Staying Ahead Of The Curve With Software Security How To Protect Your Business Data

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StrategyDriven Risk Management Article |Software Security|Staying Ahead Of The Curve With Software Security How To Protect Your Business DataWe live in a fast-paced and highly competitive world. Businesses need to stay on top of the latest trends and innovations in order to grow and succeed. One such trend that all companies should keep an eye on is software security. However, as with any new technology, it can be hard to know how to best protect your data from security breaches.

The golden rule for staying safe in today’s world is to always update your software, make two-factor authentication a regular part of using your passwords, and use different passwords for different accounts. This guide will teach you how to stay ahead of the curve and secure your business data so that you can build a more promising future for your company.

Why Software Security Is Important

While it may seem like an unnecessary hassle, software security is essential for any business. Whether you’re a freelancer, startup, or global company, there are many reasons why security should be your top priority. It not only protects your reputation but can help your business to grow.

Data is the lifeblood of any business. Without the information stored on your computer or servers, you won’t have anything to sell or offer to customers. With this in mind, it’s important that you take every precaution possible to protect this data from breaches and theft. Hacks can happen at any time, and from anywhere in the world, so you want to make sure that your business data is safe from hackers who might be able to get into your system with one simple password guess.

When people come across a company that doesn’t protect their data or passwords adequately, they may think twice about buying from them in the future. This could hurt your brand reputation and cause potential customers to turn away from your business. Security is a win-win situation. Not only do you get peace of mind knowing that your data will be safe from hacks and theft, but you’ll also build trust when potential customers see how careful you are when it comes to handling their data.

The Basics Of Software Security

Software security is one of the most important things to consider to ensure your company’s data is safe. One of the best ways to protect your data is simply by updating your software. Outdated versions of programs can leave your data vulnerable to hackers since they know what vulnerabilities are available in older versions.

Many programs will automatically prompt you when it’s time to update, and while this may sometimes occur in inopportune moments, it’s best to make sure you update as soon as possible. A second way to keep your company’s data secure is by using two-factor authentication. This means using two different types of information to unlock an account; typically, this is a password and a physical device like an ID card or cell phone. It makes it harder for hackers to break into accounts because they need both pieces of information in order for their login attempt to work.

How To Stay Ahead?

No matter what kind of company you have, keeping data safe is essential. Any company that stores customer information or handles financial transactions needs to protect itself from hackers and other security breaches. One of the best ways to stay ahead is to build a data security infrastructure from the ground up. This includes investing in software that will make your business more secure.

Another way to stay ahead of the curve is to invest in adequate software security testing to ensure that there are no gaps in your software security. When looking into testing methods, it can be a daunting process to find what will work for your programs. However, you can find help and expert advice in this guide to software security testing from ForAllSecure.

The Importance Of Updating Your Software

One of the most important ways to protect your data from security breaches is promptly updating your software. Almost anything can be hacked in today’s environment, and outdated software is a major liability.

A security breach occurs when a hacker infiltrates your network and steals your data. Updating your software makes it harder for hackers to find a vulnerability in the system that they can exploit to get in. If you don’t take this precaution, you leave yourself vulnerable to attack and open to losing all of your company’s sensitive information. In the event of an attack, it may take days before you realize there’s been an intrusion. And by then, it might be too late as the damage could already be done.

Locking Down Your Passwords

Let’s start with the basics. Your passwords are one of your first lines of defense against hacking, and they’re also the easiest to forget about. Unless you want to be embarrassed by a data breach, it’s essential to take precautions. Make sure that you use different passwords for different accounts, including your personal email account, work email account, social media accounts, and bank accounts. If you need help coming up with strong passwords for all of these accounts, consider using a password manager. In general, make sure your passwords are not easy-to-guess words or phrases.

Two-Factor Authentication

Many companies have adopted two-factor authentication for their software, which is a simple and effective way to add an extra layer of protection to your data. With this system, when you want to access a specific account online, you’ll need a password and another form of identification, such as a company smartphone.

