Discussions of data breaches and their consequences have been all over the news of late. While most business owners have a vague idea that they need a data security solution, many business leaders don't really understand just how profound the effects of a data breach can be. What's more, they don't really have a clue about how to go about implementing that data security solution.

Even if you employ a tech wizard to protect your company's data, you, as the business owner, have to step up and take data security seriously. Why? You can't afford not to. The vast quantity of data stored by a given company is staggering. Employee records with their social security numbers and addresses. Customer names, addresses, and credit card numbers. Confidential records about internal matters. 

Business owners have both legal and ethical obligations to secure data and defend their companies and customers against data breaches.

Let's explore a few key strategies that can help increase your company's data security and prevent data breaches.

1. Make security a priority.

An effective data security solution simply can't be an afterthought. You need to be out in front, and you must find a way to get every member of your organization to keep data security top of mind. 

Whether you use meetings, memos, training sessions or a combination of all three, dedicate a little time in the workplace to your vital security initiatives.

2. Require strong passwords and use time-out functions. 

We all understand why so many people use abysmal passwords. It's hard to remember and manage all the passwords we need for daily life. But having good password hygiene is really important. 

Your staff needs to be able to do their jobs. They (and their devices) don't need access to every company secret. Part of a solid data security solution is implementing role-based access.

One way to make sure every employee uses a secure password (without constantly dealing with the frustration and hassle of getting locked out and resetting) is to use a password manager. Products like Dashlane and LastPass make it simple to secure business devices. 

You may also want to consider requiring mandatory logins after a default timeout on all company hardware. That way, if an employee steps away from the desk, company secrets aren't available to anyone who happens to walk by. (This precaution is particularly important for employees who take business devices outside the office.)

3. Keep all software up to date. 

Sure, you probably know that data security depends on keeping your security software updated. (You do know that, right?) 

But your data security solution doesn't stop there. It's important to keep all your software regularly updated so you're protected by the most current versions. 

If you scan the fixes for any given software update, you're likely to see security improvements.

4. Limit employee access to data. 

In addition to requiring secure passwords from your employees, the next step is limiting the access each employee has. 

Your staff needs to be able to do their jobs. They (and their devices) don't need access  to every company secret. Part of a solid data security solution is implementing role-based access.

5. Be careful with using old hardware. 

You may think you can just drag files to the cute little trash can on your desktop and they magically vanish. 

You'd be wrong. 

Any time you upgrade an old piece of hardware, you want to make absolutely sure it's cleared of all sensitive or useful data. 

6. Have a plan. 

The actions you take to improve data security and prevent a data breach do matter. But when unscrupulous people are willing to go to great lengths, your data is still vulnerable. 

That doesn't mean you should throw up your hands and give up. It means you should have a plan for what you'll do if a data breach occurs. 

The Federal Trade Commission has a detailed list of steps you should take. Basically,  when a data breach occurs, you need to:

• determine what information was stolen, 
• fix the source of the breach, 
• notify customers or employees who may be affected by the breach,
• determine what other legal obligations you may have and
• notify law enforcement. 

Having a plan is an important part of your data security solution, and it can help mitigate the fallout from a data breach.

You've worked hard to build and grow your business—protecting your data security is a fundamental part of safeguarding your business interests. Take the time to implement these strategies rather than taking a risk and ignoring your data security.

Read more articles on cybersecurity.

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