Startups emerge and grow in a dynamic environment. It provides extensive opportunities for growth. However, there is another side to the coin. Most startups exist in a digital environment that is, unfortunately, full of different cyber threats. Is that a justified reason to skip some growth opportunities? The answer is 100% “No.” There are many cybersecurity measures, for instance, provided by VPNLY, that will help your company stay safe online, and secure data, even sensitive information.
What Kinds of Sensitive Data May Be at Stake?
When startups start to handle business matters, they may simply underestimate the scope of data they have to deal with. Some sorts of data are very sensitive, and breaking the legal regulations in this case may lead to severe negative consequences. The latter are never limited to a harmed reputation. They may also cause the application of severe fines, such as in the case of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which is applicable when you deal with the personal data of EU residents.
Most often, startups have to be attentive and careful when dealing with the following types of personal data:
- Personal identifiable information. It may be any information that allows third parties to identify its owner. Names, addresses, phone numbers, email addresses, and social security numbers are the triggering categories of data.
- Financial data. It is another sort of sensitive data associated with the bank account numbers, debit and credit card details, deals through the accounts, and other financial records. If you collect this type of data, it is crucial to prevent its possible data leaks. Otherwise, the breaches may lead to severe damage both for your customers and your brand as well.
- Health records. Some startups may also have to deal with the medical history and similar records, the information about the treatment methods applied, health insurance details, etc. These details are treated as having a special protection mode under the applicable laws.
- Intellectual property. This sensitive information covers the trade secrets, patents, copyrights, and other commercial information, disclosing which may lead to substantial damages to its owners. These types of information ensure the company’s competitive advantages in the market.
- Business-sensitive information. This type of sensitive data bears even higher risks for a reason. It covers strategic plans, customer lists, pricing policies, and other data that is usually titled as “Private and Confidential”. Disclosing such to third parties without the owner’s authorization may bear significant risks. The startups that deal with legal data are a good example of the situation.
Workable Security Measures to Apply when You Deal with Sensitive Data
If you have to process and otherwise deal with the mentioned types of data, never neglect sufficient measures to protect your operation:
1. Encryption. Processing information is always related to data transfers. If your business has to deal with any sensitive data mentioned above, it is always better to apply encryption. The secure protocols, such as SSL/TLS, are easy to apply and will be helpful for email communication and file sharing on the web. If you want to protect any sensitive information when it is transmitted between different devices, use end-to-end encryption.
Apart from that, think about applying the encryption to your devices: laptop, PC, smartphones, etc. Even if one of these devices used by your team members has been occasionally stolen or missed, you will still have an opportunity to protect any sensitive data. This effort will greatly decrease the risk of damage, including to your reputation.
2. Using safe networks. First and foremost, never connect the web via free public Wi-Fi networks. Saving at this point may cause higher costs later. If it happens that you have to urgently respond or do any other action, but there is only a public Wi-Fi network available nearby, use VPN services. They allow users to hide their true identities and credentials by assigning new ones. Applying VPNLY or similar tools is strongly desired when the teamwork is fully remote. These tools will make the entire communication more secure and less stressful for this reason. Instead, you will be able to concentrate on truly important things.
- Access control. Apart from arranging any internal security measures, it is also essential to ensure proper access control and authentication. If you wish to always stay on the safe side, limit access to sensitive data to only those of your employees whose roles and responsibilities require such access. Implementing multi-factor authentication will add an extra level of security in your company.
- Integrate effective incident response systems. If you have to deal with sensitive data, it is always better to apply the incident prevention systems. They will help you to detect any possible incidents and violations to stop them as soon as possible and prevent any serious damage to your company.
- Employee training and cybersecurity awareness. The simple yet workable solution is to educate your employees about the major cyber threats and safe behavior on the web. They should be well-informed about the most common types of malware and phishing attacks. At the same time, your employees should also be mindful of using safe passwords. On top of that, they also have to use effective software that protects their devices from malware and unauthorized access, as well as update it regularly.
Bottom Line
It is crystal clear that it is impossible to stay outside the web, which is, unfortunately, full of different threats. If you have your own startup, implementing straightforward solutions is crucial to remaining competitive in the dynamic world and gaining yields. The latter often becomes possible only if you deal appropriately with the customers, especially in terms of securing their personal and sensitive data. Apply the workable and straightforward measures listed in this article, stay always on the safe side, and enjoy good gains!
