laws take a dim view of poor data security—especially when financial and healthcare related data are compromised. Sanctions resulting from healthcare data breaches have included millions of dollars in “settlements” (a euphemism for “fines”). Those financial penalties always accompany extensive remedial actions that an organization must take to prevent recurrence.

Business Continuity and Survivability Depends on Data.

Quick data recovery after a disaster is the foundation of any business recovery plan. The plan may also be a legal or regulatory requirement, depending on the business. Data recovery depends on secure

You must safeguard your data from cyber attackers. Data breaches occur when inadequate security measures and untrained people expose valuable data to hackers. One Cisco research project disclosed the alarming statistic that 62 percent of their respondents (1,377 small and midsize businesses) did not have an adequate cybersecurity strategy.

Even worse, according to the National Cyber Security Alliance, 60 percent of businesses can expect to be closed down within six months after being hacked.

Data security is one of the most important aspects of a successful business. If you’d like to learn more about data security for your business or if you’d like to improve your data security, contact Definitive Technology Solutions today.