As a consultant, you deal with sensitive and valuable data and insights from your clients and your own research. How do you ensure that your data and insights are protected from unauthorized access, misuse, or loss? Here are some best practices to follow.
Encryption is the process of transforming data into a code that only authorized parties can decipher. Encryption helps you secure your data and insights from hackers, competitors, or malicious insiders. You should encrypt your data and insights both at rest and in transit. At rest means when your data and insights are stored on your devices, cloud services, or external drives. In transit means when your data and insights are transferred over the internet, email, or other networks. You can use encryption software, tools, or platforms to encrypt your data and insights.
In addition, enabling a Two-Factor Authentication, Implementing 2FA adds an extra layer of security by requiring users to provide a second form of verification, such as a code sent to their mobile device, in addition to their password.
Access control is the process of granting or denying permissions to access your data and insights. Access control helps you limit who can view, edit, share, or delete your data and insights. You should use access control policies, roles, and passwords to control your access. Policies define the rules and conditions for accessing your data and insights. Roles define the levels and scopes of access for different users or groups. Passwords protect your data and insights from unauthorized access. You should use strong and unique passwords and change them regularly.
In times of cloud, Access Management is the new firewall. Usually the credentials are the only barrier between your data and business services and the rest of the world. Therefore the usage of multifactor authentication (MFA) is crucial to assure solid account protection. A password alone, however strong it may be, is not enough anymore. A password in combination with a second factor (token, smartcard, biometrics) or even a third factor in case of ver sensitive data is a much safer way to protect against targeted phishing, malware or APTs.
Backup is the process of creating copies of your data and insights in case of loss, damage, or corruption. Backup helps you recover your data and insights in the event of a disaster, such as a hardware failure, a malware attack, or a human error. You should backup your data and insights regularly and securely. Regularly means according to a schedule that suits your needs and frequency of changes. Securely means using encryption, access control, and verification to protect your backups. You should also store your backups in different locations, such as on your devices, cloud services, or external drives.
Audit is the process of monitoring and reviewing your data and insights for quality, accuracy, and compliance. Audit helps you identify and correct any errors, inconsistencies, or violations in your data and insights. You should audit your data and insights periodically and systematically. Periodically means according to a timeline that suits your needs and regulations. Systematically means using standards, methods, and tools to measure and evaluate your data and insights. You should also document and report your audit findings and actions.
Education is the process of training and informing your team members about the importance and best practices of data and insights security. Education helps you create a culture of awareness and responsibility among your team members. You should educate your team members regularly and effectively. Regularly means according to a plan that suits your needs and changes. Effectively means using engaging and relevant materials, formats, and feedback to teach and test your team members. You should also reward and recognize your team members for their achievements and improvements.
By following these best practices, you can secure your data and insights from potential threats and risks. You can also enhance your reputation, trust, and value as a consultant.