This is an excellent measure for securing your company’s data. It would be much more difficult for someone to access one of your accounts with two-factor authentication because they would need both the password and the device.

Conclusion

After reading this article, you should have a few more tools in your arsenal to stay ahead of the curve with software security.

As a business owner, it’s essential to make sure you’re taking a proactive stance on software security. It’s not enough to simply update your software. You can take precautions to keep your data safe and your business protected. Stay vigilant and stay ahead of the curve.

7 Features to Look for When Choosing a Turnkey BDR Appliance

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StrategyDriven Risk Management Article |Turnkey BDR|7 Features to Look for When Choosing a Turnkey BDR ApplianceThe term “turnkey” pertains to a product or service that can immediately be used in its full capacity right out of the box. For products like backup and disaster recovery (BDR) appliances, this turnkey functionality is essential. It means that businesses that use the product can go about backing up large amounts of data from day one, and that they can depend on the solution even if data loss were to happen the next day.

For any business operating in this data-driven age, a turnkey backup and recovery solution is a must-have. But what kind of BDR appliance is worth the investment? If your own company is looking for a turnkey BDR solution, here are the top seven features you will want it to have.

Speedy Backup

The most important feature in your BDR appliance is fast backup and recovery from the get-go, creating multiple backup copies in multiple location. If it takes too long for the appliance to back up your business data, you’ll have an even harder time recovering from a disaster and getting your operations back to normal.

That said, you will want a solution that can back up and recover large amounts of data in a matter of minutes. It should also be able to leverage data compression techniques to ensure the most efficient usage of available resources.

Flexible Data Capture Capabilities

The next feature that you want in your BDR solution is flexibility in terms of how it can capture and store data. It should be able to accommodate data in a variety of formats, as your own business data can come in different forms and are used on multiple programs or platforms.

The flexibility in terms of data capture also determines the breadth of recovery methods your solution can offer. Currently, the most common way of backing up large amounts of data is by using snapshots. The more adaptable your solution is and the more recovery options it can offer in dire circumstances, the better it will be for your business.

Regular Automated Testing

BDR solutions require regular testing to see if the system is properly backing up data the way it’s supposed to. However, this is a burdensome task for staff to perform manually, and it takes away from the “turnkey” quality of the device.

It’s good to invest in an appliance that is able to perform regular automated testing. IT personnel can pre-configure the solution to run tests after a certain condition has been met—like after every successful backup. The results of the auto-testing can quickly reveal whether the backup process is has any issues that need to be resolved in order for the solution to perform as it should.

Simplicity and Ease of Use

You will also want a BDR appliance that truly lives up to its branding as a turnkey device—that is, something that’s easy to set up and maintain. Overly complex products may demand too much time, money, or effort just to configure. Not only will that make them less satisfying to own; they may also become an additional liability when a disastrous event occurs.

It’s important to look for a solution that you can simply “set and forget.” The ideal product will ensure swift and accurate data backup and recovery without too much effort on the part of your staff.

Full Protection Against Data Breaches

Data breaches occur, even on dedicated devices for data backup and recovery. These breaches can happen anytime, even when your business data is being backed up. Therefore, you’ll want a solution that can safeguard data when you are scrambling to recover your business operations.

Buy a product that encrypts of your data while it’s being backed up and after it’s been backed up. Get assurance from the BDR vendor that your data will be encrypted from the source before it’s saved to another network for storage.

Adequate IT Support

Though you may be purchasing a turnkey BDR solution, you’ll still need the help of human personnel from time to time. Your vendor’s IT support staff should be able to help you troubleshoot more advanced problems that may come up with the device.

Make sure to buy a solution from a company that has the best people behind it, and not only the most cutting-edge software. Read reviews not only for the product itself, but for the extent of IT support the vendor offered customers when something went wrong.

