How it’s done
IT services providers such as VNET IT recommend that proprietary data be secured by following a standardized routine that includes several basic steps. The steps are as follows:
Perform a risk assessment – IT companies can help you construct a risk assessment that will help you define your data assets, assess potential risks, and create a plan to secure your data.
Create an acceptable use policy – Once your assessment is complete, an IT services provider can help you create a policy that identifies what end users can do with your business’ computer information systems.
Create a security policy – After you have an acceptable use policy in place, an IT support company such as VNET IT can help you construct a security policy. This policy will define how your IT systems are set up, how they are protected, and how they must be maintained. This policy should be applicable to all of your company’s in-house IT technicians as well as all of your IT outsourcing providers.
Create a password policy – IT support companies like VNET IT can help you create a policy that regulates password creation. A strong password should be:
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Nonsense words or word phrases that are not found in a dictionary
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combination of upper and lower case letters
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combination of letters, numbers, and symbols
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At least nine alphanumeric characters long
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Free of personal information such as: birthdates, anniversary dates, social security numbers, phone numbers, etc.
Offer training – To protect your data assets, it is important to provide security training to new employees and to also offer annual security re-training. IT companies such as VNET IT can help you create and administer a training program that advises users on your company’s usage, security, and password policies as well as keep your corporation up-to-date on the newest security risks.
Encrypt critical data – IT support companies like VNET IT can help you select the best methods to encrypt proprietary business data. Encryption programs should be in place for the following:
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Email
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Backup tapes and other media
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Laptops
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Server data
Track data assets – IT consulting companies can help you track and manage your business’ IT environment. IT companies such as VNET IT suggest that you keep track of your data, the location where it resides (server, hosted solution, removable storage device, etc.) and also which IT systems access that data on a regular basis.
Layer your security – Your data assets need to be protected with a layered security solution. It consulting companies like VNET IT can help you choose the best set of security solutions to protect your IT environment and your data.
Learn more
Regardless of your vertical market, your business relies on proprietary data being secure from external attacks and internal abuse. IT consulting companies like VNET IT can help you create a layered defense that secures your business’ data assets. To learn more about securing your data, please contact VNET IT at 866.4.VNET.IT.