metadata, eliminating IP addresses, email addresses and the like?
When customers allow for their data to be stored, they
will expect that the business is taking all measures and steps
to protect this data. If the information is stolen, the customer
will most certainly look to the business for blame. Once this
happens, the businesses reputation and credibility is at stake,
trust is reduced or eliminated and potential liability soars. It
matters not that your business is a Fortune 100 company or a
smaller operation.
Below is a list of some of the steps a business may take to
reduce the exposure to a cyber-hacker. The list is not exhaustive,
but suggestions to undertake.
• Always store the data of the customer in an encrypted
database. This makes use of the data much more difficult for the
hacker to use it if acquired.
• Avoid using a singular password to access any database storing customer information. Use multiple layers and
require that the passwords be changed on a regular basis and
frequently.
• Check to make certain your business is running a malware
detection system on the servers and workstations and take
steps to e