Scalability for Your Business’s Future

Lastly, you will want a BDR appliance that can keep up with your company’s growth. The larger and busier your company becomes, the more complex your requirements will be for successful data backup and disaster recovery.

Get a solution that will be able to meet your demands as your business grows. For this, you’ll need to properly size your BDR appliance and not go with the cheaper option that’s not properly sized. This will be much easier for you when you’ve outgrown the appliance that’s not properly sized because you’ll have to either replace your current appliance, or shift to a brand-new solution.

Conclusion

System failures, natural disasters, and data breaches could be financially devastating to your company. There’s no telling when these will actually occur. But regardless of when they happen, a dependable BDR solution like the one offered by Quorum will help you bounce back instantly. In the event of a calamity, you shouldn’t have to think too hard about what to do in order to get your business back to normal—and a turnkey BDR appliance will help you do just that.

4 Ways You Can Manage The Risk Of A New Business

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StrategyDriven Risk Management Article |New Business|4 Ways You Can Manage The Risk Of A New BusinessAre you thinking about setting up your own business? If so, it’s important to remember that the majority of new companies fail on the market. Indeed, some reports suggest that up to 90% of new businesses are likely to fail within their first year. That’s why it’s important to make sure that you are managing the risk effectively when setting up your company. Here are some of the ways that you can do this.

Kill The Costs

First, you need to think about the issues with costs in your business model. If you want to effectively manage the risk of setting up a new company, then you need to make sure that the costs remain under the right level of control. One of the ways that you can do this is by making your business more green. A green friendly company will always be far more cost friendly overall and that’s exactly what you need. One of the best ways to do this would be to consider investing in renewable power solutions for your business.

Set Your Business Up As An LLC

During the initial set up process of your business, you should consider establishing your company as an LLC. With an LLC, you can make sure that if you ever do run into money trouble with your business, then you can keep the debt confined to your company. You won’t have to worry about it spreading over to your personal finances at all. You’ll need a legal firm to help you here, one with years of experience.

Invest In The Right Insurance

Next, you should consider the insurance options that are going to benefit your business. The right choices with insurance will guarantee that your company is not left exposed to potential storms on the horizon. There are lots of insurance plans that could be beneficial to your business model. For instance, you might want to think about investing in general liability insurance. This will protect you and your company if anyone is injured or negatively impacted by the actions of your company. Cyber-security insurance can also help you handle the costs caused due to a hack or attack on your business.

Keep It Flexible

Finally, you might want to think about taking steps to ensure that you improve flexibility levels in your business model. By improving the flexibility, you can make sure that you will be able to adapt your business for different challenges that might exist on the market. One of the ways that you can keep your business flexible would be through hiring outsourcing services or freelancers. You might also want to think about avoiding the office altogether, instead allowing your team members to work from home.

We hope this helps you understand some of the key steps that you can take when you are managing levels of risk setting up your business. By exploring the best possibilities you can ensure that it won’t be a complete disaster if your business does fail while also improving the chances of longevity.

Retail Security: Tips and Tricks for Businesses

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StrategyDriven Risk Management Article |Retail Security|Retail Security: Tips and Tricks for BusinessesIt’s a busy time of year for retailers, whether you sell your products in-store or online.

Naturally, you’re going to be experiencing a high level of demand from customers. More people will be visiting your store and website, which means your security needs to be perfect. If it isn’t, you’re playing a dangerous game, as it only takes one individual to wreak havoc on a business; whether it’s by stealing expensive goods or hacking sensitive online data.

But don’t worry, though, as this short guide is here to help all retail managers. Let’s dive into the tips and tricks.

