In your agency, you strive to safeguard your private information. However, there’s always a chance that someone could gain access to your systems and steal this data. While cyber liability insurance might help you clean up damage, your goal is to prevent these accidents. One of the best ways to do so is to
put in place multi-step password and network access points. How can you do so?
A simple password can help you protect the most-critical information within your business. Still, there's also more you can do to make things more secure.
Understanding Access Security
Consider some of the sensitive information your agency maintains on computers. It might include:
- Employment and payroll records
- Contracts with vendors and utility services
- Clients’ policy information
- Personal client information, including: Phone numbers, addresses, credit scores, payment and bank account information, social security numbers and more.
If someone steals this data, they might take identities, money and private information. And sometimes, it is much easier for someone to access this information than you think. Even in a moment, a visitor to your agency might spy someone’s social security number. They might write down the number and be out the door to attempt identity theft. You don't want to face this prospect.
Therefore, computer security starts with users. It is up to you to enforce strict data safeguards within your agency. You’ll not only protect yourself, but also countless others.
The Steps You Can Take
Restricting access to networks will prove one of many safeguards that might help protect agency data. Some of the ways to do so include:
- Require strong passwords for all access points. Passwords should include letters, numbers and special characters. You might also require separate passwords for certain drives. Most employees should have separate passwords.
- On drives of extreme sensitivity, such as those with payroll information, restrict access. Require a password (or passwords) only known and used by specific team members.
- Require password changes at regular intervals, such as every 90 days.
- As necessary, require two-step access points. These might require passwords followed by access codes sent to your phone or email. Or, you might have to scan your fingerprint or office badge to unlock the system.
In the event of a data loss, your cyber liability insurance might help you:
- Pay for data recovery and new systems monitoring
- Provide identity and credit monitoring for impacted clients
- Pay regulatory fines imposed by the authorities
The responsible use of data security will help you avoid such claims in the first place. That might help you reduce your overall liability risks to your agency.
Also Read: Ensuring Client Privacy with Data Protection