Technical information is valuable and sensitive, and it needs to be protected from unauthorized access, misuse, or disclosure. Whether you are working on a project, sharing data, or communicating with clients, you need to ensure that your technical information is secure. Here are some tips on how to do that.
Encryption is the process of transforming data into a code that only authorized parties can decipher. Encryption can protect your technical information from being intercepted, modified, or stolen by hackers, competitors, or malicious actors. You can use encryption tools to encrypt your files, emails, messages, or online transactions. For example, you can use PGP (Pretty Good Privacy) to encrypt and sign your emails, or SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) to encrypt your website traffic.
There are various technical solutions to keeping information secure. It is easier to protect stored information. It gets tricky when information is transferred or shared. Protecting 'moving' information poses greater risk and challenge. Tech solutions are available to protect that info too but as access increases, so does the risk of info being stolen or copied.
In these days where huge amount of data are transmitted, analysed and decision being made upon, it is very critical to ensure the research in the encryption algorithm is on par with the forseable threats. With advent of AI, Quantum computing and may other advancements encryption is our best defense as of date.
1. Implement strong access controls and use multi-factor authentication. 2. Encrypt sensitive data in transit and at rest. 3. Keep software updated to patch known vulnerabilities. 4. Utilize network security measures like firewalls and VPNs. 5. Follow secure coding practices and conduct regular code reviews. 6. Back up data regularly and test restoration procedures. 7. Enforce security policies and provide employee training. 8. Develop an incident response plan and conduct regular drills. 9. Implement physical security measures and restrict access to sensitive areas. 10. Conduct security audits, assessments, and penetration testing. 11. Ensure third-party suppliers adhere to security best practices.
There are many aspects to protecting technical information, a key aspect in my opinion is to ensure you utilise cloud based storage ,that protects your information from unauthorised access. These platforms have a much lower probability of being penetrated by threat actors. They also ensure that information is stored safely indefinitely and will be protected in unexpected situations such as devices being lost or stolen.
Your organization may have policies and protocols for handling technical information securely. These may include rules for accessing, storing, transmitting, or disposing of data, as well as guidelines for reporting incidents or breaches. You should follow these policies and protocols diligently and consistently, and update yourself on any changes or updates. For example, you should use strong passwords, lock your devices, back up your data, and shred your documents.
Policies and protocols are designed and kept updated for the sole reason to keep it secure. If it is being followed diligently then I assume that no such issues should arise
Creating policies and protocols around information security is one thing. Educating your workforce on it and reminding them about it is an all together different ball game. Information leakage is pretty much a result of a human error, often out of ignorance and apathy to protocols.
Technical information security is not only a technical issue, but also a human one. You and your colleagues need to be aware of the risks and threats that may compromise your technical information, and how to prevent or respond to them. You should educate yourself and others on topics such as phishing, malware, ransomware, social engineering, or cyberattacks, and how to recognize and avoid them. You should also share best practices and tips on how to secure your technical information.
Before you share or receive technical information, you should verify the sources and recipients. You should check the identity, credibility, and trustworthiness of the people or organizations you are communicating with, and make sure they have the right authorization and intention. You should also confirm the accuracy, validity, and relevance of the technical information you are sharing or receiving. For example, you should use digital signatures, certificates, or seals to verify the authenticity and integrity of your technical information.
You should limit the access and exposure of your technical information to only those who need it and have permission to use it. You should not share or disclose your technical information to anyone who is not authorized, involved, or interested in your project, data, or communication. You should also avoid exposing your technical information to public or unsecured networks, platforms, or devices. For example, you should use VPN (Virtual Private Network) to access your technical information remotely, or cloud services to store your technical information securely.
You should review and update your technical information and security measures regularly. You should check your technical information for errors, inconsistencies, or gaps, and correct or improve them. You should also check your security measures for vulnerabilities, weaknesses, or breaches, and fix or enhance them. You should keep your technical information and security measures up to date with the latest standards, technologies, or regulations. For example, you should update your software, patches, or antivirus regularly, or conduct audits or tests on your technical information security.
Information leakage is a reality and while you make it difficult; its not impossible and a particularly determined person will find a way to access it. Have a plan in place about what should be done when the leak actually happens. Its like Disaster Management Planning.