We share sensitive information all the time: when we pay bills, send emails, apply for a new job, buy goods online or allow administrative systems to talk to each other. The constant exchange of personal and business data across digital systems makes data security and data processing more important than ever - both at home and at work. Here we dive into the importance of secure computing in the modern digital world - and offer tips to avoid hacking and phishing.
What is data processing and data protection all about?
Data processing is all about how data is collected, stored, processed and shared. And if we're not careful - in both a personal and business context - that data can quickly end up in the hands of the wrong people.
With The new GDPR rules There are strict regulations on how organisations should handle the collection, storage and processing of personal data and sensitive personal information. To comply with these regulations - and ensure proper handling of everything from customer information and employee data to information about the company's products and services - it's important for organisations to establish processes and a clear policy on data processing and protection. This is important for several reasons:
- Protecting customer trust: Customers expect their data to be treated securely. Any security breach can lead to loss of customer trust and reputation.
- Legal compliance: There are strict data protection laws such as GDPR and CCPA that require companies to protect customer data. Violations of these laws can result in serious fines and legal consequences.
- Protecting sensitive or confidential company information: IT companies often store sensitive information about their products and services. Data security is essential to protect these trade secrets from competitors and hackers.
Furthermore, companies should continuously review these data processing processes and optimise them according to current regulations and the changing threat landscape.
How to secure your data
As both a business and an individual, there are several things you can do to protect personal, confidential and sensitive data.
How to secure company data
Here are some steps you as a business owner or data protection officer can follow to minimise the risk of phishing attacks against your business:
- Education and awareness:
- Train your employees to recognise phishing emails and suspicious online behaviour.
- Keep up to date with the latest threats and attack methods.
- Strong passwords
- Require employees to use complex, unique passwords and update them regularly.
- Implement 2-factor authentication or multi-factor authentication for extra security.
- Email security:
- Use advanced email filtering solutions to detect and block phishing emails.
- Update software:
- Keep all your systems, programmes and devices up-to-date with the latest security patches.
- Use automatic updates whenever possible.
- Safety-conscious behaviour:
- Maintain a culture where employees prioritise data security and report suspicious activity.
- Create clear guidelines and policies for safe use of technology and the internet.
- Choose secure management systems
- Make sure that the system providers that process your confidential company and employee data - such as bank account details, sickness information, documents on special employment conditions and any sensitive product information - comply with current data protection regulations.
How to secure your data as a private person
Here are some steps you can follow to minimise the risk of phishing attacks against you as an employee or private individual:
- Be aware of phishing attacks:
- Learn to recognise the signs of phishing emails, such as spelling mistakes, poor grammar and unknown senders.
- Be sceptical of emails that ask for personal or financial information or encourage quick actions such as opening attachments or clicking on suspicious links.
- Use email filtering:
- Enable spam filters and email filtering on your email account and use your email provider's built-in security features.
- Check the sender's identity:
- Be sure of the sender's identity, especially when you receive emails asking for sensitive information.
- Never provide sensitive information such as passwords, credit card details or account numbers in email replies.
- Use strong passwords:
- Create complex and unique passwords for each account. Consider using a password manager to help manage passwords.
- Use 2-factor authentication whenever possible to add an extra layer of security to your online accounts.
- Update software:
- Keep your devices and software updated with the latest security patches to close vulnerabilities.
- Monitor your accounts:
- Regularly check your bank and credit card details for unauthorised transactions.
- Protect your devices:
- Use antivirus software and a firewall to protect your devices.
Your data is safe with Intempus
Intempus handles the processing of personal data in connection with the Intempus time tracking platform for our customers. When handling this data - regardless of whether the data only exists in our system or whether customers have integrations to ERP, payroll or financial systems - we always comply with EU data protection legislation (GDPR), or in Danish “Databeskyttelsesforordningen”. Furthermore, Intempus has an ISAE 3000 TYPE 2 declaration.
You can therefore rest assured that your data is safe with us. You are also welcome to read more about our data processing policies here.
Do you have questions about IT security at Intempus?
If you have any questions about data security in Intempus or how a solution from us can facilitate your workflows, you are welcome to contact us at +45 26 390 400 or book a free, no-obligation demo:
Sources: datatilsynet.dk