Install High-Quality Security Cameras and Alarms

Firstly, it’s important to make sure that your retail store is covered from the outside to the inside with appropriate security measures. Of course, security cameras and alarms are the best course of action, but you should install an interactive system rather than a traditional one. What this means is that you will be able to monitor your cameras and alarms in real-time through your own devices, such as smartphones and computers. Plus, you’ll have access to professional support from your provider when anything goes wrong. To get started, visit http://www.quickresponse.net/slider-detail/asap-psap

Limit the Number of Customers Allowed in Your Store at One Time

Nowadays, people are a lot more conscious about their health, which is why mask-wearing and hand sanitizers have become incredibly common. Therefore, it’s recommended that you consider limiting the number of people allowed in your store at one time, especially if the government is advising that you do so. This way, shoppers will be able to buy your products more efficiently without being overcrowded.

Plus, fewer people in your store means managing crime is made easier.

Hire a Security Guard

A security guard is one of the best deterrents when it comes to potential criminals. When somebody walks into a retail store planning on stealing some goods, they will automatically think twice when they see that there is a security guard (or guards) on sight.

Keep Stock Rooms Locked and Secured

Although most goods get stolen out front, it’s still a good idea to keep your stock rooms locked and secured. Also, only the relevant employees should have access to them. For example, cashiers likely won’t have any good reason to go into the stock rooms, so subsequently shouldn’t have access unless their roles change.

Store Customer Details Safely Online

If you also sell products online – or collect a lot of customer contact details digitally – then you need to make sure your cybersecurity is good.

Otherwise, you’ll risk having sensitive data stolen, such as bank details, which will then damage your brand’s reputation.
To boost your cybersecurity, it’s often a good idea to outsource it to a reputable cybersecurity company. Or, you can handle everything in-house, from installing anti-virus software and backing up your important data every couple of weeks.

Conclusion

If you’re a retail business, then you should use all of the tips from above. They will help to bolster your online and in-store security, protecting you and your customers to a better standard.

Tips To Protect Your Business Reputation

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StrategyDriven Risk Management Article |Business Reputation|Tips To Protect Your Business ReputationIn the age of social media, 24-hour news and online reviews, it has never been more important to protect your business reputation. Customers and clients make decisions based on who they can trust and the perceptions they have of different brands. In this guide, we’ll explore some steps you can take to shield your reputation.

Positive reviews

Nine out of ten consumers read online reviews before purchasing products or contacting businesses. Positive reviews can persuade customers to buy from your business rather than a rival and they can also enhance your reputation. If a brand has a large number of excellent reviews, this makes them appear more dependable and trustworthy. Customer service, product quality and value for money are driving factors. If you provide high-quality products or services that offer good value for money and your customers enjoy a positive experience, they will be more likely to leave you glowing reviews. Use feedback to identify shortfalls or problems and make improvements, address concerns promptly, and go the extra mile to optimize service and support. It’s wise to invest in staff training and provide responsive support options, such as live chat.

Working with businesses you trust

Many businesses rely on other companies to provide customers with products and services. If you are doing deals with other businesses, you want to outsource business tasks, or you’re thinking of merging with a firm or agency, it’s crucial to do your research. You can use an LEI finder to gather information about a company before engaging in financial transactions and you can also read reviews and access data about the history of the firm online. It’s beneficial to learn more about businesses you want to work with as they will represent your brand in some capacity if you choose to hire an agency, do a deal or form a partnership.

Looking after your employees

Taking good care of your employees is critical for morale, but it can also help you to enhance your business reputation. If you are known for looking after your staff, this will make your brand more appealing to customers, investors or potential business clients. Try to aim for high retention rates by prioritizing health and wellbeing, offering attractive employee benefits packages, providing opportunities to develop and progress and rewarding hard work.

Sharing values

Customers today are conscious of the impact of the decisions they make. Research suggests that over 70% of consumers want to buy from brands that align with their values. If you give back to the community, or you support projects or donate to charities, this can enhance your brand image and help you connect with customers. Think carefully about what matters to you as the owner of the company and encourage clients and employees to share ideas.

It has never been more important to be proactive in protecting your business reputation. If you want to keep hold of loyal customers, attract new clients, receive positive reviews and feedback and encourage talented employees to stay with you, take these tips on board.