Most businesses are technology dependent. This means IT security concerns aren’t just worrisome to large corporate enterprises anymore, but also small businesses. Regardless of size or type, practically all organizations have valuable digital assets and data that should not be breached.This makes it the responsibility of every business, especially those collecting and storing customer/client information, to implement a multipronged approach to safeguard such information.

Protecting your business and its reputation comes down to developing, implementing, and monitoring a robust IT security plan that adequately addresses everything from physical access and theft to the threat of compromised technology security. This involves defining and outlining acceptable uses of your network and business resources to deter inappropriate use. Here are four key components to consider.

1) Network Security Policy: Limitations must be defined when it comes to acceptable use of the network. Passwords should be strong, frequently updated, and never shared. Policies regarding the installation and use of external software must be communicated. Lastly, if personal devices such as laptops, tablets, or smartphones are accessing the network, they should be configured to do it safely, which can be done easily with a reliable Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution.

2) Communications Policy: Use of company email and Internet resources must be outlined for legal and IT security reasons. Restricting data transfers and setting requirements for the sharing or transfer of digital files within and outside of the network is recommended. Specific guidelines regarding personal Internet use, social media, and instant messaging should also be clearly outlined. If the company reserves the right to monitor all communication sent through the network, or any information stored on company-owned systems, it must be stated here. 

3) Privacy Policy: Restrictions should be set on the distribution of proprietary company information or the copying of data.

4) Inappropriate Use: Obviously, any use of the network or company-owned system or device to distribute viruses, hack systems, or engage in criminal activity must be prohibited with the consequences clearly noted. Any website that employees cannot visit should be identified if not altogether blocked and restricted. For instance, downloading an entire season of True Blood from a Bit Torrent site isn’t an acceptable use of company Internet resources. The best way to make sure your employees are aware of how to avoid a security breach is to hire an outside company for security awareness training. 

Every employee must know these policies and understand the business and legal implications behind them. Companies must also make sure these policies are clear and understood by all, and most importantly, strictly enforced.

If you'd like to learn more about developing a robust IT Security Plan Click Here to speak with one our of security specialists.