Tips for Improving Data Security for Your Business
If you’ve been keeping up-to-date with the news, you’ll be aware of several extremely high-profile cyber attacks against UK businesses. These attacks have caused significant IT outages and left the personal information of many at risk.
With cyber attacks seemingly on the rise, it’s more important than ever to take the steps we can take to protect our sensitive data, especially when it comes to Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) data.
Why Data Security Matters More than Ever
In the modern world, data is the backbone of any business operation. Personal information, financial records, operational strategies, and in our focus, DBS data, are all vital pieces of data that we deal with daily.
But what happens when this data falls into the wrong hands? You might face financial losses, reputational damage, and even legal implications. Hence, data security should be on your list of top business priorities.
Now, let's look at some measures you can take to bolster your data security practices:
Regular Staff Training: Ensure your employees understand the importance of data security and their role in it. Regular training sessions on best practices, such as spotting phishing attempts, using strong passwords, and reporting suspicious activities, can make a big difference.
Firewalls and Encryption: These are your first line of defence against cyber-attacks. Firewalls block unauthorized access, while encryption turns data into indecipherable text that only authorized parties can read.
Regular Data Backups: Routine data backups help safeguard your data, making it recoverable in case of a data breach or system failure.
Update Systems Regularly: Regular updates keep your systems secure with the latest security patches and features.
Implement Access Controls: Not everyone in your organization needs access to all data. Define user roles and limit access to sensitive information accordingly.
Focusing on DBS Data Security: Best Practices and Pitfalls
As a DBS Umbrella Body, the security of DBS data is one of our biggest concerns. DBS data is sensitive and confidential and requires the utmost care while handling.
We have a comprehensive guide here, but below you’ll find the key things you need to know about how to protect DBS data:
Secure Handling and Storage: DBS information should be securely stored in a lockable, non-portable container, either physical or digital. Access should be strictly controlled and limited to those entitled to see it as part of their duties.
Dispose of It Securely: Once the required use of DBS information is over, ensure it's destroyed through secure means such as shredding, pulping, or burning.
Policy Implementation: Create a formal written policy for the secure handling of DBS data. Make sure this policy is communicated to and understood by all parties involved.
Legally Sound Usage: DBS data cannot be reproduced in a manner that infers it's a certificate issued by DBS. Any misuse could lead to legal consequences.
Why Ignoring Data Security could be Catastrophic
By implementing regular training, system updates and secure data handling we can create a secure data environment. Remember, in our interconnected world, data security isn't just good practice - it's a necessity.
Overlooking data security can lead to dire consequences. Some of the more recent ones have been cited as costing upwards of £20 million. As responsible businesses, we need to take every precaution to safeguard our sensitive data, particularly when it comes to DBS data.