For small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), protecting data is crucial but can often be overlooked due to limited resources. Here are our top 10 data protection tips tailored for SMEs:

1.  Educate and Train Employees

• Conduct regular training sessions on data protection best practices including how to recognize phishing attempts or other social engineering tactics.
• Promote a culture of data protection awareness within the organisation.

2. Develop a Data Subject Response Plan

• Create a detailed plan for how to respond to data breaches or data subject access requests.
• Include steps for containment, communication, and recovery in the plan and ensure all employees are aware of reporting timescales.

3. Implement Strong Password Policies

• Use complex passwords that are difficult to guess.
• Enforce regular password changes and discourage password sharing.
• Utilise password management tools to help manage and store passwords securely.

4. Enable Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)

• Add an extra layer of security beyond just passwords by requiring a second form of verification, such as a text message code or authentication app.

5. Regularly Update Software

• Keep operating systems, applications, and security software up-to-date to protect against known vulnerabilities.
• Set up automatic updates where possible or establish a routine for manual updates.

6. Backup Data Regularly

• Perform frequent backups of critical data and ensure backups are stored securely and separate from live data.
• Test backup restoration processes periodically to confirm that backups are functional and complete.

7. Control Access to Data

• Limit access to sensitive data based on employee roles and responsibilities.
• Use role-based access controls to ensure that employees only have access to the information necessary for their job.
• Keep paper away from prying eyes, using safes and shredders accordingly.

8. Secure Physical Devices

• Protect physical access to computers and servers with locks and security measures.
• Encrypt data as standard on portable devices such as laptops and smartphones to protect against theft.

9. Use Encryption for Sensitive Data

• Encrypt data at rest and in transit to safeguard it from unauthorised access.
• Utilise encryption tools for emails, files, and communication channels.

10. Comply with Data Protection Regulations

• Stay informed about relevant data protection laws and regulations, such as GDPR or the UKs Data Protection Act.
• Implement necessary measures to comply with these regulations and ensure regular audits for compliance.

By following these tips, SMEs can better protect their data, mitigate risks, and ensure that they are prepared to handle any potential security threats.

Discover how the ProvePrivacy platform can help you to understand your risks and protect your organisation’s data.